If your moisturiser used to work but now your skin still feels dry, tight or red after using it, you’re not alone. Spring can throw a few curveballs when it comes to skincare, especially in Australia where breezy mornings and rising daytime temps often clash with leftover winter dryness. Feeling a little flaky or irritated, even after moisturising, could mean your skin is asking for more support. Not every product is built to handle that mix, and not every formula will keep up as the weather swings between cool and warm.
When the comfort just isn’t there anymore, it might be time to check whether your moisturiser is doing what you need. In this post, we’ll walk through the signs that your current product may no longer match your skin, what a good face moisturiser for very dry skin should actually be doing, and a few ingredients that help skin feel steady, not overwhelmed.
Signs Your Moisturiser Might Not Be Cutting It
Some signs are pretty clear once you start noticing them. Even when you're doing the same routine that worked before, your skin might not respond the way it used to. The weather might have changed, your skin’s needs may have shifted or your current moisturiser may not have the right ingredients to support those changes.
Here are a few things to look out for:
• Your skin feels dry again within an hour of applying your moisturiser, especially around the cheeks, nose or forehead
• You’re seeing flakiness, tightness or areas of redness that don’t go away, even after regular use
• Your skin feels fussier than usual and reacts more to products that never used to cause issues
• Make-up no longer goes on smoothly and clings to dry spots or disappears halfway through the day
If your skin is showing signs like these, it might be trying to tell you that the current formula isn’t holding in hydration or calming things down the way it should.
What a Face Moisturiser for Very Dry Skin Should Actually Do
When dry skin isn't just seasonal but begins to feel persistent, a more focused, lightweight yet hydrating product becomes really useful. A proper moisturiser doesn’t have to feel heavy or greasy to do the job well. Instead, it should absorb smoothly, leave skin feeling comforted, and keep water from evaporating too quickly.
A good option during spring, especially when humidity drops and winds pick up, is something that can:
• Deeply hydrate without trapping heat or clogging pores
• Strengthen the skin’s protective layer so it holds onto water better
• Calm down sensitivity and reactiveness caused by wind, allergens or irritation
• Sit well under sunscreen and make-up without making skin look shiny or oily
The Wild Rosella Hydrating Moisturiser meets these needs. It blends antioxidant-rich Wild Rosella with other native botanicals, offering comfort and moisture without adding bulk. The texture stays light but the hydration lasts, which is exactly what dry skin needs this time of year.
Our Wild Rosella Hydrating Moisturiser is an award-winner at the Clean + Conscious Awards 2023 and is clinically tested for hydration and comfort across all skin types.
Ingredients That Make a Real Difference
Some ingredients do more than just coat the skin. They work to bring hydration back and help skin recover, especially when it's been stressed by changing weather or irritation. Native Australian botanicals can do a lot for very dry or sensitive skin in a gentle and effective way.
Look for ingredients like:
• Wild Rosella and Tasmanian Pepper Berry, which are rich in antioxidants and help keep skin calm and balanced
• Ceramides, which restore the skin barrier and help prevent moisture loss
• Shea butter and hyaluronic acid, both known for attracting moisture and keeping it put
For an added pick-me-up overnight, layering with a balm like the Botanical Barrier Balm can seal in moisture and help skin reset. This kind of balm works quietly while you sleep, adding another layer of support to your night routine without making things feel thick or coated.
When to Upgrade to a Richer or More Targeted Formula
If you've been trying to make your usual product stretch through the seasons but keep waking up to skin that feels parched or saggy, it might be time for a swap. Staying with the exact same moisturiser year-round doesn’t always work, especially when the air changes and pulls hydration from the skin faster.
You might notice it’s time to upgrade if:
• Fine lines are standing out more than usual because of dryness
• Your skin looks deflated or tight, even after moisturising
• The moisture fades fast and your skin feels rough by midday
The Snake Vine Super Anti-Oxidant Pro-Aging Moisturiser is worth considering in these cases. It adds elasticity support through native botanicals, including Snake Vine, and delivers a level of antioxidant care that supports mature or very dry skin. It’s still light enough to feel comfortable but brings some extra bounce when your regular option doesn’t quite cut it any longer.
How to Transition Without Overhauling Your Entire Routine
Switching to a more supportive moisturiser doesn’t mean you have to throw everything else out. Sometimes it’s about layering smarter or adding just one new step that makes the rest of your routine work better.
Here are a few easy ways to ease into something richer:
• Add a balm or more hydrating moisturiser as a night step rather than doubling up during the day
• Use your regular lightweight product in the morning, then apply a thicker or more nourishing one at night
• Test new products on drier patches instead of applying all over, so you see how your skin responds
• Notice not just how your skin looks right after applying, but how it feels a few hours later
Listening to your skin’s comfort over time, rather than expecting instant softness, gives you a better clue about when it might be time to make an adjustment.
Give Your Skin What It’s Really Asking For
If your regular moisturiser isn’t cutting it anymore, that doesn’t mean you’ve done anything wrong. It’s natural for skin to shift throughout the year, especially when seasons blend dryness with heat and wind. Getting ahead of the discomfort means paying attention and following your skin’s lead.
A good face moisturiser for very dry skin should leave you feeling calm, comfortable and hydrated well past the first hour after applying it. When a product brings both instant relief and lasting support, everything else, from sunscreen to make-up, sits better too.
Choosing formulas with native plant ingredients and smart hydration technology can help your routine feel flexible, not high-maintenance. Your skin doesn’t need a complete reset, just the right balance of care for the season you’re in. And that starts with a moisturiser that truly shows up when your skin needs it most.
Struggling with dry, tight skin even after moisturising? At Founder's Formula, we use a gentle yet powerful botanical blend to restore hydration and soothe sensitive areas, leaving your skin soft and comfortable. Packed with native Australian ingredients and supported by science, our formula keeps your skin’s barrier healthy through seasonal changes and daily stress. For a lightweight yet highly effective solution, try our face moisturiser for very dry skin. Reach out to our team for personalised advice to help your skin look and feel its best.