Do I need moisturizer after CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser?

Why does a hydrating cleanser still need moisturizer?

CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid and is designed to cleanse while supporting the skin's protective moisture barrier. Those are useful features in a face wash, but moisturizing remains a separate step in its directions. "Hydrating" describes the cleanser, not an early retirement package for your moisturizer. A moisturizer adds moisture and helps prevent water from escaping, rather than simply washing away dirt and excess oil.12

How to apply moisturizer after cleansing

1. 1Wet your face with lukewarm water. Avoid hot water, which can strip the skin barrier and worsen dryness.
2. 2Lather the cleanser between your palms, then gently massage it onto your face with your fingers in circular motions. Skip scrubbing brushes and harsh washcloths.
3. 3Rinse thoroughly to remove cleanser residue. Gently pat with a clean towel, leaving your skin slightly damp rather than rubbing it completely dry.
4. 4Apply moisturizer promptly. For dry facial skin, apply it within five minutes of washing to help trap water before it evaporates. Follow your moisturizer's label for the amount to use.
5. 5In the morning, follow moisturizer with a separate broad spectrum sunscreen rated SPF 30 or higher, unless your moisturizer already provides that protection. Follow the sunscreen label for application and reapplication.

If you already use a toner, serum or eye cream, CeraVe places those between cleansing and moisturizing, generally moving from lighter formulas to heavier ones. At night, moisturizer is the final step.5

What if my skin is oily or only dry in places?

• For normal skin with mild seasonal dryness, a lotion can be enough.
• For dry skin, choose a cream or ointment. Creams are thicker and preserve more water than lotions; ointments are thicker still.
• For oily skin, a lighter gel is an option. Some people with oily skin can skip moisturizer rather than applying a rich product everywhere.
• For combination skin, moisturize dry areas and leave oily areas alone if they do not need it.
• For sensitive or dry skin, choose fragrance free products. For skin prone to clogged pores, look for noncomedogenic formulas, meaning formulas designed not to block pores.

How often should I moisturize?

Morning and night is the usual starting point. Dry skin can need moisturizer two to three times daily, or as often as needed. Tightness after washing, roughness and flaking are signs of dryness, so follow the cleanser with moisturizer rather than relying on the cleanser's hydrating ingredients alone. The aim is to replenish moisture and reduce further water loss.56

What if my skin still feels irritated?

Do not scrub or exfoliate dry flakes; that can remove more moisture and damage already dry skin. If a product triggers a rash, stop using it. For skin with a history of contact reactions, test a new moisturizer on a small area before applying it widely. Seek medical advice for a blistering or recurring rash, painful cracks, bleeding, or dryness that does not improve with gentle care and moisturizing. Also get help if itching disrupts sleep or scratching leaves open sores.2467