Moisturizer On Dry Skin? Think Again! One Practice That May Be Sabotaging Your Skincare Routine

Because healthy skin is in the product AND the practice.

Let’s talk about a common mistake in skincare practices real quick.

There’s this trend floating around on TikTok—and while I love a good beauty tip, this one had me raising an eyebrow. Some influencers are saying you should let your skin air dry completely before applying moisturizer or hydrating serums.

Cute in theory. Not so much in practice.

Here’s the real tea: If you’re applying your hydrating products to dry skin after cleansing, you’re missing out on major benefits—and possibly wasting your product.

Moisture needs moisture. Period.

Hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and aloe vera are humectants—which means they pull water into the skin. But if there’s no water on the surface?

Guess what they’ll pull from? You. From the inside out.

Yup—your skin can actually become drier if you apply these products to a dry face. That’s the opposite of what we’re going for.

So what should you do instead?

Apply your hydrating serums and moisturizers while your skin is still slightly damp. Not dripping. Not dry. Just that sweet spot right after you pat it gently post-cleanse.

Here’s why it matters:

• Damp skin = better absorption. Your skin is more open and ready to receive what you’re applying.

• You lock in hydration instead of losing it. Moisture stays in before it evaporates into thin air.

• You support your skin barrier. That means fewer issues like flakiness, irritation, or that tight, dry feeling.

Here’s a simple routine reset:

1. Cleanse

2. Gently pat—don’t completely dry

3. Apply your hydrating serum

4. Seal it with a moisturizer

Quick tip: If your face dries before you get to the next step, mist it with water or a hydrating toner and keep it moving.

Skincare doesn’t have to be complicated. But it does need to be intentional. It’s not about chasing trends—it’s about doing what actually works.

Chime in! Be honest… are you doing it right?

Are you Team Damp or Team Dry? Did you know this tweak could make a difference?

Drop your thoughts in the comments and share this with a friend who’s into skincare—because this is a #GlambitionTip worth sharing.

---

Want more tips like this—before the rest of the world gets them?

Join my private online community: Get Your Glambition Up With Mikaya Dionne.

It’s a space where skincare & beauty meets soul care, and confidence is always the goal.

As a member, you’ll get:

• Early access to my weekly blogs

• First looks at upcoming product launches + events

• Behind-the-scenes beauty education

• Exclusive content, check-ins, and confidence coaching

• And a community of women committed to showing up for themselves

If that sounds like your kind of space, come sit with us.

Request To Join Now

#GetYourGlambitionUp