What is better than moisturizer for the face?

Author: Lane Herzog  |  Last update: Monday, December 1, 2025

The answer is, it depends. If you have dry or dehydrated skin, moisturizer will provide surface hydration and prevent that tight, uncomfortable feeling. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, facial oil can help to balance your skin's natural oil production.

What do dermatologists recommend as a face moisturizer?

Cerave, Cetaphil, aveeno, and la Roche Posay are frequently recommended. As I said, probably best to seek out a moisturizer that has ingredients your skin likes.

What is a good alternative to moisturizer?

natural alternatives such as shea butter, coconut oil, aloe vera gel, jojoba oil, avocado oil, and water balm and splash salve by hanni can all help keep skin hydrated while providing anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial protection.

What can I put on my face if I don't have moisturizer?

Consider using:
  • Coconut oil: a light oil with antibacterial properties. ...
  • Jojoba oil: a liquid extracted from the jojoba seed that's quickly absorbed by the skin.
  • Shea butter: a thick cream for very dry skin.
  • Argan oil: a light oil that fights inflammation.
  • Olive oil is also a great option.

Is it better to not use face 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. But, moisturizer may make the skin seem oily sometimes.

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

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.

Do any face creams actually work?

Anti-wrinkle serums and creams may make tiny wrinkles less noticeable. Your results may depend on how often you use a product, the type and amount of active ingredient in it, and the type of wrinkles you want to treat.

Are serums better than moisturizers?

At the end of the day, your moisturizer is a slightly more essential skincare step than serums, since they do a better job at locking moisture and protecting your skin. However, it's important to note that a facial serum is going to do things a moisturizer can't.

Why does my face look better when I don't moisturize?

He says that dead skin cells “stick” back onto your complexion when you apply a moisturizer, which prevents them from exfoliating and shedding like they would naturally. “The thick layer of dead skin cells stuck to the skin will make your complexion look dull,” he says.

Is vaseline good for your face?

The frequently asked question has a simple answer: Yes! Vaseline® products, including Vaseline® Original Healing Jelly, are absolutely safe for your skin. The Vaseline® Jelly is non-comedogenic, which means it does not block or clog your pores.

What is better for skin than moisturizer?

The answer is, it depends. If you have dry or dehydrated skin, moisturizer will provide surface hydration and prevent that tight, uncomfortable feeling. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, facial oil can help to balance your skin's natural oil production.

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 is the number one moisturizer for aging skin?

WHAT WE UPDATED
  • Best Moisturizer Overall For Aging Skin: SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2.
  • Best Value Moisturizer For Aging Skin: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream.
  • Best Luxury Moisturizer For Aging Skin: Yoé Ympossible Cream.
  • Best Moisturizer For Dry, Aging Skin: Doctor Rogers Face Cream.

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 is #1 face moisturizer?

Our Top Picks. Best Overall Moisturizer: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer at Amazon $24. Best Budget Moisturizer: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel with Hyaluronic Acid at Amazon $19.

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.

Does your face really need moisturizer?

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 does washing your face with only water do?

Incorporating water-only face washing into your routine, especially in the morning, can help maintain the delicate balance of your skin. While it's essential to remove makeup, sunscreen, and other impurities at the end of the day with a gentle cleanser, starting your day with just water can be surprisingly effective.

What is the best anti-aging serum?

Best anti-aging serum overall

Medik8's Crystal Retinal Serum's hero ingredient is retinaldehyde, which fights wrinkles and fine lines quicker than other commonly used retinols, according to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick.

Which is better, hyaluronic acid serum or moisturizer?

This means that a moisturizer usually won't penetrate the skin as deeply, or as quickly, as a serum will. This can be a double-edged sword: If you're looking for strong effects, you should be relying on your serum, but if you're looking for continuous hydration, that's your moisturizer's job.

What are the disadvantages of face serums?

Drawbacks Of Using Face Serum Every Day
  • Face serums can be more expensive than other skincare products.
  • People with sensitive skin may face irritation, redness or breakouts if the serum's formulation doesn't suit them. ...
  • Even when used daily, you should only use a small amount of serum.

What is the most effective face cream in the world?

Our Top Picks:
  • Best Overall: Dieux Instant Angel, $45.
  • Best for Sensitive Skin: SkinCeuticals A.G.E. ...
  • Best for Dry Skin: Trinny London Bounce Back, $70.
  • Best for Mature Skin: Chanel Le Lift Pro Crème Volume, $200.
  • Best for Oily Skin: Kate Somerville HydraKate Recharging Water Cream Moisturizer, $78.

What do dermatologists recommend for mature skin care?

Look for toners that contain vitamins A, C, and/or E as well as salicylic acid, moisturizers, and hyaluronic acid. There are a variety of serums, oils, and creams that can be used for different issues and types of skin. Anti-aging serums can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and other signs of age.

Is it better to use no products 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.”

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