Moisturizer For Oily Skin: Do or Don’t?

How typical is this? You wake up in the morning, do your skin care routine, and minutes later, just when you are about to go out, BOOM, your skin is already oily. 

Many oily skinners think that they do not need to moisturize at the end of their routine because their skin is already producing too much oil and adding more could clog pores and generate acne. But actually, even if your skin is on the oilier side, it's important to use a moisturizer! 

Why? Let us give you a quick overview:  

First of all, even though you have oily skin, that doesn't mean your skin isn't dry in certain areas. Your skin could be dry in patches and still be overall oily - it's not one or the other. 

Secondly, using a good-quality oil-free moisturizer can actually help to control oil production and help with skin hydration.

So, are you suffering from excess oil in your face and don’t know how to moisturize it? Fear not! In this blog, we'll tell you everything you need to know about the best moisturizer for oily skin. We'll also reveal our top tips for keeping your skin as oil-free as possible. So, whether you're a skincare newbie or a pro, read on for all the info you need!

But first: Why does my skin get so oily?

Oily skin is characterized by an excess of sebaceous glands producing too much sebum, an oily substance that not only lubricates and waterproofs the skin but also helps protect against environmental stressors like pollution and bacteria. A well-balanced oil level is key to maintaining skin health and preventing infections.

Oily skin tends to possess a shiny appearance, larger pores, and a greater predisposition toward acne, contrasting with normal skin, which has balanced sebum production and a healthy glow, dry skin that lacks oil and feels taut, and combination skin that displays characteristics of both oily and dry skin types.

That definition is kind of confusing, right?

Let’s simplify it: imagine cooking your favorite dish. You add oil, but if you add too much, the food becomes greasy instead of absorbing the oil. It’s similar for those with oily or acne-prone skin! When you have this skin type, your face overproduces natural oils that cannot be adequately absorbed.

So, what are the top reasons why your skin becomes oily?

It's a question many have pondered, particularly during high humidity months or the days leading up to menstruation. What causes this sudden surge in oil production?

Several factors contribute to excess oil production, including hormone fluctuations, specific products, environmental influences, and genetics:

Hormone Imbalances

Hormones significantly influence the amount of oil our skin produces. For instance, during puberty, hormonal changes can lead to increased natural oil production and oiliness.

If you suspect hormone imbalance is an issue, consider consulting your doctor or a board-certified dermatologist for insights tailored to your situation.

Comedogenic Products

Comedogenic products are a significant concern for those with oily skin. These ingredients can clog pores, contribute to acne, and disrupt your skin’s barrier. It’s crucial to avoid heavy oils and certain silicones, while opting for non-comedogenic products that include beneficial ingredients like salicylic acid, clay, and niacinamide.

Remember, choosing products suitable for your specific skin type is paramount to avoid potential adverse effects.

Stress and Lifestyle Factors

Stressors—such as college exams, job pressures, or dietary changes—can be significant contributors to oily skin. Incorporating stress-relief practices like yoga, meditation, or regular exercise may help stabilize hormone levels and reduce oiliness. Additionally, maintaining a diet rich in vegetables, lean proteins, and hydration can support skin health.

Genetics

Genetics can play a major role in skin type; some people might naturally have oily skin, which is often unchangeable. However, managing your skin with the right products, including oil-free skincare products, can effectively reduce oiliness while maintaining skin health.

What is moisturizer used for?: The real deal for oily skin

Facial moisturizers play a crucial role in hydrating the skin by locking in water at the outer layer. They also help to preserve and restore the skin's barrier function.

Moisturizers come in various forms, but they share the same goal: to keep your skin healthy by preventing moisture loss!

A common query regarding moisturizers is why they can sometimes leave the skin feeling overly oily. This often occurs when individuals use products unsuitable for their skin type or fail to cleanse their faces properly before application.

If you have oily skin, selecting a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer is essential to avoid a greasy feel. Look for products enriched with hyaluronic acid or glycerin, which hydrate without adding excess oil.

Bear this in mind: Having oily skin does not mean it is hydrated. In fact, dehydration is a significant issue for oily skin types.

Dehydration happens when your skin is unable to retain enough moisture, or when you utilize drying ingredients like benzoyl peroxide. This can trigger your sebaceous glands to overcompensate and produce more oil, perpetuating a cycle of oiliness and breakouts.

