It depends. While using both a serum and a moisturizer is generally recommended for optimal skin hydration and health, skipping moisturizer after a serum is sometimes acceptable.
When You Can Skip Moisturizer
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Moisturizing Serums: If your serum already contains hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or other humectants, it may provide sufficient hydration, especially for those with oily or combination skin. This is supported by the statement, "it's not strictly necessary when you are using a moisturizing face serum." However, even with a hydrating serum, some individuals may still benefit from a moisturizer to lock in hydration. As one source noted, "HA [hyaluronic acid] will rather absorb moisture from the air if you skip moisturizer".
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Oily Skin: Individuals with naturally oily skin may find that a serum alone is enough to keep their skin adequately moisturized. A source confirms that "Skipping moisturizer after a serum can be acceptable for oily skin, especially if the serum provides sufficient hydration."
When You Shouldn't Skip Moisturizer
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Dry or Dehydrated Skin: If you have dry or dehydrated skin, skipping moisturizer is generally not recommended. A moisturizer is crucial for providing an additional layer of hydration and preventing dryness and irritation. This is reinforced by the statement that "Moisturizing is a crucial part of skin care."
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Active Ingredients: Serums with active ingredients like retinol or vitamin C can sometimes be drying or irritating. A moisturizer acts as a buffer, protecting the skin from potential irritation and helping to improve tolerance of these active ingredients. This is implied in multiple sources advising the use of moisturizer after vitamin C serum, and one source mentioning moisturizing after retinol to avoid irritation.
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Improved Product Absorption & Effectiveness: Moisturizer can help to improve the absorption and effectiveness of the serum by creating a better environment for penetration.
In summary, consider your skin type and the specific ingredients in your serum. If your serum is hydrating and your skin is oily, you might be able to skip moisturizer. However, for most skin types and serum types, using both serum and moisturizer is the best approach for optimal skin health.
