Is it okay if I don't use moisturizer?

Author: Rasheed Ritchie  |  Last update: Monday, May 19, 2025

Moisturized skin can help maintain the health and appearance of your skin over time, so skipping your daily moisturizing routine should not be an option. So, even if you are looking for ways to shorten your daily routine, getting rid of the moisturizer shouldn't be one of the ones you choose.

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.

Is it really necessary to use moisturizer?

Most people need moisturizer daily as it helps seal in natural moisture and protects your skin from the elements. Some with oilier skin may not need it as often, but aging, changes in weather, or hydration intake can affect the level of hydration of your skin.

Is it OK to skip moisturizer?

Skipping moisturizer can actually lead to more oil production in the skin and clog the pores. Not using moisturizer before applying cosmetics can harm the skin because the skin won't be ready for it and cause breakouts later.

Is it OK to not moisturize your body?

Daily moisturizing is vital for healthy skin, yet some think of it as an aesthetically-inclined habit. Our skin is the body's largest organ and requires regular attention to stay young, blemish-free and healthy.

Why I stopped washing my face and how it saved my skin...

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.

Can skin survive without moisturizer?

Your skin is a homeostatic organ which means it is clever at producing enough hydration from the inside. If you give it external hydration when it's not needed, your skin stops producing its own moisture, and you end up in a cycle of dull, dry and irritated skin that you need to keep applying moisturiser to.

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.

Will I break out if I don't moisturize?

WILL I GET PIMPLES IF I DON'T USE MOISTURIZER? Yes, it is possible to break out if you do not use a moisturizer. If you don't use moisturizer, your skin may become dry which prompts your body to produce more sebum oil in the skin. This excess oil production can clog pores and cause more acne.

Should you wear moisturizer to bed?

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!

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).

How do you know if you need moisturizer?

This one is the most obvious, but it's important to pay attention to how your skin feels. If you touch it and it's completely dry then your complexion is probably parched. Your skin should feel hydrated and not bone dry. If it's rough to the touch and without any moisture, it's probably in need of hydration.

Should I moisturize after a shower?

Introduction. Maintaining a consistent skincare routine is vital for keeping your skin healthy and radiant. One essential step that often gets overlooked is applying body lotion after a shower. Moisturizing your skin immediately after a shower can make a world of difference in how your skin looks and feels.

Is moisturizer really necessary?

There are lots of dubious claims and mysterious ingredients, but yes, by trapping water, moisturizing can help with dry skin. Dry skin by itself isn't a medical worry, although serious cases can result in cracks and fissures that invite infection and inflammation.

Can I leave my face without moisturizer?

Skin Cells Need Moisture to Live

I always say that skin cells are like fish in that they need water to survive. Without water, skin cells become dehydrated and the overall health of the skin is severely compromised. In fact, dehydration can set off a response that leads to irritation, redness, and sensitivity.

Can face moisturize itself?

Normal, healthy skin keeps itself moist by producing 'natural moisturising factors' (NMFs). How many of these it produces depends on its environment.

What does stress acne look like?

Stress acne typically presents as an array of small, red or pink pimples that can be scattered across various areas of the face. These facial acne pimples often take the form of whiteheads or blackheads and can progress into pustules, which are red, pus-filled bumps, or papules, which are small, raised bumps.

Can I skip my moisturizer?

For optimal skincare, don't skip either sunscreen or moisturizer. Instead, incorporate both into your daily routine for healthier, better-balanced skin.

How to get clear skin?

Follow these tips for gentle skin care:
  1. Limit bath time. Some experts say it's ideal to bathe for no longer than five minutes at a time. ...
  2. Don't use strong soaps. Strong soaps and detergents can strip oil from the skin. ...
  3. Shave carefully. ...
  4. Pat dry. ...
  5. Moisturize dry skin.

What happens if you never moisturize?

But if you do not moisturise your body for as long as a month, the barrier function of the skin will be compromised, especially if you are staying in a dry place, in winter or if your skin is naturally dry. This leaves you susceptible to infections, inflammations, and a variety of skin issues," says Dr.

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 no skincare better?

“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.”

What did people use before moisturizer?

The Ancient Greeks used olive oil and beeswax and even lathered mashed up bread and milk on their faces to help keep their skin moisturized. Over time, different cultures added herbs and fragrances from flowers and fruits to the lotions and skin care salves to make them smell pleasant and add tinting abilities.

Is it better to not use face moisturizer?

So is it that bad if you skip using your face cream? Experts say moisturizer is necessary to keep skin hydrated, particularly in the winter, although some skin types may not require as much added hydration.

What does over-moisturized skin look like?

Your skin will certainly tell you in subliminal ways, such as clogged pores or acne breakouts on your shoulders or other areas of your body, small bumps and more. It's easy to think that over moisturising is a good thing as 'it's just providing your skin with extra hydration' – however, this isn't true.

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