Should you apply Moisturizer to your Oily Skin? Here is the truth
Do you have oily skin, and you are wondering if “Should I apply Moisturizer to my oily Skin or skip it?”
Well, I have oily skin, and I am here to clear the confusion for you!
The short answer is, Yes! You should apply moisturizer, even if you have oily skin!
There have been so many people on the Internet advising you to skip moisturizer if you have oily skin.
Last year I went to a dermatologist in the summer when my skin was super oily, you could just see it.
She told me to not apply moisturizer and gave me a new skincare routine that did not include a moisturizer.
And I did not feel good about this,
while Dermatologists are professionals and know a lot about skin, it does not mean they are always right for you
In this post, I am going to cover everything from why you should apply moisturizer even if you have oily skin and product recommendations and oily acne-prone skin with my real Pictures!
Let’s get started!
this post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure here.
But first pin it for later
A Little Back Story on My Skin
I have extremely oily acne-prone skin,
in summer, my skin is extremely oily, whereas, in winter, it is a bit on the normal side
Since I have Oily skin, it tends to be acne-prone too, and mine, combined with other gut and hormonal issues
I struggled with acne too
Last summer, I remember, every time I would touch my face with my finger
The greasy oil would on my fingers, and I would feel uncomfortable all-day
My last to last dermatologist had given me a skincare routine that included a heavy Moisturizer
The moisturizer worked fine in winter and also because, during that time, I was on Accutane ( which makes your skin dry)
My skin got cleared, and I stopped my medication, but my dermatologist at that time told me to continue this Skincare routine
Summer came, and My face got filled with acne breakouts
that’s when I reached out to a new dermatologist
She told me, My skincare routine was not of my skin type which combined with other hormonal reasons, caused this acne.
She told me to skip moisturizer altogether
I followed her routine but felt a little off about not putting moisturizer
That’s when I started doing research and learning about my own skin
And I learned that You can and should put moisturizer even if you have oily skin!
Here you can see my skin back in June 2022. The shine you see is not any glowy product or highlighter-but my oily skin!
I remember feeling so uncomfortable because I could literally touch my skin and feel the greasy oil.
Since it was summer, the oily skin made me sweat even more. My face would be dripping with sweat.
Ps: If you are wondering why do you have oily skin? Here are 11 Most Common Causes of Oily Skin + How to fix
Reason Why you should apply Moisturizer to your Oily Skin
The main reason moisturising your skin is important is because moisturiser helps retain water
1) Moisturizers contain ingredients that help water seep into the skin and keep your skin moisturized
2) Moisturizers also act as a skin barrier to protect your skin from the outer environment like dirt
A moisturizer is thicker than other products like toner and serum, which is why it can build a protective layer on your skin that toners and other products cannot
Even if you have oily skin, you need to apply moisturizer to make sure the water stays locked in your skin, and you don’t lose water
3) Moisturizer also helps keep your skin smooth and away from fine lines!
4) Just because you have oily skin does not mean your skin is not dry in certain areas.
If your skin is not moisturized at all for long period, and you exfoliate your skin a lot
Then your skin will try to produce more sebum instead and making your skin more oily.
5) By applying, a good quality oil-free gel moisturizer, you can reduce the oiliness in your skin!
Which moisturizer is best for oily skin?
Now, I have told you that you should apply moisturizer even if you have oily skin.
Here are a few things to look for in a moisturizer for oily skin
- gel-based
- Lightweight
- easy to absorb
- Non-comedogenic
There are few products I have been loving after switching to a moisturizer that is of my skin type and has been working great.
I will share with you my 4 best moisturizers for oily skin.
1. ISNTREE Hyaluronic Acid Aqua Gel Cream
This is the first moisturizer I switched to after I learned my skin type. It has great reviews that made me buy this, and for the right reason.
The Isntree is a Korean brand and has high-quality clean ingredients
This moisturizer is extremely lightweight and gel-based. The main ingredient in this product is hyaluronic acid which is a humectant that helps, in maintaining the skin’s moisturizer.
2. SEBAMED Clear Face Care Gel
This has been my current favorite as of now! I have repurchased it again this month and will be posting a detailed review soon.
But for the most part, this moisturizer is gel-based and extremely lightweight and soothing.
This product is mainly made for acne-prone skin, so if you have oily and acne-prone skin. You will love this moisturizer.
I usually use actives in the form of serum and spot treatment
So this simple and soothing moisturizer helps me balance my skincare routine.
3. IUNIK Centella Calming Gel Cream
This has been on my list for a while, and I have been trying to get my hands on this, but it is not available in my country
This is a great gel-based and lightweight moisturizer for irritated and sensitive skin!
It has Centella asiatica leaf water, which is anti-inflammatory, tea tree extracts which also help with acne and calm your skin,
and Niacinamide which helps sebum production and reduces oiliness in your skin
Many people with oily and acne-prone skin love this product.
4. Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer
Now if you want to look for a lightweight cream-based moisturizer because you are not a fan of gel-based
Or if you have highly sensitive skin that gets a reaction, or inflamed easily, then, this is the brand for you!
I love Vani cream because it is perfect for those who want clean products that suit sensitive skin.
This moisturizer is non-comedogenic and lightweight. It is non-greasy and gets absorbed fast.
You can go for this in winter when you have oily skin but want something thicker than gel.
