Moisturizer: The Barrier Bosses

You might not like what I’m about to say, but most people over-moisturize. There, I said it.

We’ve been conditioned to think that slathering on a thick cream will fix all our skin problems. But here’s the truth: your moisturizer isn’t a magic potion—it’s a sealant. Its job is to lock in the goodness you applied before it and prevent water from evaporating off your skin (aka transepidermal water loss).

This is not where you should break the bank. Moisturizer’s main job is simple: locking in hydration and sealing in the other good stuff. It’s about finding the texture and thickness that works best for your skin—not splurging on extravagant ingredients that don’t make it past your skin barrier. Keep it functional and let the other products do the heavy lifting!

Let’s break it down. Moisturizer has two primary functions:

1. Occlusion – sealing in your actives, serums, and hydration
2. Water retention – preventing natural moisture loss and supporting barrier function

Most of the “extra” ingredients in moisturizers (like antioxidants, peptides, etc.) don’t actually penetrate deeply—and they’re not supposed to. That’s the job of your serums and actives. Overloading your skin with thick creams can actually backfire, making your skin lazy and less able to regulate hydration on its own. Instead, let moisturizer do its actual job. Focus on hydrating and repairing with targeted ingredients first (think hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, peptides), then use your moisturizer to seal the deal.

How to choose one?

• Oily or acne-prone? Go for lightweight, non-comedogenic options. You still need to moisturize—skipping it can worsen oil production.
• Dry or mature skin? Look for lipid-rich, thicker formulas, especially for nighttime.
• Post-procedure or sensitive? Barrier repair is key—opt for fragrance-free and ceramide-packed choices.
• Using actives like retinol or exfoliants? Your skin might need extra support during this phase.

Lightweight Favs:

• EltaMD AM or PM Therapy – Simple, effective, plays well with actives.
• ZO Skin Health Daily Power Defense – Technically a creamy serum, but multitasks beautifully as a light moisturizer. (What I use every day.)

Rich & Repairing Favs:

• SkinBetter Science Trio Rebalancing Moisture Treatment – Elegant, rebalancing, and ideal for stressed or dehydrated skin.
• SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore – The heavyweight champ of barrier repair. Rich, luxurious, and full of skin-loving lipids.
• Alastin Ultra Nourishing Moisturizer – Post-procedure friendly and incredibly soothing.
• EltaMD Barrier Renewal Complex – Budget-friendly, barrier-focused, and sensitive-skin approved.