What’s the Best Moisturizer for Oily Skin?
Oily skin types are generally characterized by excess sebum, or oil, production that may even leave the skin shiny. Common concerns for oily skin include clogged pores and acne, due to the extra oil that can easily trap acne-causing bacteria inside of pores, leading to breakouts. With these concerns, many oily skin types believe that they should never use a moisturizer.
However, dry climates, cold winter weather, certain medications, and other factors can cause even oily skin to become more dry than it normally is. In these instances, using a moisturizer can help – but it is very important that you choose the right moisturizer for your skin type. Keep these tips in mind when choosing the best moisturizer for oily skin.
Look for Moisturizers with Hyaluronic Acid or Antioxidants
The best moisturizer for your oily skin will depend on your Baumann Skin Type. Generally speaking, I like to recommend hyaluronic acid and antioxidant moisturizers for oily skin types. Hyaluronic acid is a type of humectant that binds to up to 1,000 times its molecular weight in water. When used on your skin, this ingredient can pull moisture from the atmosphere to hydrate your skin without being too heavy.
Similarly, antioxidant creams like Essopi Triple Antioxidant Cream offer the benefit of light hydration, in addition to neutralizing free radicals and helping to protect against signs of aging.
In general, oily skin types should stay away from very thick, heavy moisturizers, unless your specific skin type or concern calls for a barrier repair moisturizer. These issues are more common among dry skin types, however, as dry skin naturally produces less sebum than is needed for healthy skin barrier function.
Avoid Comedogenic Ingredients
Comedogenic ingredients are known to cause comedones, or clogged pores, and are found in some moisturizers, as well as hair care and other personal care products. If you find that your acne and clogged pores have suddenly become worse, see if any of these ingredients are in any products that you might have recently added your skincare routine.
Common comedogenic ingredients:
- Coconut oil
- Isopropyl myristate
- Polyethylene glycol
- Red dyes
Adjust Your Regimen as Needed
Most oily skin types do not need to use a daily moisturizer all the time. However, this can depend on where you live or where you are traveling to. Depending on the climate, weather, and other factors, you may need to adjust your skincare regimen. For example, oily skin types who live in humid climates may not need to use a daily moisturizer at all. But when you travel to a very dry climate that your skin isn’t used to, you might need to add a moisturizer in the evening.
Similarly, some oily skin types may not need to use a moisturizer at all in the summer, when the weather tends to be more humid in many climates. However, you may notice that your skin begins to feel dry in the winter, when the air contains less moisture. In this case, you may need to add a moisturizer formulated for your skin type to your regimen during the colder months.
If you are unsure about how to adjust your skincare routine for varying climates or seasonal weather changes, ask your dermatologist at your next appointment.
Do Not Rely on a Moisturizer for SPF
Despite the growing number of two-in-one options available, moisturizers that contain SPF are not the best choice, unless you are pairing them with a stand-alone sunscreen. Most people do not apply nearly enough product in order to get the SPF protection listed on the bottle – and if you have oily skin, you are even less likely to apply enough moisturizer to get the SPF you need, since your skin is not very dry and does not usually need much moisturizer.
Instead, I recommend using two separate products: a moisturizer and a sunscreen. The same goes for foundations, concealers, and other makeup products that contain SPF. These provide a false sense of security and do not offer the protection you think you are getting.
If you are concerned about sunscreen causing breakouts, try EltaMD. Many of my patients with acne-prone skin have used this sunscreen and have seen excellent results.
In Summary
Oily skin types have unique needs when searching for the proper moisturizer. Once you know your Baumann Skin Type, you can work with your STS-approved physician to select the right products for your specific skin concerns.
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