Will I break out if I don't moisturize?

Author: Prof. Rosamond Bartoletti Sr.  |  Last update: Friday, November 21, 2025

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.

Can you break out from not moisturizing?

Yes, avoiding moisturizer on oily skin can actually make pimples worse. When you skip moisturizer, your skin may compensate by producing even more oil, leading to clogged pores and increased acne breakouts. It's important to use an oil-free, non-c...

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 skipping moisturizer cause acne?

Without water content, the sebaceous gland will produce even more oil as a result, creating a cycle. Using a moisturizer for oily skin allows the regulation of oil production based on ensuring adequate hydration. It causes a lot of problems such as increased sensitivity, acne, and breakouts.

Is not moisturizing good for acne?

Using a moisturizer can help prevent dryness and irritation, and lower the risk of acne. If you have oily skin, keeping your skin hydrated and your skin barrier healthy can help prevent redness and inflammation, which may reduce acne. Many acne medications can also cause dryness, redness, and irritation.

how i repaired my skin barrier (not sponsored)

Is it better to dry out acne or moisturize it?

Drying out your pimples can actually be a safer zit-busting strategy than popping them, as doing so with the help of anti-acne ingredients can help rid the pores of excess sebum and oil, which can trigger new breakouts.

Is it better not to moisturize your face?

Some people can get away with using little to no moisturizer because of their skin type or genetics. Experts say facial moisturizers have benefits beyond hydrating skin regardless of skin type, but try to stay away from additive ingredients such as fragrances, parabens, and alcohol.

Should I moisturize if I'm breaking out?

A moisturizer is an essential part of any skincare routine, even if you're struggling with acne blemishes.

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.

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).

Is it OK to skip moisturizer?

Oily skin is characterized by excess sebum production, which can lead to a shiny appearance, clogged pores, and a higher likelihood of developing acne. While it may be tempting to skip moisturizers to reduce perceived greasiness, this can actually do more harm than good.

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.

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.

What happens if I don't use facial 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.

Does ice help acne?

Ice doesn't necessarily help clear up acne or pimples — particularly if you're suffering from cystic and nodular acne — but it can help inflammation. This works because acne is an inflammatory condition meaning that it causes flare-ups that contribute to swelling and redness.

How long do quit zits last?

If you don't naturally have acne-prone skin, these pimples will spontaneously disappear after a few weeks or months. As with the duration of your nicotine withdrawal, the time it takes for this symptom to appear varies depending on your consumption, years of smoking, and your age.

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.

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.

Can I skip moisturizer if I have acne?

Should I Use Moisturizer Every Day Even If I Have Acne? Yes, you should absolutely use a moisturizer every day, regardless of whether you have acne-prone skin or not.

Is vaseline good for acne?

Does Vaseline® Jelly Help Acne? Although Vaseline® Healing Jelly doesn't directly treat acne, its protective formula means it could help your skin recover faster from a breakout.

How do I moisturize my face without breaking out?

Don't use harsh astringents or alcohol-based toners, which can strip the skin of its natural moisture. Choose moisturizers that are labeled “non-comedogenic.” This means that the product won't clog your pores or contribute to acne breakouts.

What happened when I stopped using skin care products?

Increased Acne And Breakouts

For those prone to acne, adhering to a skincare routine is crucial for managing breakouts. Regular use of repairing serums helps control acne as well as prevent future breakouts. Skipping your skincare routine can potentially trigger or worsen acne outbreaks.

What if I never use lotion?

What happens when you don't moisturise. Not taking care of your skin causes it to become rough, dry and dehydrated. Shrivelled skin is also an indicator of poor health. Moisturising daily is a must if you want supple, healthy skin, and as we said above, skipping days can make a difference.

What happens when you don't moisturize your face at night?

When the moisture barrier is disrupted, it can lead to all sorts of issues, including redness, tightness, itchiness, flaking, and atopic dermatitis. A good nighttime moisturizer can provide much-needed moisture to support the barrier and prevent transepidermal water loss.

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