So, what can you do to escape this cycle? USE AN OIL-FREE MOISTURIZER!

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What’s a good moisturizer for oily skin? 

The next time you're wondering why your skin is feeling extra greasy, ask yourself if you've been using the right moisturizer for your skin type. If not, it might be time to switch things up and find a product that won't leave your face feeling heavy or greasy. 

With so many oil-free options on the market, it's all about trial and error until you find the perfect fit! But what is the best lightweight moisturizer? 

Here are our best tips to find it: 

Gel moisturizers are the best

These lightweight moisturizers are perfect for people with oily skin because they contain ingredients that help control sebum production. Moreover, they are deliciously refreshing- making them ideal for sensitive skin too, and will not leave your skin feeling greasy or heavy. 

Pro-tip: choose a hydrating gel that contains hyaluronic acid, that boosts collagen production and has anti aging effects, and green tea, with an antioxidant rich formula that attacks free radicals and treats dark spots, and apply a thin layer at the end of your skin care routine. 

Mattifying moisturizers for a matte finish style

Just like blotting papers, a mattifying moisturizer can help absorb excess oil and give your skin a matte finish. These types of moisturizers often contain ingredients like clay or silica, which can help control oil production.

Go fragrance-free and paraben free

When talking about moisturizing your face, you might think that the more fragrant, the better. But we are not talking about perfume! That’s why a drugstore moisturizer for oily skin may not be fragrance free! 

For starters, fragrance-free moisturizers tend to be lighter in texture and they won't clog your pores like their counterparts that contain added fragrances. Clogged pores can lead to breakouts, so it's best to avoid them if you can.

In addition, a fragrance-free moisturizer won't irritate your skin, so, if you have sensitive skin, this is especially important. You don't want to damage your face even further by using a moisturizer that contains irritating fragrances.

Additionally, it is important to avoid products that contain parabens. Parabens are chemicals that are used as preservatives in cosmetics and skincare products and could damage the skin barrier. They have been associated with breast cancer and other health concerns, so it is best to avoid them whenever possible. There are many great paraben free moisturizers on the market, so it is easy to find one that will suit your needs.

Avoid using a heavy moisturizer at all costs!

The skin produces oil to protect itself from the environment. However, even though they have a tempting smooth texture, when you use a heavy-creamy moisturizer with harsh ingredients, instead of deeply hydrating your face, what you will be doing is making your skin produce more oil thanks to the heavy oils contained in the cream.

Moisturizers with oil-free ingredients are a big yes!

Keeping your oily skin oil-free while giving it all the hydration it needs to look amazing is possible when you include a moisturizer with mostly oil-free ingredients in your skin care routine!

A good moisturizer will help you keep all the nutrients in, without drying out your skin *especially when you apply salicylic acid to treat a breakout*. On the other hand, oil-free components will help to control excess oil on your skin. When choosing a moisturizer for oily skin, look for terms such as “oil-free” or “non comedogenic” on the label. 

Alcohol-free moisturizer is a must

Alcohol can extremely dry your skin, which will only make your oiliness worse. 

There are different types of alcohols used in skincare, including ethanol, propanol, butanol, isopropyl alcohol, and denatured alcohol. Some of these have drying properties while others can actually help to control oil production without dehydrating your skin. In this case, ethanol and propanol are both drying agents that can strip away oils from the skin surface. 

On the other hand, isopropyl alcohol and denatured alcohol are not as drying and can actually help to control oil production. These alcohols are often used in toners and astringents for oily skin. 

The key to finding a moisturizer with alcohol that's right for you is to look for one that contains other ingredients that will offset the drying effects of the alcohol. For example, if you have oily skin- or even combination skin- you could choose a daily hydrator rich in vitamin c and vitamin e for your morning routine to fight free radicals and avoid dehydration due to UV rays; and a nighttime moisturizer with hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, or glycerin, which are hydrating ingredients that can help to balance out the drying effects of the alcohol.

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Ingredients to look for in moisturizers for oily skin

Yes, we know that, if you have oily skin, the last thing you want to do is add more grease to your face. But moisturizing is an important step in any skincare routine, even for those with oily skin. The trick, as we have told you before, is finding the best moisturizer that includes the right active ingredients for your skin type.

