Moisturisers & Dry Skin Creams

Moisturiser, also called an emollient, is a skincare product designed to add and lock in hydration, softening the outer layer of skin and reducing water loss through evaporation. Most moisturisers work in three ways: as humectants, drawing water into the skin; as emollients, filling gaps between skin cells to smooth the surface; and as occlusives, forming a protective layer on top of the skin to slow moisture loss. Using a moisturiser suited to your skin type helps maintain the skin barrier, which is especially important for dry, sensitive or condition-prone skin such as eczema or dermatitis. Products across our range, including Dermol 500, E45 and Aveeno, combine these actions differently depending on whether they are formulated as a cream, lotion, balm or oil.

Aqueous cream was traditionally used as a leave-on moisturiser for dry skin, but current UK guidance advises against this. The MHRA has warned that aqueous cream, due to its sodium lauryl sulfate content, can cause skin reactions such as stinging, burning, itching and redness when left on the skin, particularly in people with eczema. It is still considered suitable as a soap substitute for washing, since it is rinsed off quickly, but it is not recommended as a product you leave on your skin throughout the day. If you are currently using aqueous cream as a leave-on moisturiser, a dedicated leave-on emollient such as Dermol 500, E45 or Aveeno Cream is generally a better choice.

There is no strict measurement, but a common guide for the face is around a five-pence-sized amount, applied in upward, outward strokes. For the body, use enough to leave a visible sheen on the skin without excess left unabsorbed after a minute or two. Most dermatologists recommend applying moisturiser at least twice a day, ideally straight after washing or bathing while the skin is still slightly damp, as this helps lock in extra moisture. If you have very dry or condition-prone skin, you may need to apply more frequently throughout the day, particularly to areas exposed to the weather, such as your hands and face.

Apply moisturiser first, then SPF or sunscreen. Give your moisturiser a minute or two to absorb before applying sunscreen on top, so the SPF forms an even, unbroken layer and works as intended. If you use a moisturiser that already contains SPF, you do not usually need a separate sunscreen underneath, though a dedicated facial SPF is often easier to apply at the right thickness. Whichever order you use, apply sunscreen generously and reapply throughout the day if you are outdoors for long periods, as moisturiser alone does not provide UV protection. See our sun cream range for dedicated SPF products.

As a general rule, apply products from thinnest to thickest consistency, since a heavier product applied first can stop a lighter one from absorbing properly. This typically means toner first, then serum, then eye cream, then moisturiser, then any facial oil on top to help seal everything in. Retinol is the exception - many people find it works better applied to clean, dry skin before moisturiser, as this can reduce irritation, though some formulations are designed to go on afterwards, so it is worth checking your specific product's instructions. If you are new to retinol, introduce it gradually and always apply sunscreen the following morning, as it can increase skin sensitivity to the sun.

It can, but this depends on the formulation rather than moisturiser as a category. Thicker, more occlusive creams, particularly those containing certain oils or waxes, are more likely to clog pores in people who are acne-prone. Lighter, non-comedogenic lotions such as E45 Moisturising Lotion or Aveeno Lotion are formulated to absorb quickly and are less likely to contribute to breakouts. Skipping moisturiser altogether if you have oily or acne-prone skin can sometimes make things worse, as dehydrated skin may produce more oil to compensate. If you are managing acne alongside dry patches, look for oil-free, non-comedogenic formulas, and see our acne range for targeted treatments.

E45 and Aveeno are commonly used for tattoo aftercare, but timing matters. In the first one to two weeks, while the tattoo is still healing and may be weeping or scabbing, most tattooists recommend a thin layer of a specialist aftercare product or a light, fragrance-free lotion, since standard E45 and Aveeno creams can be too thick and occlusive for freshly broken skin. Once the tattoo has fully closed and moved into the flaking or peeling stage, plain, unscented E45 Moisturising Cream or an unscented Aveeno lotion can help soothe dryness and maintain the ink long term. Avoid medicated versions, such as E45 Itch Relief or E45 Psoriasis Cream, as these contain ingredients not suitable for healing skin, and always follow your tattooist's specific aftercare instructions first.

According to the NHS, the order does not strictly matter, but you should leave a gap of twenty to thirty minutes between applying a moisturiser and a steroid cream or other topical treatment. This prevents the two products from diluting each other or spreading the steroid to areas of skin that do not need it. If you use Dermol 500 or E45 alongside a prescribed steroid cream as part of an eczema treatment plan, ask your pharmacist or GP which order they recommend for your specific products, as some guidance favours applying the steroid first.

Body moisturiser is not recommended as a substitute for lubricant. Many moisturisers, including oil-based formulas, can weaken and break down latex condoms within a matter of minutes, increasing the risk of unplanned pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections. Moisturisers are also formulated with fragrances and preservatives intended for use on the skin, which can irritate the more sensitive skin of the genital area, and they tend to dry out quickly rather than staying slick. A dedicated, condom-safe, water-based lubricant, such as Durex Play Feel, is a better and safer choice.