Why Everyone Needs to Exfoliate and Moisturize — Yes, Everyone

One of the biggest skincare myths we hear all the time is:

“I don’t need to exfoliate — my skin’s too dry.”
“I don’t need moisturizer — my skin’s too oily.”

We get it. It seems logical. But here’s the truth: no matter your skin type — dry, oily, sensitive, or combination — exfoliating and moisturizing are non-negotiable. They’re the foundation of every healthy skin routine.

Let’s break it down.

Exfoliation: The Reset Button Your Skin Craves

Our skin naturally sheds dead cells, but that process slows down as we age (and even faster when we’re stressed, tired, or dehydrated). When dead skin piles up, everything looks a little dull — your products don’t absorb as well, and your makeup doesn’t sit quite right.

That’s where exfoliation comes in. It’s like a gentle reset button that clears away the buildup and helps reveal fresh, healthy skin underneath.

• If you’re oily: Exfoliating keeps pores clear and helps control breakouts.

• If you’re dry or sensitive: It removes the flaky surface cells that block hydration, allowing your moisturizer to actually do its job.

• If you’re combination or aging: It evens texture, brightens tone, and helps renew that glow we all want.

The key is finding the right exfoliant — not the harsh, gritty kind that makes your skin feel squeaky-clean (and stripped), but a balanced one like ZO’s Exfoliation Accelerator or Alumier’s Bright & Clear Solution that uses chemical exfoliants to gently encourage cell turnover.

Moisturizing: The Step You Can’t Skip

Hydration is what keeps your skin resilient, balanced, and calm. Even if you’re oily, your skin still needs moisture — in fact, skipping it can make oil production worse. When your skin feels stripped, it overcompensates by producing more sebum, leading to even more shine or breakouts.

Think of moisturizer as your skin’s protective hug. It locks in hydration, seals your barrier, and helps every product underneath work better.

• Dry skin: Look for richer creams that restore your lipid barrier (like ZO Hydrating Cream or Hydrinity Restorative HA Serum).

• Oily skin: Choose lightweight, oil-free hydrators that balance without clogging pores (try Alastin Ultra Light Moisturizer).

• Sensitive skin: Keep it simple — fragrance-free, soothing, and barrier-supportive.

The Bottom Line

Exfoliate to renew.
Moisturize to protect.
Both are essential, no matter what your skin type is.

Healthy skin isn’t about doing more, it’s about doing the right things — consistently.

That’s why at The Skin Pantry, every routine we build includes some form of gentle exfoliation and barrier-protective hydration. Because glowing skin doesn’t happen by accident — it happens by design.