Stop slathering excess moisturizer on your skin as it does more harm than good

Whatever your skin type is, you just can’t deny the perils of over moisturising your skin!
diabetes skin problems
Use a moisturizer to nourish your skin. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Nikita Bhardwaj Published: 1 Dec 2021, 08:00 am IST
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We all know that keeping your skin moisturised is the secret to making it soft and supple! During the winter season, moisturisers become even more essential, particularly for those who have super dry skin. From body butters to thick creams, we apply everything on our skin. But have you ever wondered that these moisturisers can prove to be dangerous?

That’s why, we want to tell you how bad slathering on too much moisturiser on your skin can be. Come, take a look.

Side-effects of over-moisturising your skin

According to Dr Rinky Kapoor, consultant dermatologist, cosmetic dermatologist and dermato-surgeon at The Esthetic Clinics, applying too much moisturiser and too often can cause more breakouts, blackheads, clogged pores, bumps, and dryness on the skin. This happens because there is only so much the skin can absorb.

moisturiser
Too much moisturiser can wreck your skin and dry it further. Image Courtesy: Shutterstock

“Yes it is a thing! Many people run the risk of over moisturising and do more damage to the skin than good,” says Dr Kapoor.

When you apply layers and layers of moisturiser, two things can happen:

  1. Your skin becomes dull

    The extra moisturiser just sits on your skin, and attracts dust and pollutants and does not let the skin breathe. The skin becomes dull, dry, and lifeless.

  2. Skin starts losing nourishment

The skin becomes lazy and reduces natural sebum production, leading to a lack of nutrients in the skin.

moisturiser
Choose the right type of product for your dry skin. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

Think about all the chemicals that are there in your moisturiser. Parabens, fragrances, astringents, petroleum-based products, preservatives, propylene glycol, mineral oil, triethanolamine, and hydantoin are some common ingredients found in famous moisturisers and body lotions. These cause allergies, are carcinogenic, and damage the immune system, among other skin damages.

The solution is simple — opt for products that do not damage the skin; for instance, vegan or organic moisturisers. They contain natural ingredients that do not damage the skin. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, water-friendly glycerine, etc. in your lotion.

Options that you can use for your skin other than moisturisers

“Another excellent option is to raid your pantry for natural moisturising ingredients. These include honey, coconut oil, olive oil, curd, almond oil, olive oil, shea butter, cucumber, oats, sunflower and carrot oil and aloe vera. These ingredients contain moisturising vitamins A, E, K, and D, have antioxidizing properties, and are anti-aging. They suit all skin types and are easily available,” recommends Dr Kapoor.

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Trust aloe vera gel to nourish your skin like no other. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

However, you should not be overdoing moisturising at any point. The right way to keep the skin moisturised is to cleanse the skin, exfoliate to remove the dead skin cells, and then use a small amount (a pea or nickel size) and spread it evenly on the skin. It should be absorbed fully in a few minutes and the skin should not feel stretchy.

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PERSONALISE NOW

Ladies, a little attention and the right product selection go a long way in keeping the skin healthy!

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About the Author

Six-pack abs are all that Nikita needs, along with her daily dose of green tea. At Health Shots, she produces videos, podcasts, stories, and other kick-ass content. ...Read More

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