Raechele Cochran Gathers, MD Do moisturizers make your skin breakout? For many of us, putting moisturizer on skin that gets shiny, oily and is acne prone just feels wrong. It seems intuitive, right? Why put moisturizer on your face if you’re usually an oil slick by noon? The truth is though, using a moisturizer is important. However, it’s important to find the right moisturizer.
Why Moisturizers are Important
Most dermatologists agree that using a daily moisturizer is important for your skin. Adequate moisture and water content in the skin is necessary to reduce and loosen sebum (oil) build up, so that your pores will be less likely to become clogged.
Not moisturizing your skin and providing it with adequate hydration can also cause your sebum production to go into overdrive, producing more oil. And when thick sebum is allowed to build up, it can clog the pores and make you more prone to acne.
Many acne medications work by reducing oil production and drying pimples. So, if you’re acne prone, and using medications to treat your acne, moisturizers are especially important because you need to restore the skin’s natural hydration balance. Dry skin is more prone to inflammation and irritation, which will just make your acne worse.
What Type of Moisturizer Should I Use?
Using the wrong type of moisturizer can make your skin break out, so it’s important to choose your moisturizer carefully. When choosing a moisturizer, you need to look at the ingredients and know what your skin needs.
If you are acne prone or oily, it’s important to choose an oil free light weight, gel or water-based moisturizer that is non-comedogenic. Heavy creams and oil moisturizers could worsen your acne. Also, look for ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid, which help your skin maintain its barrier and maintain a healthy water balance.
If you’re acne prone, gentle exfoliants like glycolic acid and lactic acid can help remove old debris from your skin and brighten your complexion. Another ingredient to look for in your moisturizer is niacinamide, which helps reduce the appearance of pores, decrease inflammation and dark spots; and help your skin’s natural barrier.
What Ingredients Should I Avoid?
If you’re acne prone, you should avoid heavy creams and oils. Look for moisturizers that are labeled ‘non comedogenic.’ Avoid pore clogging ingredients like petroleum, mineral oil or silicone. You might also want to steer clear of artificial fragrances, since these might irritate some people with sensitive skin.
Good Moisturizers for Acne Prone Skin
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
This popular brand is non-comedogenic and contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid. It also contains sunscreen which can help brighten your skin and keep your complexion even.
Buy it: amazon.com
Neutrogena Oil-Free Facial Moisturizer SPF 15
This oil free and fragrance-free moisturizer is a popular recommendation among dermatologists. It contains no alcohol, which can irritate sensitive and acne prone skin.
Buy it: amazon.com
Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF 30
This is a light, oil free daily moisturizer that also contains total soy complex which can help lighten discoloration on the face and improve skin texture
Buy it: amazon.com
Conclusion
Using a moisturizer is important for all skin types. Adequately moisturized skin can help prevent and heal inflammation and breakouts—but you’ll need to make sure that you’re using the right moisturizing products!