How to Moisturize Oily Skin – 11 tips
- 1 Use a Gentle Cleanser
- 2 Opt for light weight soothing moisturizer
- 3 Non comedogenic skincare and make up
- 4 Use the right amount of moisturizer
- 5 You can use actives at night and skip moisturizer (optional)
- 6 Use niacinamide that helps reduce oiliness in skin
- 7 A chemical exfoliant once a week
- 8 Follow a healthy diet
- 9 Don’t over exfoliate your skin, it can cause over sebum production making your skin too oily
- 10 Take time and choose the right Moisturizer for your skin
- 11 Look for words like “oily free”, “lightweight”, “gel” when shopping for a moisturizer
FAQ ABOUT MOISTURIZING OILY SKIN
When should I apply moisturizer to oily skin?
You can apply both in the morning and at night. But given that you are using a gel-based moisturizer that is lightweight on your skin and non-comedogenic.
If you ever feel the need to skip moisturizer in the morning or night, you can! but make sure to apply your serum or toner and then sunscreen (if skipping in the morning)
to lock your skin and protect it from the external environment
If you are just washing your face at night and not applying anything. your skin will be exposed to dirt and moisture in the air, and even your pillow cover may have dirt
That will stick to your skin and further cause breakouts and clog your pores
So, always make sure to apply a serum or toner to lock in your skin if you are skipping moisturizer
Can moisturizer make your skin oily?
It depends!
Let’s say you are using an oil-based moisturizer on your skin when you already have oily skin.
It will make your skin even more oily.
Most importantly if after applying the moisturizer, it does not sink in and gets absorbed. It can make your skin feel oily.
Certain products that contain petrolatum, mineral oil, or petroleum can be heavy and suffocating on oily skin and make your skin more oily.
Is over-moisturizing bad for oily skin?
Over-moisturizing for any skin type is, can be a little bad. While dry skin people tend to moisturize extra like, putting two layers because that is just how dry their skin feels
If you have oily skin and if you are putting too much moisturizer on what your skin needs, it may make your skin feel greasy.
It may cause some breakouts as well
It is important to listen to skin needs and give it exactly that!
Not moisturizing at all, when your skin needs to be moisturized will also affect you.
Can moisturizers cause acne for oily skin?
It depends! From my experience, when I used a moisturizer that was not of my skin type. It caused acne
But when I switched to a gel-based, lightweight moisturizer that is made for my skin type
My skin got cleared, and I don’t break out because of this reason anymore!
So your Oily skin may get acne if
- you are using a heavy moisturizer that is made for dry skin
- It is comedogenic
- Simply the product does not suit your skin, you need to switch to another moisturizer
If you feel your moisturizer is causing you acne, it’s better to test that by removing the product from your routine for a week or two and seeing for yourself.
You may also want to switch to a different product to see if that suits your skin well!
How do you know if you’re over-moisturizing?
If your moisturizer is too heavy or you are applying it more than one time in a row. It would be over-moisturizing
Also, if the quantity of moisturizer you apply is too much, ideally, it should just cover all your face and neck, and too much!
Is moisturizing twice a day too much?
No! Even if you have oily skin, you can and should moisturize both in the morning and at night.
However, if one day you feel like you want to skip it. Then you totally can!
But it is not too much to put moisturizer twice a day given, you are using a gel-based, lightweight moisturizer.
How do you know if a moisturizer is too heavy?
There are a few ways you can know if the moisturizer you are using is too heavy for you
First, it is usually written on the packet or your moisturizer bottle if it is a lightweight or heavy
There are a few words you will find –
Sometimes the skin type is also mentioned
So look out on the packaging if the word, heavy or dry skin or an extra is written. The moisturizer is heavy!
Second, when you touch the moisturizer with your hands, you can feel its texture, heavy light, easy to absorb or stays on your face, and so on.
Third, if you have oily skin and the moisturizer is oil or cream based, it is most likely too heavy for you,
Lastly, you can even put a little on your skin to feel. If it stays or feels heavy, does not absorb that quickly. It is heavy
Does moisturizing make acne worse?
Moisturizing your face generally does not contribute to or make acne worse, but the kind of moisturizer you use can
So if you are using a moisturizer that is not suitable to your skin type and is comedogenic
The ingredients included in your moisturizer are not good
All of this can definitely contribute and make acne worse!
Is it OK to put moisturizer on pimples?
Yes, It’s okay
Alternatively, if you are talking about a pimple on your skin. Then you can apply spot treatment at night and skip moisturizer on that area.
When I have breaks of pimples all over my face, I usually put a spot treatment at night and skip moisturizer.
But in the morning, I apply moisturizer everywhere thoroughly!
Should I stop using moisturizer if I have acne?
No, Don’t stop using moisturizer even if you have acne, It’s a myth!
Moisturizer is important for your skin and can do wonders when used correctly as per your skin type.
Learn what your skin type is and find a moisturizer that is non-comedogenic and has good ingredients.
Conclusion
I know there is so much confusion out there when it comes to oily skin! We keep wondering if we should apply moisturizer or skip it.
The best way to solve this confusion is to look for an oil-free gel moisturizer that is light for you!
I hope this post helped you clear your doubts!
Like this Post? Pin it for Later!
If you like this, you will love–
- 13 Best Korean Skincare Products for Acne Scars and Dark Spots
- How to fade acne scars and pigmentation – 5 Best ingredients
- 13 Best Tips to get rid of Pimples fast in 2024
- 11 Most Common Causes of Oily Skin + How to fix
- 23 Common Myths about Skin Care you must know
Follow me On Pinterest
