---
title: "Should Oily Skin Skip Moisturizer? The Truth"
url: https://schoolofdermatology.com/myth-vs-fact/oily-skin-doesnt-need-moisturizer
description: "Dermatologists explain why oily skin still needs moisturizer and how skipping it makes oil production worse."
lang: en
---

Image: Oily Skin Doesn't Need Moisturizer (https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1556228578-0d85b1a4d571?w=800&h=400&fit=crop&fm=webp)

Myth vs. Fact (https://schoolofdermatology.com/myth-vs-fact)

# Oily Skin Doesn't Need Moisturizer

MYTH

By Jamie Reeves, Licensed Esthetician August 5, 2024 4 min read

## The Claim

"If your skin is oily you should skip moisturizer to avoid making it worse."

## The Science

This is one of the most damaging skincare myths, and it leads to a vicious cycle of worsening oil production. When you strip your skin of moisture — either by skipping moisturizer or over-cleansing — the skin's barrier function is compromised. In response, your sebaceous glands ramp up oil production to compensate for the perceived lack of hydration.

The result is skin that feels even oilier than before, which leads people to strip it further, creating a feedback loop. Dermatologists consistently recommend that oily skin types use a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer to maintain barrier integrity and actually regulate sebum production.

Look for gel-based or water-based moisturizers containing ingredients like niacinamide, which has been shown to reduce sebum production, or hyaluronic acid, which hydrates without adding any oiliness. The goal is to hydrate the skin without occluding pores.

### Key Takeaway

Skipping moisturizer causes the skin to overproduce oil to compensate. Lightweight oil-free moisturizers actually help regulate sebum production.

## Related Articles

Ingredients

### Niacinamide: The Overachiever Ingredient That Does Everything

Niacinamide is one of the few ingredients that genuinely does almost everything it claims. Here's the evidence behind the hype.

Jamie Reeves · 8 min read
https://schoolofdermatology.com/articles/ingredients/niacinamide-overachiever-ingredient

Skin Concerns

### Why Your Skin Gets Oilier When You Moisturize

It sounds counterintuitive, but skipping moisturizer can actually make oily skin worse. Here's the physiological explanation — and what to do about it.

Jamie Reeves · 8 min read
https://schoolofdermatology.com/articles/skin-concerns/why-skin-oilier-when-moisturize

Skin Concerns

### How to Actually Repair Your Skin Barrier

If your skin is red, stinging, and reactive to everything — your barrier is probably compromised. Here's how to repair it based on actual dermatological science.

Jamie Reeves · 8 min read
https://schoolofdermatology.com/articles/skin-concerns/how-to-repair-skin-barrier

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