READ MORE: Expert reveals the best way to banish wrinkles - it's not retinol See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred SourceBy XANTHA LEATHAM, EXECUTIVE SCIENCE EDITOR Published: 16:23 BST, 30 June 2026 | Updated: 16:30 BST, 30 June 2026
Most women start their day with a cleanse, tone and moisturise routine – but your morning cream has likely worn off by lunchtime, according to a new study.Experts tested four popular moisturisers and found that the measurable hydration boost they gave skin generally wore off within three to five hours.They warned a twice-daily routine may leave afternoon gaps where hydration has dropped.And it could mean moisturising three times a day is the secret to maintaining youthful skin.‘This study demonstrated that the hydration effects of…moisturisers are time-limited and vary by formation,’ the team wrote in the journal Skin.‘Widely available creams require reapplication every three to four hours to maintain above-baseline hydration.’Moisturiser is essential for maintaining a healthy complexion as it provides hydration, reinforces your skin’s protective barrier and shields the face from environmental irritants.A product that wears off quickly could, in the long run, lead to excess oil production, sensitivity and dullness.
