Skincare Is Self-Care: Why Moisturiser Matters More Than You Think

Is moisturiser really necessary in your skin care routine? And if so, why is it important and what does it actually do? Dr Tiina Meder makes a case for moisturisers: great products if chosen right and used correctly and if you have realistic expectations.  

Recently, I came across a story on social media that really stuck with me. A man visiting Paris went into a high-end cosmetic skincare shop to find a gift for his 68-year-old mother. The consultant, a French woman in her 50s, told him honestly that a moisturiser wouldn’t help his mother — that only his love would. While many praised the consultant for her honesty, I found myself unsettled by this perspective.

Why? Because moisturiser isn’t supposed to be a miracle cure or a life-saving product. It’s part of skincare, which is about maintaining skin health, not transforming someone overnight into a younger version of themselves. I feel sorry for that consultant, who probably works in an environment where she has to sell products she doesn’t truly believe in. It’s a tough position to be in, and it highlights a problem in the beauty industry: unrealistic marketing promises.

Many skincare products are marketed as if they will completely reverse aging or erase wrinkles instantly. I’ve experienced this firsthand, having developed peptide-based anti-wrinkle treatments over the years. These products do work, but only if used properly — consistently, in the right concentration, and without mixing incompatible products. Unfortunately, many people expect a Botox-like effect from a cream after just one use, which is simply not how skincare works. This leads to disappointment and skepticism.

Skincare is not about magic or instant transformation. It’s about hygiene, protection, and supporting the skin’s natural functions. Just like brushing your teeth keeps your mouth healthy, cleansing and moisturising keep your skin healthy. Especially living in modern environments with pollution, UV exposure, and other stressors, our skin needs protection. Cleansers remove makeup, sunscreen shields from harmful rays, and moisturisers help maintain the skin’s water-holding capacity, which declines with age.

Moisturising is crucial because well-hydrated skin is healthier and less inflamed. Inflammation in the skin can affect the entire body since the skin is the largest organ and is connected to many internal systems like the brain, immune system, and digestive tract. Research even shows that elderly people who regularly moisturise experience reduced inflammation and improved overall health markers. So, skincare isn’t just about looking good — it’s about feeling better and supporting your whole body. 

It’s also important to remember that skincare complements other treatments like injections or surgery rather than replacing them. Daily skincare forms the foundation of skin health, supported by a healthy lifestyle, targeted treatments for specific issues, aesthetic procedures, and only then surgery if needed. Without good daily skincare, even the best professional treatments won’t reach their full potential.

So, if you’re wondering what to get your 68-year-old mom — or anyone else — a good moisturiser is actually a wonderful gift. It’s a simple, essential way to care for the skin, maintain its health, and support overall well-being. Skincare is self-care — no miracles, no magic — just an important part of life.

Simply answer a few fun questions, and you will get detailed recommendations on Meder skincare curated by Dr Tiina Meder herself.