Here are some of the best key ingredients to look for in a moisturizer for oily skin types:

Glycerin: 

Glycerin is a natural humectant, meaning it helps your skin retain moisture. It's also non-comedogenic, so it won't clog pores if you have acne prone skin, combination skin, or oily skin.

Hyaluronic acid: 

We have mentioned it a lot, but hyaluronic acid is the best and we can’t keep quiet about it. It absorbs quickly into the skin’s barrier, helps your skin hold on moisture, and it is an amazing anti-aging treatment. 

Moreover, it can attract up to 1000 times its weight in water, making it one of the key ingredients in the best nighttime moisturizer for oily skin.

Salicylic acid

Moisturizers for oily skin often include salicylic acid in their active ingredients because it can treat acne and big breakouts. This is a BHA that helps unclog pores and reduce the amount of sebum on your skin, helping you get an oil-free face. 

Related article: What Does Salicylic Acid Do? Everything You Need To Know

Vitamin c 

Vitamin c is a great ingredient to look for in moisturizers for oily skin because it treats the scars generated by acne. 

Its properties can brighten the skin, so, if you have oily skin, you might find that your complexion looks dull. Vitamin c can help to brighten up the skin so that you have a more radiant complexion. 

Vitamin e

Vitamin E is one of the best active ingredients! This is a powerful antioxidant that can help to protect you from free radical damage and moisturize the skin, keeping it hydrated.

Choose a moisturizer with a higher concentration of vitamin E if you have very oily skin, or choose one with a lower concentration if your skin type is dry or sensitive. 

Always test the moisturizer on a small patch of skin before using it all over your face, or consult with a board certified dermatologist.

Green tea

A moisturizer for oily skin with green tea is a powerhouse of antioxidants that you won’t want to miss! Green Tea is one of the key ingredients in many moisturizers formulated for this skin type, and for a good reason: 

The tannins and polyphenols in green tea are antioxidants that can help to protect skin from free radicals. They also have anti-inflammatory components, which can help to reduce the redness and inflammation associated with oily skin. 

Additionally, this ingredient is a natural astringent, meaning it helps to tighten pores and control oil production, making it a great ingredient for moisturizers targeting oily skin.

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How to moisturize your face if you have oily skin: Our 3 best-kept secrets

An oil-free face is not 100% possible, especially if your oily skin comes from genetics *yes, it sucks*, however, choosing the right moisturizer and knowing how to apply it correctly can really help. Here is how you should do it: 

1. Make sure to apply noncomedogenic moisturizers evenly across your face, and don't forget to moisturize your neck and chest as well. 
2. How many times should you moisturize your face? Twice, and please don’t forget about it! You can use a moisturizer with SPF protection during your daily skincare routine, and another moisturizer for oily skin during your nighttime routine that includes hyaluronic acid for its hydrating and anti aging effects. 
3. Don’t overdo it! The best moisturizers will give you all the hydrating nutrients you need without having to over-apply them. 

If you are over- moisturizing your skin, you may be suffocating your pores and causing breakouts. You can tell if you're over-moisturizing if your skin feels oily, heavy, or sticky, even if you are using a lightweight one. If this is you, cut back on how often you're using it.

Time to moisturize the heck out of your skin!

There you have it – oily skinned people need moisturizer just as much as the rest of us! 

It can be tempting to try and combat oily skin by skipping on the moisturizer, but this will only backfire in the future! 

In fact, it’s even more important to keep your skin hydrated if you have oily skin because the sebaceous glands will work overtime to compensate for the lack of moisture. 

Who knew? The bottom line is that if you dream about having healthy, happy skin, using a moisturizer should be a must-do in your skin care routine. In this sense, the key ingredients in the best moisturizers for this skin type, like hyaluronic acid or vitamin c, will deeply hydrate your skin without clogging your pores and overproducing sebum.

So, even if you are on the oilier side of the skin types, make sure to moisturize your skin! And don’t worry – we’ve got some great moisturizers that are jam-packed with light nutrients your skin will love! 

Ready to moisturize the heck out of your skin? Visit Asian Beauty Essentials and start getting all the moisture in with a moisturizer for oily skin!