When should you skip moisturizer?

Author: Ms. Adrianna Leuschke Jr.  |  Last update: Thursday, June 26, 2025

No, you should never avoid using moisturizer in an effort to give your skin a break or let your skin “breathe.” In this post, I'll explain why the consistent use of nighttime moisturizer is critical for hydrated, healthy-looking skin—no matter your skin type!

Is it good to skip moisturizer sometimes?

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.

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.

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.

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).

STOP Moisturising at Night?? #doctorv #skincare

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.

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?

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.

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.

How do I know if I applied too much moisturizer?

If you're unsure, below are common signs of overhydrated skin:
  1. Uneven texture e.g., bumps.
  2. Clogged pores leading to breakouts. ...
  3. Moisturising ingredients won't absorb properly even if the skin feels dry.
  4. Moisturiser sits on top of the face in small blobs.
  5. Tight, desert-dry skin from a compromised skin barrier.

Should you rub moisturiser in or let it soak in?

Creams are best applied by patting them gently into the skin, notes Dr. Mack. Gel or water-based moisturizers should be applied in circular motions until they are completely absorbed.

What is the finger rule for moisturizer?

The “fingertip unit” is used to measure the amount of cream or ointment to be used in dermatology: it is a strip of product squeezed on to the index finger, from the distal crease to the fingertip. With the rule of nines, the body's surface area is divided into 11 areas, each representing roughly 9% of the total (box).

What happens if I suddenly stop using moisturizer?

Your skin wants a layer of moisture, and if it doesn't have it the normal protective barriers and correct pH levels of the skin can be disrupted. This protective layer disruption can come along with dryness, redness, and an overall low level of inflammation in your skin.

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.

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 to reset skin barrier?

How to repair skin barrier?
  1. Always use lukewarm water. ...
  2. Use a mild cleanser. ...
  3. Do not use abrasive scrubs as they can cause micro-tears to the skin's surface. ...
  4. Use fragrance-free skincare products. ...
  5. Don't overdo it when using active ingredients like AHA, BHA, retinol, or anti-acne treatments.

What is skin cycling?

What is skin cycling? If a recent scroll has left you wondering how to skin cycle, you're in the right place. The short answer is this: Skin cycling is a 4-day cycle that strategically plans out when you should exfoliate, when you should use retinol and when you should give your skin a little break.

How do I know if I should stop using a skincare product?

Signs Your Skin Routine Is Damaging Your Skin. Is your skin routine doing your complexion more harm than good? Signs the products you're using are damaging your skin include dryness, breakouts, redness, inflammation and excessive oil.

Is it better to pat dry or rub dry?

Patting dry the skin instead of vigorously rubbing is a gentler and more skin-friendly approach. When you pat dry, especially with a soft towel, you minimize friction and reduce the risk of irritation or damage to the delicate skin barrier.

What happens if you don't moisturize your face after washing it?

Dry and dehydrated skin lacks moisture which makes your skin tight, itchy, and uncomfortable, causing the urge to scratch. Scratching can further irritate the skin and cause damage to it, leading to redness, dry patches, and even infection. To avoid all of these, simply use a moisturiser that suits you!

What is the best natural moisturizer?

You might already have some of them in your pantry!
  • 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 do I know if I'm using too much moisturizer?

Other signs that you've moisturized too much include:
  1. Excess oil – Using too much of the product can cause your skin to look greasier and oilier than usual. ...
  2. Clogged pores – Too much of the product, especially creams or rich formulas, can clog the pores.

What do clogged pores look like?

Clogged pores can look enlarged, bumpy, or, in the case of blackheads, dark in color. The more oil that a person's skin produces, the more likely it is that their pores will become blocked. A person can use skin care techniques and products to manage or clear clogged pores.

What are the signs of a good moisturizer?

Caption Options
  • It shouldn't smell like anything. " Choose a moisturizer that is fragrance-free to minimize risk of irritation, and also look for one that contains SPF to help protect your skin from UV rays. ...
  • A moisturizer should never, ever feel oily. " ...
  • The best facial treatments:

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