What could happen if you never applied moisturizer to your face?

It's hard to avoid constant reminders about the importance of moisturizing your skin—whether on TV, the Internet, or in magazines. Nobody likes dealing with dry skin, but are we simply being swayed by marketing tactics to sell more products? Why all the fuss about moisturizers?

Moisturizers come in two types: humectants and emollients. Humectants attract water from the deeper layers of the skin (the dermis) and the environment to hydrate the outer skin layer (the epidermis). Glycerin is an example of a humectant. Emollients, on the other hand, smooth and soften the skin while locking in moisture. They can be oil-based or water-based and include substances like petroleum jelly, carrier oils, or synthetic ingredients like silicone oils and isopropyl myristate. Most moisturizers are emollient creams containing humectants, so you don't have to pick one over the other.

The skin naturally produces an oil called sebum, which is made by small sebaceous glands within each hair follicle. As sebum rises to the surface, it carries away dead skin cells and dirt. Once it reaches the skin's surface, it forms a protective barrier that shields us from viruses and bacteria. But if our skin produces oil naturally, why should we apply more?

When we wash our faces, we remove this oily layer, leaving our skin vulnerable to allergens and foreign microscopic agents. It also makes the skin more exposed to environmental stressors, pollution, and the harmful effects of cigarette smoke, which can cause premature aging and irritation. By gently cleansing our faces and applying a layer of moisturizer, which also helps seal any tiny gaps in the skin's defenses, we maintain hydrated, healthy, and beautiful skin.

However, it's important to avoid moisturizing your face without regularly washing it. Doing so would simply add a layer of oil, dead skin, and dirt, which can lead to blocked pores and an increase in acne breakouts.

But what would happen if you never moisturized your face, regardless of your washing habits or skin type? Keep reading to find out more.

My Way or the Dry Way

Just as moisturizers come in various forms, so do faces. Some individuals have naturally dry skin, while others battle excessive oiliness. Some skin types are highly sensitive to allergens or changes in weather, and others may have a combination of these characteristics. Those fortunate enough have "normal" skin, which isn't too dry or too oily.

If your skin is too dry, it would struggle greatly without moisturizing. Dry skin occurs when your skin doesn't produce enough sebum. Factors like cold or hot weather (or low humidity) can worsen the dryness. Without extra moisture, your skin would crack, itch, flake, and feel tight and red. Over time, your face would age prematurely, becoming rougher in texture.

For those with oily skin, the issue is too much sebum production. The excess oil leads to acne and a shiny complexion, requiring harsher cleansers that strip the oil away. This constant removal of oil results in periods of extreme dryness, leaving the skin vulnerable to environmental stress. Avoiding moisturizers won’t solve acne, and it could lead to early aging and irritation.

Sensitive skin is easily irritated and turns red quickly. Dryness can trigger reactions, as can the wrong moisturizer, especially if it contains fragrances. If left unchecked, dryness can worsen sensitive skin problems, making it harder to maintain a healthy appearance and causing significant discomfort.

Skipping moisturizers would have similar consequences for normal skin, though the effects would be less severe.

If you plan on moisturizing your skin for life, make sure you do it correctly. Moisturizer helps prevent the water already on your skin from evaporating. To get the most out of it, apply your moisturizer within three minutes of showering [source: American Academy of Dermatology]. Gently pat your face dry after washing, then apply the moisturizer. Applying it to a dry face can lock out moisture and make the skin even drier.

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