I Stopped Using Moisturizer for 30 Days — My Skin Has Never Looked Better

For my entire adult life, one skincare rule held immense importance: never, ever skip moisturizing. I regarded it as the crucial final step to retain hydration and maintain my skin’s health. However, after years of diligently applying creams, I Stopped Using Moisturizer. I wondered, what if my skin had become complacent?

What if it had become so reliant on external assistance that it had forgotten its ability to hydrate itself independently?

This question inspired me to try a minimalist approach called “skin fasting.” For 30 days, I completely stopped using moisturizer. I was terrified that my face would become dry and flaky. Surprisingly, the reality was far more astonishing.

Why I Stopped Using Moisturizer And Try ‘Skin Fasting’

The core idea behind skin fasting is to give your skin a break, allowing it to “reset” and strengthen its natural barrier. 

By eliminating products like moisturizers, you encourage your skin to relearn how to regulate its own oil (sebum) production and maintain its moisture levels. Personally, I considered it a risk worth taking, especially since I had combination skin that was prone to both oily patches and sporadic breakouts.

The Toughest Part: What Happens in the First 2 Weeks

I won’t pretend that the initial phase was easy; it was indeed a challenge.

• Week 1: The Dry Spell: My skin felt tight and looked dull. I had to resist the urge to grab my moisturizer a dozen times a day. It was clear my skin was in withdrawal.
• Week 2: The “Purge”: As my skin’s oil production kicked into overdrive to compensate, I experienced a few breakouts along my jawline. This is a normal part of the rebalancing process, but it tested my patience.

The Surprising Benefits After One Month

After enduring the challenging initial two weeks, the rewards were more than worth it.

1. My biggest win was experiencing far fewer breakouts. My pores appeared smaller, and the constant, low-grade acne I had been battling vanished. I realized that many of the rich creams I used were likely clogging my pores.
2. My skin paradoxically became less oily. Once it realized it didn’t need to overcompensate for being stripped and then re-coated in heavy cream, my sebum production calmed down.
3. My skin’s texture became smoother, and it developed a natural, healthy sheen that no highlighter could replicate. It looked and felt balanced for the first time in years.

My 5 Rules for Quitting Moisturizer Safely

If you’re interested in trying skin fasting, please proceed with caution. This is the straightforward and safe framework I adhered to.

1. Start gradually. Instead of quitting moisturizer abruptly, skip it every other night for a week to allow your skin to adjust gradually.
2. Hydrate from Within: This is an absolute must. I’ve significantly increased my water intake. Remember, healthy skin begins from the inside out.
3. Use a gentle cleanser: Harsh soaps can strip your skin of its natural oils. I opted for a mild, pH-balanced, non-foaming cleanser to protect my skin’s natural barrier. 
4. Nourish Your Skin with Your Diet: I made a conscious effort to incorporate foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids into my diet, such as walnuts, flaxseeds, and fish, which are renowned for their skin-nourishing properties.
5. Sunscreen is mandatory, and skipping moisturizer doesn’t mean skipping sun protection. I used a lightweight, non-comedogenic sunscreen every single morning without fail.

A Crucial Warning: Is This Right for You?

It’s not suitable for everyone. Dermatologists and sources like Harvard Health advise against trying this if you have:

• Eczema, Rosacea, or Psoriasis: These conditions involve a compromised skin barrier that requires consistent moisturization and medical care.
• Naturally Dry or Dehydrated Skin: If your skin doesn’t produce much oil to begin with, this could lead to significant irritation and damage.
• A Harsh Climate: If you live in a very dry or cold climate (like North India in the winter), your skin may need the extra protection a moisturizer provides.

Skin fasting is an ideal practice for individuals with normal, combination, or oily skin who feel their skin has become overly reliant on skincare products.

Frequently Asked Questions

Stopping moisturizer was a transformative experience for my skin. It taught me that my skin is intelligent and capable of taking care of itself. By stepping back and giving it space, I allowed it to find its own balance. This experience showed me that sometimes, less truly is more in skincare.