diff --git a/pkg/utils/apply/patch.go b/pkg/utils/apply/patch.go
index dc2f0eb6e..4fc074d94 100644
--- a/pkg/utils/apply/patch.go
+++ b/pkg/utils/apply/patch.go
@@ -164,7 +164,7 @@ func getOriginalConfiguration(obj runtime.Object) ([]byte, error) {
 		return nil, nil
 	}
 	original, ok := annots[oam.AnnotationLastAppliedConfig]
-	if !ok {
+	if !ok || original == "-" || original == "skip" {
 		return nil, nil
 	}
 	return []byte(original), nil