So....moisturisers contain oils or waxes along with emollients, humectants, other stuff and often mostly water so are designed to attract and hold moisture near the skin and should work on their own due to the inherentwater content. However there is some logic to the idea of trapping more water (dampness after shower) when applying the moisturiser. I say give both ways a go for a couple of weeks and see if you can notice a difference. All the best!