Moisturising Mistakes That Might Be Sabotaging Your Glow
Yads Cauchi is a Dermal Clinician, Nutritionist (BHSc, MSc) and Beauty Journalist. She's also a mum of four. Evidence based skin health and nutrition are her thing and she works from her own skin clinic based in Canberra - you can find her there, or on Instagram and TikTok @yadscauchiskin.
Cold air outside, heaters blasting inside, and zero humidity in between? Honestly, winter is basically a full-body moisture thief. And your skin? Dry, tight, dull… and maybe even flaking.
Hence why this is the season where moisturising really matters, but here’s the catch: slathering on any old cream often won’t cut it.
In fact, how people moisturise and what people are using is a step that many get wrong (yes, even with the expensive stuff).
So let’s chat through some common moisturising mistakes that might be sabotaging your glow.
Moisturising Mistake #1: You’re using the wrong moisturiser for your skin
This is easily the most common moisturising mistake that pops up in clinic. There are so many different moisturisers on the market, so you honestly can’t just pick any random thing off the shelf. You need to consider your skin type to ensure best results. Lets discuss:
Moisturisers for Dry Skin
You want richer textures that are occlusive and nourishing. Think balms or thick creams with ingredients like ceramides, squalane, or shea butter.
This is the perfect option for anyone living in a harsher climate or especially cold winters. It’s a luxe balm that gives dry skin a drink without clogging, plus it’s fragrance free, a great option for a sensitive skin and dries down a little matte so it never feels heavy or greasy.
Moisturisers for Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
If you’re oily or breakout-prone, skipping moisturiser is a common mistake, but it backfires every time. Dehydrated skin can actually trigger more oil production and worsen congestion. The key is choosing the right formula: think lightweight, non-comedogenic, and soothing. Look for ingredients like niacinamide (balances oil and supports the barrier), squalane (lightweight hydration), and panthenol (soothes without heaviness).
A weightless gel-cream that gives hydration without the grease. It layers beautifully under SPF or makeup and won’t clog pores.
Moisturisers for Combination Skin
When your skin can’t decide if it’s dry, oily, or both… welcome to combo skin. The trick here isn’t in picking one perfect moisturiser, it’s in layering smart. Think: a hydrating serum to treat dehydration, followed by a lightweight moisturiser to lock it all in without suffocating the oilier zones. This keeps your skin balanced, not overwhelmed, but you may also need to mix and match with the seasons.
Try: Cosmedix Elite Alt-A
It’s a luxe, lightweight hydrator with added barrier support and gentle retinol-alternative benefits. Perfect for combo skin that needs a little smoothing, a little hydration, and a lot of balance.
Moisturisers for Sensitive Skin
If your skin flares up easily, stings with new products, or is recovering from treatments, your moisturiser needs to be calm in a jar. The goal? Minimal ingredients, zero fragrance, and a formula that focuses on barrier repair. You basically want something that soothes, supports, and strengthens, without triggering a reaction.
Rich, comforting, and formulated to calm post-treatment skin too so you know your barrier will stay happy.
Moisturising Mistake #2: You’re not moisturising at night
If you’re skipping moisturiser at night, you’re missing a huge opportunity. Your skin does most of its repairing while you sleep. Barrier recovery, cell turnover, hydration regulation… you guessed it. It all ramps up overnight. So if your skin’s working hard, your products should be too. This is where a dedicated night cream or a smart layering routine comes in. You don’t necessarily need a heavy product, but you do need something that supports your skin overnight, especially if you’re using actives like retinoids or exfoliants.
Dry, sensitive, or barrier-compromised skin? Try swapping your regular moisturiser 2–3 nights a week for a sleeping mask. It gives that next-level nourishment and locks everything in.
Doubling as an overnight calming cream, packed with barrier-boosting probiotics and anti-inflammatory ingredients.
Moisturising Mistake #3: You’re not using enough
You’d be surprised how many people are basically moisturising with nothing. A tiny dab might feel like it’s enough, especially if you’re oily or breakout-prone, but if your skin still feels tight, flaky, or like your makeup isn’t sitting right, chances are you’re underdoing it. Your skin needs a proper dose to get the benefits. Use enough to coat the face and don’t forget your neck and chest while you’re at it.
Moisturising Mistake #4: Your moisturiser is all fluff, no function
Just because a moisturiser feels rich doesn’t mean it’s actually doing anything.
So many creams feel luxe on application but don’t contain the ingredients your skin needs to stay hydrated. The trick? Look past the texture and check if it includes the three key categories of moisturising ingredients:
1. Humectants: These draw water into the skin. Think of them like magnets for moisture. (Examples: hyaluronic acid, glycerin, panthenol.)
2. Emollients: These smooth and soften the skin by filling in the gaps between skin cells. (Examples: squalane, shea butter, ceramides.)
3. Occlusives : These sit on top of the skin to seal moisture in and prevent water loss. (Examples: dimethicone, petrolatum, lanolin).
A functional moisturiser contains a combo of all three, especially during winter when your skin barrier is under more stress.
Bonus Tips to Boost Your Moisture Game
- Don’t skip SPF, ever. Yes, even in winter
- Use a hydrating mist before layering.
- Limit hot showers (or at least keep your face out of them).
The key to winter skin isn’t doing more, it’s moisturising smarter. Choose the right texture for your skin type, layer strategically (especially at night), and don’t fall for fluffy formulas that look cute but do nothing. Treat your barrier well and it’ll reward you with calm, hydrated, non-flaky skin all season long. Promise.
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