Can I sleep without moisturizer on my face?

Author: Dr. Deondre Wolff I  |  Last update: Saturday, August 23, 2025

Do you feel a moisturizer is an unnecessary step in your night routine? Trust us, it's critical. While you sleep, your skin naturally loses moisture, leading to a dull, rough, and dry appearance, so applying an extra effort or reinforcing the humidity before going to bed is key. Don't even consider skipping it!

Is it OK to not moisturize your face at night?

Your skin naturally loses some of its moisture overnight, which is why a strategic nighttime skincare routine, including a good face moisturizer, is essential. While you're asleep, there's a lot going on with your skin.

Can I leave my face dry overnight?

You can leave it on overnight or wash it off once it dries up completely. If you are washing it before you sleep, just let your skin breathe without applying anything else to it. If you are leaving the mask on overnight, rinse your face with cold water the next morning.

Can I skip moisturizer for a night?

Yes, it is generally okay to skip using a night cream and just apply a normal moisturizer before going to sleep. The most important thing is to make sure that your skin is adequately moisturized and hydrated, regardless of whether you use a specialized night cream or a regular moisturizer.

Is it good to sleep without applying anything on face?

While many people focus on moisturizing during the day, the benefits of applying a hydrating face moisturizer at night are often overlooked. Your skin repairs and rejuvenates itself while you sleep, making nighttime the perfect opportunity to hydrate and nourish your skin deeply.

STOP Moisturising at Night?? #doctorv #skincare

Is it good to let your skin breathe without moisturizer?

Letting your skin breathe can bring numerous benefits. Some of which includes: When the skin pores are less clogged, they can absorb skincare products in a better way leading to better results. Your skin gets the opportunity to return to its natural pH levels, which can assist with dryness or oiliness issues.

Is it okay to not use moisturizer?

The best thing you can do is try and listen to your skin. If it doesn't feel dry or flakey, then you probably don't need a moisturiser applied every day. However, it will take some time to break the cycle your skin is currently in, and it will need time to adapt.

Is night moisturizer necessary?

During the day, the skin is exposed to various environmental stressors such as pollution, UV rays, and makeup, which can cause damage to the skin. At night, the skin goes into repair mode, and applying a night cream can help support this process,” she says.

What happens if you skip moisturiser?

By ditching your moisturising step, you're robbing your skin of the nourishment it needs to look radiant and healthy. A lack of moisture can lead to tightness, dryness, enhanced lines and wrinkles, a dull complexion, and an impaired skin barrier. Think of it as a simple step that can contribute to huge gains.

Is it OK to skip skincare for a night?

It seems innocent enough, but skipping your nighttime skincare routine will fast track you to dull, lackluster skin.

Is it OK to let your face dry naturally?

Yes, that's right. Air-drying your face and body is a step you may not have considered adding to your skin care routine, but it's definitely one worth considering. Air-drying might just help address quite a few skin care concerns you're dealing with, so why not learn more?

Is facial 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.

What is the best nighttime moisturizer?

14 Best Night Creams for All Skin Types, According to Our Testing
  • Best Overall. Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Night Moisturizer. Read more.
  • Best Value. Roc Retinol Correxion Max Daily Hydration Anti-Aging Crème. Read more.
  • Best Anti-Aging. No7 Future Renew Damage Reversal Night Cream. Read more.

Why is my skin better without moisturizer?

Natural exfoliation and cell turnover

Moisturising prevents the skin's natural exfoliation by smoothing the skin cells and stopping them from sloughing off. So by stopping moisturising, this actually stimulates cell turnover and encourages natural desquamation (that's the shedding of the outer layers of the skin).

Is vaseline a moisturizer?

Vaseline is an occlusive moisturizer, meaning that it seals moisture into the skin. To boost moisturization, people should apply the product to slightly damp skin. People can use Vaseline alone or in combination with other moisturizers and skin care products.

What happens if I don't moisturize at night?

When the moisture barrier is disrupted, it can lead to all sorts of issues, including redness, tightness, itchiness, flaking, and atopic dermatitis. A good nighttime moisturizer can provide much-needed moisture to support the barrier and prevent transepidermal water loss.

Why did my dermatologist tell me not to use moisturizer?

Is Moisturiser Bad for Your Skin? Dr Obagi firmly believes that moisturisers, in general, reduce your skin's natural ability to exfoliate. Why? He says that dead skin cells “stick” back onto your complexion when you apply a moisturiser, which prevents them from exfoliating and shedding like they would naturally.

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.

Is it better to sleep with or without moisturizer?

Trust us, it's critical. While you sleep, your skin naturally loses moisture, leading to a dull, rough, and dry appearance, so applying an extra effort or reinforcing the humidity before going to bed is key. Don't even consider skipping it!

Who is No. 1 moisturizer?

  • NIVEA Soft Light Moisturizer, 300 ml, for Face, Hand & Body, Non-Greasy Cream with Vitamin E & Jojoba Oil for Instant Hydration. ...
  • LAKMÉ Absolute Perfect Radiance Brightening Day Cream 50 g, SPF 30, Daily Illuminating Face Moisturizer for Glowing Skin - With Glycerin & Niacinamide.

Can I skip moisturizer?

Oily skin is characterized by excess sebum production, which can lead to a shiny appearance, clogged pores, and a higher likelihood of developing acne. While it may be tempting to skip moisturizers to reduce perceived greasiness, this can actually do more harm than good.

Can you live without moisturizer?

Some people can get away with using little to no moisturizer because of their skin type or genetics. Experts say facial moisturizers have benefits beyond hydrating skin regardless of skin type, but try to stay away from additive ingredients such as fragrances, parabens, and alcohol.

Can I use nothing on my face?

You don't need to. The human body produces all the aforementioned chemicals on its own. It uses them to self-moisturize, self-exfoliate, self-protect, self-heal, and even self-cleanse.

What happens to your skin if you never moisturize?

Your skin wants a layer of moisture, and if it doesn't have it the normal protective barriers and correct pH levels of the skin can be disrupted. This protective layer disruption can come along with dryness, redness, and an overall low level of inflammation in your skin.

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