Is oil enough to moisturize face?

Author: Mr. Dillon Huel  |  Last update: Saturday, August 2, 2025

Many people make the erroneous assumption that face oil can replace moisturizer because it's so rich and emollient. But because face oil adds nourishment and seals in moisture, using it alone is like eating food without drinking water. You'll get by, but your skin won't be adequately hydrated.

Can I just use face oil instead of moisturizer?

Moisturizers and face oils are not interchangeable. You cannot use oil in place of moisturizer because oils are too heavy for the skin. They will make your face oily and greasy, which is something you definitely want to avoid as it will make your skin look worse than ever.

Can you moisturize your face with just oil?

Moisturizers and face oils are not interchangeable. You cannot use oil in place of moisturizer because oils are too heavy for the skin. They will make your face oily and greasy, which is something you definitely want to avoid as it will make your skin look worse than ever.

Does oil hydrate your face?

Oils won't hydrate skin, as they don't have water. Oils are emollient (fill in the microscopic crevices between skin cells), creating a smooth surface, and/or occlusive (forms a layer over the surface of skin to trap water in).

Can you skip moisturizer if you use oil?

Yes, oily skin still needs moisturizer because it helps regulate oil production. Not moisturizing can cause your skin to produce more oil to hydrate itself. Did you know that oil is one of your skin's most valuable assets? With the right amount, your skin can ward off wrinkles and keep it smooth and moist.

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

Does oil work as a moisturizer?

Moisturizers are typically water-based, which allows them to absorb easily into the skin, but they also evaporate relatively quickly. Face oils are more occlusive because they're oil-based, so they're an ideal choice for preventing moisture loss and sealing moisture into the skin for deep, long-lasting hydration.

Do I really need to moisturize my face?

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.

Which is better, face oil or moisturizer?

Besides the ingredients, both moisturizer and oil have the same purpose: to soften the skin. All skin types will benefit from a moisturizer while dry and aging skin may prefer a facial oil. If you're super thirsty or looking to up your barrier's defenses during the winter months, we recommend using both.

Which oil is most moisturizing for skin?

Coconut oil is one of the best oils for your skin. Its vitamin E and medium-chain fatty acids (MCTs) help nourish and support the skin. Plus, coconut oil's cleansing properties are essential for a clear-looking, moisturized complexion.

What is the best oil to put on your face overnight?

Coconut oil is one of the best natural oils for your face because it has many benefits for the skin. It is rich in medium-chain fatty acids and has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. The fatty acids help moisturize dry skin and prevent premature signs of aging.

Is jojoba oil enough to moisturize skin?

Is Jojoba Oil Good for Skin? Jojoba oil's benefits for skin are highly sought after for a number of reasons. This ingredient can help maintain a healthy skin barrier and help your skin retain moisture by preventing transepidermal water loss (TEWL). This makes jojoba oil a great option for dry skin.

Can I use oil only on my face?

You can use The Face Oil on its own, but you also won't oversaturate your skin if you use it with other skincare products, too.

Should I use moisturizer even if my face is oily?

It may seem counterintuitive, but oily skin needs plenty of moisture, too. I usually advise my patients with oily skin to apply moisturizer twice per day (in the morning and at night) to their face and neck. For all-day shine control, I recommend looking for moisturizers that are designed to help absorb excess oil.

Can argan oil replace moisturizer?

While there may be certain face oils and moisturizers that have similar ingredients, one should not replace the other. Face oils should be used as an added boost of moisture rather than in replace of a moisturizer itself. Both oils and moisturizers will hydrate your skin however work in slightly different ways.

Do I need moisturizer if I use face oil?

At night is where you most certainly will need both a moisturizer and a face oil. By using both, you'll support your skin as it sleeps and regenerate healthy new skin cells as it does every night. So while you sleep, your moisturizer and face oil will be working together for healthy-looking and glowing skin by morning.

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.

How to rehydrate face?

How to Hydrate Skin
  1. Use a humidifier. Low-humidity environments often lead to dry skin. ...
  2. Hydrate skin with lotion, ointments, or face creams. ...
  3. Try moisturizing serums. ...
  4. Use a vitamin C serum for brighter skin. ...
  5. Apply a facial toner. ...
  6. Drink plenty of water. ...
  7. Exfoliate a couple of times a week at most. ...
  8. Use sunscreen.

Should I oil my face every day?

For maximum hydration, mix your face oil into your moisturizer or apply it directly afterward to lock in its water content. While you can use face oil every day, consider reserving it for nighttime; face oil can make sunscreen less effective, and you should be applying sunscreen every morning—including in winter!

Can oil hydrate your skin?

Many people make the erroneous assumption that face oil can replace moisturizer because it's so rich and emollient. But because face oil adds nourishment and seals in moisture, using it alone is like eating food without drinking water. You'll get by, but your skin won't be adequately hydrated.

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.

Why did my dermatologist tell me not to use moisturizer?

Zein Obagi, M.D., a Beverly Hills-based dermatologist and founder of skin-care line ZO Skin Health, not only suggests moisturiser is a waste of time, but also potentially damaging to the skin. He suggests that when you use moisturiser every day, you run the risk of making your skin older, not younger.

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 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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