So is moisturiser pointless?

[Dandellion]

I watched that BBC program last month about the truth about make up, and Cherry mentioned that moisturiser does nothing to prevent aging etc. I recently bought TO Granactive Retinol 2% and the LRP sunscreen on the back of recommendation on here and stopped using my usual moisturiser. I'm really pleased with the results.

I do use a decent serum before applying the retinol at night and the LRP in the morning, so assume this is 'feeding' my skin enough? I just like the idea of being able to drop a stage in my skincare at night, and not have to wait so long in the mornings for each layer of prep to soak in.

[YvonneGoolagongsDugongDoug]

I know three sisters a year apart in age. They are in their sixties now. Two have used moisturiser (and make up etc) and the third has never used anything but soap and water. The difference in the appearance between is astonishing. Moisturiser is definitely worth using.

[Luckingfovely]

Cherry was just one opinion.

I am a huge fan of The Ordinary, and after a year of using it, it has completely transformed my skin. And saved me a fortune.

[Idontbelieveinthemoon]

I use moisturiser every day. On holiday last year I dropped my jar on the first day on the marbled floor and couldn't find a replacement. 3 weeks without it and my skin had already begin to look different.

One person's opinion is just that. For me a good moisturiser is as important as cleaning my face every night before bed; it makes a noticeable difference.

[Dandellion]

Sorry, I should have said that all the dermatogists Cherry spoke to on her program said that moisturiser did nothing for your skin.

[TheFifthKey]

But it obviously does do something, even if it's short term. My DC obviously have young, lovely skin, but it's prone to being a bit dry and a dab of E45 lotion before bed makes a big difference to the condition of their faces. And they're 4 and 6! Hardly pointless. It can't stop time though.

[SporkInTheToaster]

It does nothing in the long term to prevent ageing, if it doesn’t contain either a well formulated SPF or retinol but that doesn’t make it pointless. If you’ve got dry (not enough oil) or dehydrated (not enough water) skin then moisturiser helps your skin feel comfortable and can help to maintain barrier function. You don’t necessarily need it every day or need a £££££ one but they are a useful step for most people.

[SporkInTheToaster]

If you are using serums and an SPF rich enough for your skin then you don’t necessarily NEED an additional moisturiser on top. They are already meeting your skin’s needs.

[keepmoving]

It's also worth pointing out that this programme appeared to have been edited to show a particular argument. Sali Hughes who was featured in the programmes went on social media after it was first aired to comment further.

You don't have to spend a lot on your moisturiser if you don't want to but it does support your skin's protection in the environment we live in - air con, central heating etc.

[OneNightTimeMenaceStrikesBack]

I don't use moisturiser all the time, only when i'm feeling dry and uncomfortable. I've found I get very spotty and oily if i use it every morning and night so i swapped just to using it as and when needed. I do use sunscreen though so wash my face properly day but generally speaking, if use the right face wash, i don't tend to need to follow it with anything else

[Haffiana]

I think the point made in the programme was that moisturiser does not make you look younger.

What it does do extremely well is moisturise. So if you need moisturising (and I personally most certainly do) then it is not a waste of time at all. If you think it will make you look like a teenager again, well no, but neither will anything else.

[ReinettePompadour]

I've just covered this at University (Biology/Cells).

Technically your skins cells are very clever and wont let anything into them that's not required specifically by that cell to live so in this respect your moisturiser does nothing.

However, moisturisers can help prevent dehydration so your skin cells don't shrivel up as quickly through loss of water.

Applying moisturiser to shrivelled up and dehydrated skin cells wont bring it back to its former glory, the same as if you rub oil into a dried up piece of chicken skin. Its still dried up just a bit less dry to the touch because of the oil sat on the top of it.

Moisturisers can make you feel better with their smell and feeling when you apply them. This coupled with reducing dehydration can keep you looking a bit younger for a bit longer.

[Neganforever]

I couldn't manage without moisturiser, my skin is very dry and sensitive and always feels tight after washing. My actives are not in the moisturiser, they're in the serums I use (mostly The Ordinary).

[BagelGoesWalking]

There's a huge difference between dehydrated and dry. Since adding more hydrating products to my skincare. I hardly need moisturiser now. I add 3-4 layers of a hydrating toner, another toner, then a honey based Ampoule and a light lotion. So more, but lighter, layers which sorts my skin much more than one thicker, heavier moisturiser.

[ChishandFips33]

I've dipped in and out of using moisturiser since I heard this but definitely feel I look better using it - but I'm with the theory of it preventing dehydration especially since starting work in an air con office - I swear this is not helping...that and having the heating on overnight in the winter

[Birdbath99]

I have dry sensitive skin and eczema too. Not moisturising is bollocks imo. I don’t listen to others.