Moisturisers are made to do one key thing: keep your skin hydrated and balanced. Whether you're dealing with dryness or just trying to maintain a smooth, healthy feel, your moisturiser should help your skin feel better, not worse. But sometimes, even when you're taking all the right steps, your skin doesn't respond the way you expect. Maybe it still feels tight after applying, or new breakouts are suddenly popping up. These signs are easy to overlook, especially if you're used to sticking with the same product.
It's worth paying attention to how your skin reacts, especially during seasonal shifts. As we head into spring, your skin might need something lighter and more nourishing, with ingredients that encourage repair without clogging things up. If your moisturiser isn’t quite working for you, it might be time to look at why—and how to fix it. Here's how to identify whether it's helping or holding your skin back.
Signs Your Moisturiser Isn’t Working
Sometimes skin gives clear hints when a product isn’t the right match. Even if you’re using well-known or pricey skincare, something can still feel off. A moisturiser that doesn’t suit your needs can interrupt your skin’s natural ability to maintain balance, leading to issues that build up with time.
Here are the most common signs to look out for:
1. Dryness and flakiness – If your skin still feels dry a few minutes after applying moisturiser or you notice flaky patches by the afternoon, it’s likely not sealing in hydration properly. This leaves your barrier exposed and can make your complexion appear more tired than it really is.
2. Breakouts or oil overload – A moisturiser that’s too rich or heavy may clog pores, causing congestion such as blackheads, whiteheads or breakouts. If you're noticing extra shine or spots in areas like the T-zone or chin, your product might be too occlusive.
3. Redness, stinging or itchiness – Burning or itching after applying a product is never a good sign. Fragrance, alcohol or certain active ingredients can trigger inflammation. If your face is left looking red or feeling tender, it could be reacting to something it's not happy about.
4. No noticeable improvement – Months of regular use without better skin texture, tone or hydration are signs your product may not be doing much. If dullness won't budge, or your skin still feels flat and lacks bounce, those active ingredients might not be the best fit for your needs.
These red flags often go beyond just a bad skin day. Using the wrong moisturiser long-term can have a ripple effect, even making your other skincare steps less effective.
Common Missteps in Choosing a Moisturiser
Choosing a moisturiser sounds simple at first, but the wrong choice can create more problems than it solves. Many people grab a product based on what’s trending or what a friend likes. The truth is, your skin is unique, and what works for someone else might not be right for you.
Here are three things people often get wrong:
- Ignoring skin type – Each skin type responds to moisture differently. Oily skin may need lightweight formulas to avoid buildup, while dry skin benefits from richer creams. A mismatch can cause irritation, extra oiliness or more breakouts.
- Skipping the ingredient list – If you don’t check what’s in the jar, you could be applying common irritants without knowing. Alcohol-heavy or fragrance-packed formulas can dry skin out quickly. Reading labels gives you control over what goes on your face.
- Forgetting the seasons – As the weather shifts, so should your moisturiser. What worked when it was cold might not suit warmer spring days. Swapping from heavier textures to lighter ones can keep your skin balanced without clogging up your pores.
One common scenario is someone with dry skin using an oil-free lotion meant for acne-prone types. While trying to stay clear of breakouts, they strip their face of needed moisture, which then triggers even more oil production and possibly sore, flaky patches.
Checking in with how your skin is acting and adjusting from there is better than sticking with something familiar that’s no longer helping.
Transitioning To A Better Moisturiser
If you’ve decided your current moisturiser isn’t working, switching to a new one is a great step. But making the change too quickly can lead to new issues. Your skin needs time to adapt to different ingredients and textures, especially if it’s been reacting badly to your old product.
Here’s how to make the change smoother:
- Start slowly – Don’t jump in overnight. Begin by using the new moisturiser every second or third day, while cutting back on the old one. This helps your skin ease into the switch without overreacting.
- Patch test first – Dab a small amount on a discreet area like behind your ear or along your jawline. Wait 24 hours. If there’s no redness or irritation, you can move forward with more confidence.
- Keep the rest of your routine stable – Don’t introduce any other new products while trialling your new moisturiser. If anything changes in your skin, you’ll be more certain about what caused it.
Botanical-based moisturisers can be a gentle option when making the shift. Australian ingredients like Finger Lime, Emu Apple and wild-harvested oils have a good track record of working with the skin rather than against it. These kinds of blends tend to support hydration while calming irritation, all without clogging pores.
Just remember, skin doesn’t adapt instantly. It usually takes a few weeks before you see the full effect of a new moisturiser. Be patient and consistent, and look out for slow, steady changes.
Customising Your Skincare Routine
A moisturiser performs best when it’s the finishing touch to a balanced routine. When other parts of your routine don’t support your skin’s needs, the best moisturiser in the world might still come up short.
Here’s how to get your skincare working smoothly with your moisturiser:
- Use a gentle cleanser morning and night. Harsh cleansers can strip your face and undo what a moisturiser is trying to fix.
- Apply your serums or treatment oils before your moisturiser. These help tackle specific concerns like dullness or uneven tone, and the moisturiser seals in the benefits.
- Don’t skip sunscreen during the day. Spring sunlight can damage skin easily, even if the day looks overcast. A moisturiser paired with good sun protection is key to a healthy glow.
- Adjust with the seasons. As we shift into spring, swap heavier products for lighter ones that still keep your skin hydrated but don’t feel sticky or stifling.
Listening to your skin is the centre of any good skincare routine. If a product makes you red, itchy or shiny, it's not meeting your needs. If your skin feels smooth and settled, and you’re not reapplying cream every few hours, you’re on the right track.
When Your Skin Finally Feels Right
There’s something rewarding about finding a moisturiser that just works. When your skin is getting what it needs, everything feels easier. Breakouts become manageable. Your face holds a natural glow. You stop needing to layer on extra products throughout the day.
The right moisturiser gives your skin a feeling of support rather than stress. With nourishing plant-based ingredients that work gently yet effectively, you’re not forcing change. You’re encouraging it.
As spring rolls in, it’s the perfect time to reassess. The weather’s changing, and so is your skin’s behaviour. If you’re noticing new dry areas, oily patches or lacklustre tone, it's a sign to switch things up. Look for a moisturiser that flows with your skin's rhythm, not against it.
A few mindful tweaks now can mean clearer, smoother and more balanced skin for the season ahead. And that’s always worth it.
Finding the perfect fit for your skincare routine can truly transform the day-to-day health of your skin. If you're ready to explore a product tailored to your needs, rich in active botanicals, check out our collection for nourishing solutions. Let Founder's Formula guide you in achieving a more radiant and balanced complexion by browsing our moisturiser range, where nature meets innovation for healthier-looking skin.