Can I just use cleanser without moisturizer?

Author: Dr. Aaliyah Jacobson DDS  |  Last update: Monday, August 11, 2025

Don't Skip Moisturizer After Cleansing While you do want to give your face a good cleaning, you don't want to overly strip the skin of essential oils or cause dryness, notes Zeichner. After washing, he recommends locking in hydration with a light moisturizer.

Is it necessary to use moisturizer after cleanser?

Yes after cleansing your face + body you must moisturize to prevent trans-epidermal water loss and to maintain your skins barrier. If not your skin barrier may become compromised which can cause dull, dry & flaky skin (inflammation).

Is it OK to use only cleanser?

Yes, it's perfectly fine to use just cleanser and moisturizer without toner. The essential steps in a skincare routine typically include cleansing to remove dirt and impurities and moisturizing to hydrate and protect the skin.

Can you wash your face with just a cleanser?

Dermatologists recommend using a cleanser that's well-suited to your skin type over a bar of soap. Washing your face twice a day isn't always necessary, but cleansing once can prevent breakouts.

Is it okay to wash your face and not moisturize?

Irritation: Without moisturizing, your skin may become irritated or sensitive, especially if you use a cleanser with harsh ingredients. Increased Oil Production: In response to dryness, your skin might produce more oil, which can lead to clogged pores and breakouts.

Why Overloading on Skincare Products Might Be Harmful | Dr. Erin Tjam | Switch4Good Podcast Ep 243

Can you cleanse but not moisturize?

Don't Skip Moisturizer After Cleansing

While you do want to give your face a good cleaning, you don't want to overly strip the skin of essential oils or cause dryness, notes Zeichner. After washing, he recommends locking in hydration with a light moisturizer.

Can I just wash my face with water and apply moisturizer?

And Washing Your Face With Water Only? Using water alone will not deliver the oil-balancing, cleaning, or hydrating properties that oily skin needs, which is why cleansing is one of the most critical steps in a skincare regime for oily skin.

Is cleanser basically face wash?

Cleansers, unlike face washes, are richer in their formulas, and can include oil-based cleansers.

What to apply after a cleanser?

Assuming you have combination skin, below is a helpful blueprint to determine your product order.
  1. Step One: Cleanser. ...
  2. Step Two: Toner. ...
  3. Step Three: Serum. ...
  4. Step Four: Spot Treatment. ...
  5. Step Five: Moisturizer. ...
  6. Step Six: Retinol. ...
  7. Step Seven: Sunscreen. ...
  8. Step Eight: Overnight Mask or Night Cream.

Can I leave cleanser on my face overnight?

Should You Leave Cleanser on Your Face Overnight? No, it's generally not recommended to leave cleanser on your face overnight. Here's why: Cleansers remove dirt and oil, not stay on skin: Leaving them on can remove natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation.

Is just using cleanser good?

However, if you want to reap the benefits of a properly cleansed face (less breakouts, less congestion, exfoliation, improved hydration, etc.), double cleansing at night is the way to go. In the morning feel free to stick to water, or just use a basic water-based cleanser if you're particularly oily.

What are the only three skincare products you need?

Dermatologists recommend keeping it simple and say that everyone's skin care routine should include a few essential steps: cleansing, moisturizing and sun protection.

What is the best face moisturizer?

Some of the best brands include:
  • CeraVe: Known for their gentle, dermatologist recommended moisturizers.
  • La Roche-Posay: Offers a wide range of affordable skincare products, including non-comedogenic moisturizers.
  • Kiehl's: Known for their effective, high end skincare products.

What happens if I don't use moisturizer?

The size of the pores in your skin depends on its elasticity and firmness of your skin. So, when you don't moisturise your skin, it becomes dry and loses its elasticity and firmness, leading to enlarged pores. Dry and dehydrated skin is susceptible to damage and stretching, causing the pores to become bigger in size.

Do you need both cleanser and moisturizer?

As such, before bed, you should wash your face with a cleanser to remove dirt and makeup then use toner, exfoliant and serums if you so choose. In any case, always end with moisturizing.

Is face moisturizer necessary?

Moisturizing Reduces Skin Problems - Moisturizing everyday can reduce the chance of developing extreme dryness or oiliness. Both extremes are harmful for skin and cause common skin conditions like acne. Conceals Other Skin Blemishes - Using a daily moisturizer ensures that the skin's blemishes are camouflaged.

Is it a must to use moisturizer after cleanser?

It's important to apply moisturizer ASAP after cleansing your face - we're talking about within a minute to get optimal results. Once you dry off your skin after cleansing, it starts to dehydrate if there's no protective layer of moisturizer to lock hydration in place.

What are the 5 basics of skin care?

Skin care: 5 tips for healthy skin
  • Protect yourself from the sun. One of the most important ways to take care of your skin is to protect it from the sun. ...
  • Don't smoke. Smoking makes skin look older and plays a part in wrinkles forming. ...
  • Treat your skin gently. ...
  • Eat a healthy diet. ...
  • Manage stress.

What to put on face overnight?

Hydrate with a nourishing moisturizer: To achieve a glowing complexion, moisturizing is essential. Choose a hydrating moisturizer that suits your skin type and contains nourishing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, or aloe vera. Apply it to your face and neck, massaging it gently until fully absorbed.

How do I know if I have oily or dry skin?

To start, wash your face with a gentle cleanser, then pat it dry using a soft towel. Next, wait for 30 minutes and take a close look at your skin in the mirror. If your skin appears shiny all over, you likely have oily skin. Flaky, rough, or tight-feeling skin signals that you have dry skin.

Can I use only cleanser without face wash?

You can use both cleansers and face washes in your skincare routine, but they're used differently on different occasions. For those who mostly stay indoors, using a cleanser for the skin is highly recommended. But a face wash is better for those who stay out for longer hours.

Is it OK to wash your face without moisturizer?

Don't dry out your skin

That's because hot water can strip your skin of essential oils, which can leave it feeling drier. (The same goes for showers, too—lukewarm water is always the better option). Remember to moisturize every time you wash your face to help keep your skin feeling soft and hydrated.

Does putting water on face moisturize it?

There is research to support that water hydrates your dermis (the deepest layer of your skin) but not your epidermis (the top layer). If you're experiencing a dehydrated barrier—regardless of your skin type—how you hydrate your skin externally makes all the difference for radiant skin health.

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