Can you replace moisturizer?

Author: Johan Monahan DVM  |  Last update: Sunday, December 7, 2025

In some cases, face oil can be used in place of moisturizer, particularly for those with dry or mature skin. However, those with oily or acne-prone skin may find that using face oil alone can lead to clogged pores and breakouts.

What to do if you run out of moisturiser?

If you run out of lotion, here are some alternatives you can use to moisturize your skin: Coconut Oil: Great for hydration and has antibacterial properties. Olive Oil: Rich in antioxidants and can be used for dry skin. Aloe Vera Gel: Soothing and hydrating, ideal for sunburned or irritated skin.

How do I moisturize my face without moisturizer?

  • Face Oils : Oils like argan, jojoba, or rosehip can provide hydration and nourishment.
  • Serums : Hydrating serums, especially those containing hyaluronic acid, can provide intense hydration without the heaviness of a traditional moisturizer.
  • Face Mists
  • Aloe Vera Gel
  • Squalane

Is it OK to not use moisturizer?

Yes, you can skip moisturizer in the summer if your skin feels adequately hydrated. However, it's essential to ensure your skin remains protected from the sun and other environmental factors. Always consider your skin type and its specific needs.

What happens if I suddenly stop using moisturizer?

If you skip moisturizer, you'll notice your skin feeling dry, tight, and ashy, because you're rapidly losing water. Moisturizer doesn't just add water back into your skin, it also traps in the water you already have to plump it up and protect it.

Dry Skin? Don’t Buy A Moisturizer (Here’s The ACTUAL Science)

Is it OK to 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.

Is it good to take a break from moisturizer?

Some doctors believe that skin is able to maintain a moisture balance on its own when you don't stimulate it with outside hydrators. This comes from the idea that pausing the use of an external moisturiser can retrain the skin to up its natural sebum balance. In this case, skin fasting cannot hurt.

Why do dermatologists say not to use moisturizer?

Another reason Dr Obagi is against moisturiser: He believes that if you use it daily over time, it can change your skin's natural balance of water, lipids, and proteins. The result? Your body will stop delivering the skin's normal, natural method of hydration from within.

Is moisturizer really necessary?

If your skin feels irritated or you are using active ingredients, you do need a moisturiser in your routine, but it may not be necessary to use it every single day. Anti-ageing and calming serums and sunscreen often moisturise your skin sufficiently.

Why is my skin better when I don't use 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).

What should every woman use instead of moisturizer?

Below are a list of natural alternatives to keep your skin looking healthy and feeling smooth.
  • COCONUT OIL. This is a very popular alternative that is very well-known, cheap and can be found at your local grocery store. ...
  • OLIVE OIL. ...
  • ALMOND OIL. ...
  • SHEA BUTTER. ...
  • COCOA BUTTER. ...
  • ALOE VERA GEL.

Can I use vaseline as 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.

How can I hydrate my skin instead of moisturizer?

How to Keep the Skin Hydrated – 8 Best Practices for Skin Hydration
  1. Drink enough water. ...
  2. Pay attention to your diet. ...
  3. Limit hot showers and baths. ...
  4. Avoid overwashing. ...
  5. Use a gentle cleanser. ...
  6. Seek out hydrating skincare ingredients. ...
  7. Use extra moisturizing products overnight. ...
  8. Protect your skin from the elements.

What do I do if I don't have face moisturizer?

Natural Oils: A Great Alternative to Moisturizers

For instance, you can use oils like shea butter, olive oil, coconut oil, and jojoba oil to help lock in moisture, leaving your skin soft and supple. These oils mimic your skin's natural oil barrier, making them ideal for treating dry skin and maintaining skin hydration.

What is the best natural thing to moisturize your face?

8 Simple DIY Natural Moisturizers for Soft, Smooth Skin
  • Shea Butter. It's common knowledge that shea butter is one of the best natural skin moisturizers available to us, but do you know why? ...
  • Coconut Oil. ...
  • Honey. ...
  • Olive Oil. ...
  • Beeswax. ...
  • Oatmeal. ...
  • Squalane. ...
  • Essential Oils.

Is it ever too late to moisturize?

It is never too late to start moisturizing. People going through menopause may notice wrinkles appearing more quickly. Older people can experience skin problems such as dry skin, itching, and age spots alongside wrinkles.

What happens if you never 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.

Is it good to skip moisturizer?

Moisturising daily is a must if you want supple, healthy skin, and as we said above, skipping days can make a difference. "Of course, it depends on the weather or the climate at that moment, the natural ability of your skin to produce natural oils, and how dry your skin is.

Can skin become dependent on moisturizers?

Your skin knows when it requires hydration, and under normal circumstances, it will produce sebum as needed. Unfortunately, chronic use of moisturizing products disrupts this process. When the skin senses that it is already being moisturized, it will simply stop performing its job of making and secreting sebum.

What is the healthiest way to moisturize your face?

There's no need to use abrasive chemicals like preservatives, perfumes or alcohol to moisturize your face. You can achieve dewy, supple skin naturally by buying products containing plant-based and/or organic ingredients(2) with anti-inflammatory properties, such as: Aloe vera. Algae gel.

What moisturizer do most dermatologists recommend?

You should see smoother, softer, healthier skin in no time.
  • Wederm Restorative Lipid Replenishing Cream.
  • Cetaphil Rich Hydrating Cream.
  • CeraVe Moisturizing Cream.
  • Aquaphor Healing Ointment.
  • Kiehl's Ultra Facial Moisturizer with Squalane.
  • Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream.

What is the best moisturizer for aging skin?

SkinCeuticals' Triple Lipid Restore is our top pick because it absorbs well and promises deep hydration while providing skin a youthful glow. Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Cream is a close second because it can moisturize and plump skin intensely. Aging is a beautiful thing, but change isn't always easy.

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 better to not put anything on your face?

“Eliminating all products can potentially wreak havoc on your skin, so this is something that I don't recommend,” Dr. Zubritsky tells us. “For example, if you stop washing your face with a cleanser, dirt, debris, makeup, and oil can build up, resulting in more breakouts.”

Will my skin get better if I stop using skincare?

A consistent skincare routine helps support this balance by providing necessary nutrients, hydration and protection. Stopping your routine disrupts this equilibrium, potentially leading to imbalances such as increased oiliness or dryness.

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