A moisturiser does two big jobs at once. It pulls in hydration through humectants (think hyaluronic acid, glycerin) and seals it in with occlusives (oils, ceramides, squalane). Without one, your skin loses water to the air all day and night, which is why most signs of 'dry skin' are actually just dehydration.

A good moisturiser also locks in everything you applied before it (your toner, essence, serum) and protects your skin barrier from environmental damage. Skip it and your other skincare works less well.

The favourites in our community: Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream for richer hydration, COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All-in-One Cream for barrier support, and ANUA Birch 70 Moisturizing Cream if you want something lightweight.

Apply moisturiser to slightly damp skin after your serum (or ampoule) and before SPF in the morning. Damp skin gives moisturiser something to lock in, which boosts hydration.

Take a pea-sized to almond-sized amount depending on the texture (less for thick creams, more for light lotions), warm it between your palms, and press it into your face and neck in gentle upward motions. Patting is gentler than rubbing.

If your skin is feeling extra dry, you can layer in two thin applications rather than one thick one. It absorbs better this way.

Don't forget your neck and decolletage. The skin there ages just as fast as your face but is often left out of routines.

Cult favourites in our community: Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream for richer hydration, COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All-in-One Cream for daily barrier support, and ANUA Birch 70 Moisturizing Cream for lightweight everyday use.

Every day, both morning and evening. Moisturising is one of the most non-negotiable steps in any skincare routine, regardless of skin type.

Skipping moisturiser leads to a slow erosion of your skin barrier, which then shows up as dryness, sensitivity, breakouts, dullness, or premature lines over time. Even oily skin needs it. In fact, skipping moisturiser when you have oily skin often makes oiliness worse, because your skin overcompensates by producing more sebum.

Adjust the type of moisturiser to your environment. In humid heat, lighter gel-creams feel more comfortable and don't cause congestion. In dry winters, thicker barrier-supportive creams help lock in hydration overnight.

Cult favourites in our community: Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream for year-round daily use, Pyungkang Yul Moisture Cream for richer winter needs, and ANUA Birch 70 Moisturizing Cream for lightweight summer hydration.