Alright, so you’re starting to take skin care seriously, but you’re wondering – how often should you use face moisturizer?
Regardless of your skin type, you need to moisturize your face.
Ideally, you would moisturize your face at least once a day, and you’d apply moisturizer to damp skin. If you have oily skin or acne prone skin, you may want to moisturize less frequently or use a hydrating serum instead.
How often should moisturizers be used?
Preferably, you should use moisturizer twice a day for your face and at least once a day for your body. However, this may change depending on your skin type, lifestyle and climate.
For example, someone with acne prone skin living in Florida doesn’t need to moisturize as often as someone with combination skin or dry skin living in Alaska!
Your need will vary, so make sure to try out different frequencies to figure out what’s best for you.
Why should you moisturize your face?

Healthy skin is made up of a unique combination of fats and other naturally produced substances that contribute to your skin’s protective barrier.
When we apply moisturizer, we literally replenish moisture levels and protect against moisture loss. This should be a step in your everyday skincare routine!
Ingredients like aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, and shea butter are great to moisturize skin and protect your skin barrier.
Plus, it’s great to keep your skin bright and avoid the dullness that comes with dead skin cells.
What skin types need to moisturize?
Generally speaking, all skin types need moisturizers in their skincare routine. This goes for:
- Normal skin
- Dry skin
- Acne prone skin
- Oily skin types
- Dull skin
- Sensitive skin types
A skincare regimen with a daily moisturizer helps protect your skin barrier and promote a natural glow.
Dry Skin

Generally speaking, individuals with a dry skin type will do better with a cream or thicker moisturizer. The rich texture will help lock in water molecules and prevent moisture loss.
For a great dry skin moisturizer, check out my First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Review.
Oily Skin

Even oily skin needs moisturizing ingredients.
If you also have blemish prone skin, you might want to opt for lightweight moisturizers to avoid clogged pores.
For a lightweight moisturize good for oily skin or sensitive skin, check out my Stratia Liquid Gold Review.
Keeping Skin Hydrated
Hydration is key for maintaining your skin’s protective barrier. Hydrating ingredients to keep your skin plump can include:
- Hyaluronic acid
- Panthenol
- Allantoin
- Glycerin
Plus, make sure you understand the difference between dry and dehydrated skin!
Alternative to Makeup

If you wear foundation often, you may find that you prefer a tinted moisturizer instead!
Frequently Asked Questions

How much moisturizer do you need?

1-2 quarter sized amounts of moisturizer should be enough cream for your face. You’ll have to adjust to what amount suits your skin best though.
Do you wash toner off before moisturizer?

Nope! A good toner with key ingredients will work together with the best moisturizers to fight dryness.
Do you have any other moisturizing tips?
Yep! You don’t need to gently pat dry before you apply moisturizer. Preferably, you’d apply to damp skin to lock in hydration.
Your skin’s surface loves water and oil, I promise.
Also, do your best to avoid hot water. Warm water at most is better to protect the top layer of your skin.
And no, it won’t open pores. They’re always open by nature!
Does moisturizer go before or after sunscreen?

If you’re cool with applying sunscreen, you should do so as the last step in your morning routine.
Sunscreen protects your face from visible signs of aging caused by UV rays and other external factors.
Make sure to apply sunscreen to dry skin though.
For a good mineral SPF, you might enjoy my CVS Clear Zinc Lotion Review.
Final Say: how often should you moisturize your face?
Remember: a good skincare routine is also a beauty routine.
Moisturizing twice a day is awesome, but if that doesn’t work for you, don’t sweat it.
Also, check out my full step by step guide to a Nighttime Skincare Routine for Glowing Skin.