Is moisturizer necessary in skincare routine?

Author: Miss Della Volkman I  |  Last update: Tuesday, October 21, 2025

MOISTURIZE EVERY DAYIt's huge to make moisturizing a routine, just like brushing your teeth—morning and night,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Daniel Sugai. Moisturizing your body twice per day can help keep your skin properly hydrated and nourished and help prevent dryness.

Do you need moisturizer in skincare?

In general, moisturiser can be good for your skin by acting as a protective barrier for conditions such as eczema, but if overused, your skin could start to rely on the moisturiser and not properly exfoliate on its own or produce as many natural lipids and proteins.

Can I skip moisturizer in my skincare routine?

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.

Can I have a skincare routine without moisturizer?

It could be a nice addition if want to you use it but it's not strictly needed; you can absolutely skip it and use a moisturizer. Some skincare products are necessary in order for our skin to look its best, others are what I would describe as ``add-ons''. The products that are strictly necessary are: Cleansers.

Is it OK if I dont use moisturizer?

Without moisturizer, your skin may become dry, tight, and flaky. Increased sensitivity: A compromised skin barrier (due to dryness) can lead to increased irritation and sensitivity to environmental factors. Premature aging: Dehydrated skin makes fine lines and wrinkles more pronounced.

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

Why do dermatologists say not to use moisturizer?

Dr. Zein Obagi, a Beverly Hills-based dermatologist and founder of ZO Skin Health, says that using moisturizer could actually be detrimental to skin. “When you use moisturizer every day, you run the risk of making your skin older, not younger,” he said to Refinery29.

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 skincare is actually necessary?

What Belongs in Your Skin Care Cabinet
  • Cleanser. Cleanser is what you'll use to wash your face and it's important to use a product intended for your face – not just whatever bar or body wash you have lying around. ...
  • Toner. ...
  • Moisturizer. ...
  • Sunscreen. ...
  • Exfoliation. ...
  • Serum.

Does your skin naturally moisturize itself?

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

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.

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.

Can you just use a serum instead of moisturizer?

A serum is different from a moisturizer; serums tend to be thinner with a higher concentration of ingredients. Serums are typically applied to the skin after cleansing within a skincare routine but before moisturizing. Although, you can use a serum as a standalone product.

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.

How do you know if your face needs moisturizer?

Your Skin Feels Completely Dry

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.

Is toner necessary?

Is toner necessary? Toner is not an essential part of your skincare regime but something of an extra boost that can enhance and enrich your routine. For many skincare enthusiasts, it's a must!

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.

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.

Does your skin age faster if you don't moisturize?

Not Using a Moisturizer

Dryness could be one of the main things that are aging your skin. Apply moisturizer daily so water is trapped in the skin. This will lead to a healthier and more youthful appearance. If you have oily skin, you still need to moisturize.

Do you actually need moisturizer?

"The purpose of a moisturizer is to prevent the loss of water in the outermost layer of our skin, the stratum corneum, but it also helps to prevent environmental damage to your skin as it acts as a protective barrier," says Weinstein Velez. “Moisturizers can vary in thickness and potency,” Obagi adds.

What is the 4 2 4 rule in skincare?

The 4-2-4 rule is a detailed cleansing routine that involves a four-minute oil massage, a two-minute cleanse with a water-based cleanser and a four-minute rinse with warm and cold water. Read ahead to know about the Japanese double cleanse routine, and what experts have to say about it.

What are the only 3 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.

Is it better to not use skin care products?

“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.”

Should I skip moisturizer?

YES, you need to moisturize your skin, even if it is oily and acne-prone. To understand why, let's take a closer look at what a moisturizer really does. Moisturizers don't add water to your skin, but rather help hold the water in the outer layer of your skin to keep it hydrated.

What are the disadvantages of moisturizer?

According to Dr Rinky Kapoor, consultant dermatologist, cosmetic dermatologist and dermato-surgeon at The Esthetic Clinics, applying too much moisturiser and too often can cause more breakouts, blackheads, clogged pores, bumps, and dryness on the skin. This happens because there is only so much the skin can absorb.

What happens if I don't use moisturizer after serum?

Well, it depends. If you don't have dry skin and aren't in a dry environment or climate, it's easily possible to use just serum without moisturizer. However, using both may harness the most benefits for your skin. When you use a serum, it delivers active ingredients deep into the skin.

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