We are busting some of the most common myths about moisturizing. 
We all know that a crucial part of any skincare routine is using an effective moisturizer – your number one ally to beautiful skin! But there are also myths about moisturizers and which skin types need it.
Myth: You shouldn’t use moisturizer if you have oily skin or acne because it only adds to the problem.
The Truth: When you wash with harsh cleansers and don’t moisturize, your skin begins to overproduce oil to replenish the moisture it’s missing. Moisturizers for oily skin are designed to mattify the surface shine and reduce the amount of grease produced. If you don’t take proper care of oily skin, it tends to become sensitive and easily aggravated.
Myth: Your skin can become too dependent on moisturizer
The Truth: Using a lot of moisturizer cannot increase your skin’s need for the product. Wind, air conditioning, cold temperatures and heated houses in the winter can all dehydrate the skin, which can cause eczema to flare up and make the skin itchy and dry. Using a moisturizer to prevent this dryness is one of the most important factors in protecting the skin from the elements.
Myth: Dark skin doesn’t need moisturizer
The Truth: Every skin type requires moisturizer. There is a misconception that dark skin doesn’t need moisture, because dark skin typically produces more oil. Moisturizer feeds our skin the essential moisture and nutrients it expels throughout the day.
Myth: You only need to moisturize once a day
The Truth: Moisturizer can be applied up to 8 times a day and not just in the morning. Just like you drink water when you are thirsty, you need to apply moisturizer to your skin as often as it needs it, especially if you suffer from dry, dehydrated and mature skin.
Myth: It’s good to skip moisturizer once in a while to let your skin breathe
The Truth: Your skin doesn’t perform the function of respiration, so the concept of your skin breathing is actually false. When it comes to skipping moisturizer, it’s important to know that skin cells are like fish and need water to live. Without it, your cells dehydrate and the health of the skin is compromised.
This article or a version of it first appeared on annique.com.