There are exceptions to the rule!

Recently, my team published an article titled “Why Doesn’t Dr. Belo Approve Of Using Moisturizer?” which made the rounds on social media. It sparked online discussions and Twitter threads anew. But my anti-moisturizer philosophy is nothing of a surprise—in fact, this has been my belief since the very early days of my practice. I consider Dr. Zein Obagi, creator of the ZO® Skin Health line (which we carry in our clinics), as one of my skincare idols. And he has always believed that moisturizers slow down cellular regeneration, because with moisturizer, you’re tricking your skin into thinking it’s already hydrated.

But despite the many magazine articles and YouTube videos in which I tell you to say no to moisturizer, here are three instances in which I would want you to use it. Read thoroughly, and take notes:

1. When abroad, especially in cooler climes.

I strongly advise against the use of moisturizers here in the Philippines, because it’s already hot and humid. Moisturizers are useful for when you go abroad in cooler countries, because you can actually feel your face drying up in places like that. But here, a moisturizer will only make you more oily. It could clog your pores and cause breakouts.

That means you should be packing a totally different skincare kit for April in Boracay and for November in New York City. It helps to have a dedicated pouch just for traveling, too, with deluxe-sized essentials already in your suitcase.

2. On your neck.

In a recent TikTok video, I answered “Yup!” to the question “Should I apply moisturizer on my neck to prevent wrinkles?”

You see, the skin on your neck is different because it doesn’t really have a lot of oil glands. You should really moisturize there, since the skin is thinner. It’ll be one of the first areas to show signs of aging. You can try my favorite double-duty product, the Belo Illuminating Cream, which contains alpha arbutin and liquorice to brighten. As soon as you hit 25, begin treating your neck right. Future You will thank you. 

3. On your body.

The same principle that applies to your neck applies to the rest of your body. Put moisturizer on dry areas like your elbows and your knees. Your body needs it. This amazing Body Emulsion by ZO® exfoliates dead skin cells and can even remove brown spots, because of its retinol and niacinamide content. 

I hope this settles everything. Moisturizer isn’t completely out in my book—it just needs to be applied in the correct areas and the right situations. If you have any more moisturizer-related questions, feel free to book an online consultation with me—yes, you read that right—by clicking here, and together we can craft the perfect beauty plan that suits your skin type.

Let’s talk soon!