If you have oily skin, you’ve probably experienced a fair share of breakouts. That’s because the extra oil on your skin can mix with dead skin cells and other debris to clog your pores, resulting in blackheads and whiteheads.
You may have heard that people with oily skin should avoid moisturizers, but even oily skin needs moisturizer! Why? Find out now…
Don’t skip your moisturizer
The benefits of moisturizing can’t be overstated! Moisturizers are a vital part of the ideal skincare routine for oily, acne-prone skin and can even contribute to an overall decrease in oiliness by helping your skin retain water.
If you don’t moisturize, your skin may continue to overproduce oil to compensate for the lack of hydration – especially if you already use several active ingredients or more than one type of BHA or AHA to treat your acne. However, you don’t just want any moisturizer — you want a moisturizer for oily skin.
Familiarize yourself with product descriptors and ingredients
When looking for the best moisturizer for acne-prone skin, pay special attention to certain keywords. You’ll want to find products that are oil-free, non-comedogenic or ultra-light. These words indicate that the texture of the product is made for oily skin. Words like rich, heavy or creamy indicate the product is made for dry skin.
Next, turn your attention to the specific ingredients on the labels.
Salicylic acid is a chemical exfoliant that gently removes the upper layer of dead skin cells and oil to help keep your pores clear. This is ideal for oily skin because preventing your pores from getting clogged is one of the top priorities for acne prevention.
Another great ingredient for oily skin is hyaluronic acid, which has earned its way into many moisturizers. This ingredient is especially good for oily skin because it hydrates without that heavy, greasy feeling.
Skin hydration tips
Skin hydration is about more than a moisturizer! Here are some quick tips to help keep your skin hydrated:
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1. Always apply sunscreen.
You may fear sunscreen’s oily look, but using non-comedogenic SPF is very important to maintain your skin’s moisture barrier. Without it, skin can get irritated or burnt, which can lead to the production of more oil.
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2. Don’t overdo the exfoliants.
Since exfoliants remove the layer of oil on your skin, you might be tempted to use them frequently to reduce shine. But using them too frequently can leave your skin without vital moisture, leading to more oil. Try cleansing with the Ultra-Gentle Cleanser in the ProactivMD® 3-Piece System to carefully wash away dirt and oil without stripping your skin.
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3. Drink lots of water.
Drinking adequate water each day will give your body the tools it needs to hydrate itself and allow the products you use to operate under the most ideal conditions to get the job done.
The bottom line
Even oily skin needs a moisturizer, but some moisturizers do more for oily skin than others. Experience the healthy look and feel that comes from using the Proactiv® acne treatment system that’s right for your unique skin.
