Is it possible to over-moisturize?

Everyone is unique—whether it's height, weight, eye color, or skin tone, we all differ. Skin care needs are just as personal. Moisturizers help restore your skin's natural oils and lipids [source: WebMD]. But does applying too much moisturizer harm your skin in any way?

There's no concrete evidence proving this, but over-applying moisturizer may disrupt your skin's normal processes if done improperly. Keep in mind that your skin is a living, breathing organ—the largest in the human body [source: U.S. News]. Like all other organs, it can experience disruptions in its natural functions, leading to irregular biological behavior.

At night, your skin works harder to repair itself than it does during the day [source: Prevention]. Many doctors believe that nighttime is an ideal time to apply moisturizer, particularly to lock in moisture after a bath. While wearing your sleepwear, you might want to use thicker moisturizers, although they could cause your finer clothes to stick to your skin.

However, some advocates of natural skin care caution that using a moisturizer at night could interfere with your skin's natural rhythms, potentially making it even drier [source: Dr. Hauschka Skin Care].

Next, we’ll explore the consequences of using the wrong type of moisturizer at the wrong time. You'll discover that the key factor isn't how much moisturizer you apply, but how you apply it.

The Right Way to Moisturize

Many people think moisturizers should be used when dealing with xerosis, or dry skin, but that's not the ideal time. The best moment to apply moisturizer is right after patting yourself dry following a bath or shower, when your skin is hydrated and primed to lock in moisture [source: WebMD]. Dry skin can be caused by several factors, including dry air, prolonged exposure to hot water, soaps, itchy fabrics, and even certain medications [source: WebMD]. Severe xerosis can lead to dermatitis, or skin irritation.

Some individuals may experience breakouts from using moisturizers. The way your skin reacts ultimately depends on your body type. Moisturizers containing natural oils are great for people with normal skin. Common oils include almond, sunflower, soybean, and olive oils, as well as jojoba extracts [source: WebMD].

For those with very dry skin, a thicker moisturizer may be necessary [source: WebMD]. People with sensitive skin should steer clear of moisturizers that have perfumes and chemicals. It's also advisable to avoid harsh soaps and body washes with fragrances, as these can cause irritation [source: WebMD].

Don’t confuse moisturizers with hydrators. Hydrators add water to your skin and don't contain oils like moisturizers. Moisturizers can also treat certain skin conditions. In fact, they are often used to help manage contact dermatitis, a condition where skin becomes inflamed or damaged from an allergic reaction to something that has touched it [source: Aetna Intelihealth]. Dermatitis can result from something as simple as a watchband material. In some cases, doctors might recommend a moisturizer to help manage mild dermatitis.

As you can see, moisturizing is beneficial for your skin and serves several functions. The key is doing it the right way. Experiment with different moisturizers to find the one that works best for your skin. Thicker isn’t always better. If you have normal skin, a light lotion may suffice. Thicker moisturizers are more appropriate for dry skin. Remember, don’t wait for your skin to become dry and flaky before moisturizing. At that point, your skin has already lost moisture. Wash and hydrate your skin, then apply moisturizer. Now that you know more about moisturizing, you can establish a routine to keep your skin in top condition.