Do you ever wake up in the morning and want to roll out of bed and head out the door without having to fuss with a whole skincare routine?
Those days when you wonder: Is it okay to skip moisturizer in the morning… or will I pay for it twice over later?
Yeah, I’ve been there.
But before you skip the moisturizer, here’s the thing.
Moisturizing isn’t just about making your skin feel soft and smooth, it’s actually an important step in maintaining healthy skin.
When you moisturize, you’re helping to keep your skin hydrated and protected from environmental factors like the sun, pollution, and harsh weather conditions.
Plus, moisturizing can even help prevent signs of aging and improve the overall appearance of your skin.
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So, let’s discuss the importance of moisturizing, when to moisturize, and whether it’s okay to skip moisturizer in the morning.
Is it okay to skip moisturizer in the morning?
While skipping moisturizer in the morning may seem like a time-saver or a way to avoid a greasy feeling, it’s important to remember that moisturizer plays a crucial role in keeping your skin healthy and hydrated.
By skipping moisturizer, you may be missing out on important benefits like protection from the sun, added hydration, and a smoother, more even complexion.
See also: Can you skip moisturizer and just use sunscreen?
Of course, there are both pros and cons to skipping moisturizer, so let’s break it down.
Pros
- On one hand, skipping moisturizer in the morning can save you some time and effort in your skincare routine.
- Plus, if you have naturally oily skin, you may not need as much hydration in the morning as someone with dry skin.
- So, if you’re in a rush or just not feeling up to your full skincare routine, it may be okay to skip the moisturizer.
Cons
- As I mentioned earlier, moisturizer helps to hydrate and protect your skin from environmental stressors.
- So, if you skip it, you may be exposing your skin to damage from things like the sun or pollution.
- Plus, if you’re prone to dryness or flakiness, skipping moisturizer can make those issues worse.
Of course, every person’s skin is unique, so it’s important to listen to your skin and adjust your routine accordingly.
But in general, if you want to keep your skin looking and feeling its best, it’s better not to skip moisturizer in the morning.
Why is moisturizing important?
When you moisturize, you’re helping to lock in moisture and keep your skin hydrated.
This is crucial because when your skin is dehydrated, it can become dry, flaky, and even itchy.
However, moisturizing isn’t just about preventing dryness; it can provide many benefits for your skin.
The benefits of moisturizing
For starters, it can help to improve the overall appearance of your skin by reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
It can also help to even out your skin tone and give your skin a healthy glow.
Plus, it can even help to soothe irritated or inflamed skin.
The negative effects of skipping moisturizer
Now, on the flip side, if you tend to always skip using a moisturizer, you’re setting yourself up for some negative consequences.
Without proper hydration, your skin can become more prone to wrinkles, fine lines, and other signs of aging.
Plus, it can even lead to acne, as your skin tries to overcompensate for the lack of moisture by producing more oil.
So, moisturize.
So when should you moisturize?
Now that you know how important it is to moisturize, let’s talk about when you should be doing it.
The best times to moisturize
The best times to moisturize are right after you shower or wash your face, as this is when your skin is most receptive to hydration.
So, make sure to have your moisturizer on hand and ready to go right after you’ve finished cleansing.
The ideal routine for moisturizing
As for the ideal routine for moisturizing, it’s pretty simple.
First, you’ll want to cleanse your face or body to remove any sweat, oil makeup etc.
Then, apply your moisturizer while your skin is still damp, as this will help to lock in moisture.
If you’re using a facial moisturizer, make sure to apply it all over your face and neck.
And if you’re using a body moisturizer, be sure to apply it all over your arms, legs, and torso.
Moisturizing in the morning vs nighttime
When it comes to morning vs. nighttime moisturizing, there are some slight differences.
In the morning, you’ll want to opt for a lighter moisturizer that won’t leave your skin feeling greasy or heavy.
This will help to create a smooth base for makeup application if that’s part of your routine.
At night, however, you can go for a heavier moisturizer that will deeply hydrate your skin as you sleep.
So, to sum it up: moisturize right after cleansing, apply while your skin is still damp, and opt for a lighter moisturizer in the morning and a heavier one at night. Easy peasy!
Times you may need to skip moisturizer in the morning
Now, there are some situations where it may be necessary to skip using a moisturizer in the morning.
For example, if you’re going to be spending a lot of time outside in the sun, you may want to opt for a moisturizer with SPF instead.
Or, if you’re going to be wearing a lot of makeup, you may want to skip moisturizer to prevent your makeup from sliding around or feeling too heavy on your skin.
Skipping moisturizer in the morning can save time, but it may not be the best thing for your skin in the long run.
However, there are some situations where it may be necessary or even preferable to skip moisturizer.
Use your best judgment and do what’s best for your skin.
Moisturizers for different skin types
Dry skin
If you struggle with dryness, look for a moisturizer that contains hyaluronic acid, which is a super hydrating ingredient that can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water.
A great option is the Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Cream
Oily skin
If you have oily skin, you’ll want to look for a lightweight moisturizer that won’t leave your skin feeling greasy.
The Tatcha The Water Cream is a great option, as it’s oil-free and helps to mattify your skin.
Sensitive skin
If you have sensitive skin, you’ll want to look for a moisturizer that’s gentle and won’t cause irritation.
The La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer is a great choice, as it’s fragrance-free and contains soothing ingredients like niacinamide and ceramides.
Mature skin
If you’re looking to fight signs of aging, look for a moisturizer that contains retinol, which can help to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
The Sunday Riley A+ High-Dose Retinoid Serum is a great option, as it contains a high concentration of retinol to help improve skin texture and tone.
