Moisturiser

What does moisturiser do for your face?

A moisturiser gives your skin the hydration it needs and helps your moisture barrier stay strong. This outer layer locks in water and keeps dryness and irritation away, so your skin feels comfortable and cared for every day.

To maintain healthy skin, face moisturisers should be used morning and night. Once you know what your skin needs, our range of skincare products includes options for oily, dry, combination, sensitive and normal skin, providing hydration and nourishment that fit easily into your routine.

What is a good face moisturiser?

A good moisturiser does more than feel nice on the skin. It delivers hydration and strengthens the skin barrier. Without this support, skin can lose moisture, become rough and feel uncomfortable.

The right moisturiser depends on your skin concerns. To make it easier, here’s what to look for in a face moisturiser for different skin types:

• Oily skin: A lightweight gel or lotion gives hydration without clogging pores and helps manage excess shine.
• Dry skin: A richer cream holds on to water, relieves flaking and adds comfort to skin that feels tight.
• Combination skin: A balanced cream hydrates dry patches while staying light enough for oilier areas of your face.
• Sensitive skin: A calming, fragrance-free formula soothes redness and reduces the chance of irritation.
• Normal skin: Even if your skin feels balanced, a daily moisturiser keeps the barrier strong and maintains a smooth texture.
• Mature skin: For signs of ageing such as fine lines or dryness, try a cream with anti-ageing support that gives lasting hydration and comfort.

How to apply moisturiser on your face

Moisturiser works best when it’s applied in the right order. Each step in your skincare routine prepares your skin for the next, so the order matters. Lighter products go on first, while richer creams and protection come later.

To make moisturiser work well morning and night, follow these steps:

1. Cleanse your face first: Start with gentle facial cleansers to remove dirt, oil and sunscreen so your skin is fresh.
2. Apply serums while skin is clean: Put serums on before creams so active ingredients absorb properly.
3. Massage in your daily moisturiser: Spread a small amount evenly across your face and neck to lock everything in.
4. Choose the right moisturiser for the time of day: Use a lightweight day cream or daily moisturiser in the morning and a richer night cream before bed.
5. Finish with sunscreen: Finish your morning routine with SPF 50 sunscreen to protect your skin from UV damage.

How much moisturiser should you use on your face?

Use approximately a pea-sized amount of moisturising cream for your face and neck. This gives enough coverage for hydration without leaving excess product on the surface.

If you are using a rich facial moisturiser, you may only need a small dab because the formula is concentrated. With a gel cream, you may need slightly more to spread evenly.

How many times a day should you moisturise your face?

You should moisturise your face twice a day, once in the morning and once at night. This routine keeps your skin hydrated through the day and helps your barrier stay strong so it can hold on to moisture.

If you have dry skin or you’re starting to see fine lines, a richer face cream at night gives your skin extra nourishment and a plumping boost from hydration. In the morning, a lighter option feels more comfortable under your sunscreen and makeup without feeling heavy on your skin.

Can you use body moisturiser on your face?

No, body moisturiser is usually not the best choice for your face. The skin on your face is thinner and has more active oil glands, which means a heavy formula made for the body can clog pores or cause irritation.

If you have sensitive or oily skin, using a lighter facial moisturiser is a better option. It’s made with the right texture and ingredients to care for your skin without overwhelming it.

Can you over-moisturise your face?

Yes, it is possible to over-moisturise your face. This happens when you use more product than your skin can absorb, leaving a layer on the surface instead of soaking in. When that build-up sits on your skin, it can block pores and lead to breakouts or blemishes. To avoid this, use a small amount that spreads evenly across your face and neck.

Why does moisturiser sting your face?

Moisturiser should feel soothing, so stinging is usually a sign of irritation or sensitivity in your skin. This can happen when the barrier that protects your skin is weak, when it is very dry or when a formula is too strong for your skin type.

Here are the most common reasons moisturiser may sting your face:

• Dryness: Very dry skin can absorb water from a cream too quickly, which may trigger a stinging sensation.
• Weakened barrier: When your barrier is damaged, your skin is more reactive, and even gentle products may tingle or burn.
• Active ingredients: Products with vitamin C or niacinamide are usually well tolerated, but in higher strengths or on sensitive skin, they can cause temporary stinging.
• Added fragrance or alcohol: Some fragranced products or formulas with drying alcohols may feel irritating on already stressed skin.
• Layering too many products: Using multiple active treatments at once can overwhelm your skin and make moisturiser feel uncomfortable.

To prevent stinging, keep your routine simple, patch test new products and choose moisturisers that focus on hydration and barrier support. Give your skin time to adjust to brightening or anti-ageing actives before using them daily.

Do you need to moisturise after a face mask?

Yes, most of the time, you do. A face mask treats specific concerns, and a moisturiser locks in hydration and supports your barrier so the results last. The only exception is a mask that’s made to replace moisturiser, like an overnight formula, so always check the instructions.

To make the most of your face mask, apply moisturiser while your skin still feels fresh and hydrated. For skin that shows dullness, uneven tone or pigmentation, layer your treatment first and then add your moisturiser. You can also finish with eye creams for targeted care.

By sealing in the benefits of a mask, moisturiser keeps your skin soft, balanced and comfortable. You can shop our range of face moisturisers at Hairhouse online or in-store across Australia to find the best match for your skin type and concern.