It’s not uncommon for those with oily skin to believe that moisturizing is one part of their skincare routine they get a pass on skipping. The reality is that oil and moisture are not the same things. Because of the idea that those with oily skin should stray away from moisturizing products and instead opt for products that dry out the skin to reduce oil production, many end up with chronically dry, irritated—and still oily—skin and a cabinet full of overly-drying, ineffective skincare products.
Contrary to popular belief, moisturizers don’t add water content to the skin. Instead, they work to lock in moisture that already exists in the topmost layer of the epidermis and help to enhance the skin’s capacity to retain moisture over time. A common goal for many with oily skin is to reduce the amount of oil on the skin’s surface. Still, by failing to moisturize, the skin works to produce more oil to compensate for moisture loss due to cleansing, dry air, or other environmental factors. Luckily, increasingly more skincare brands have started to develop products that tend to oily skin types. If you’re on the hunt for an oily-skin-approved moisturizer, there are several key factors to consider when scouting out the perfect product.
The ideal oily-skin-approved moisturizer should be: water-based, non-comedogenic, and include some oil-reducing (not stripping) ingredients. Water-based moisturizers, also known as gel moisturizers, contain humectant ingredients that work to retain moisture by capturing water molecules and bonding them to the epidermis. Compared to cream moisturizers, which often rely on oil-based ingredients to trap moisture in the epidermis, gel moisturizers are far better suited for oily skin types because they don’t add any additional oil to the skin but still contribute to increased hydration levels.
Unfortunately, many skincare products contain comedogenic clogged pores instantly, prompting the skin to ramp up its oil production. Be sure to check if the moisturizer you’re looking to use contains comedogenic ingredients and, better yet, if it contains hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, or lactic acid that work to reduce oil production without stripping the skin of additional moisture. Our PowerPeel® Oasis Skin Sheer Moisturizer, Deep Moisturizer, and Balancing Toner are great options for those with oily skin thanks to their pH balancing properties and oily-skin-friendly ingredients, lactic acid that reduces oiliness and replenishes the skin’s hydration levels.
Keep in mind that it’s not only the type of moisturizer but also how it’s being used that can change its effectiveness in hydrating the skin. Moisturizer and other skincare products should be applied immediately after cleansing when the skin is still damp and free of excess oil to allow the product to seep into your skin.
Oily skin doesn’t have to be challenging to manage, but it all starts with a hydrated base to set the tone for the rest of your skincare routine. Ditch the dehydration route and find a gentle, water-based moisturizer with non-comedogenic, oil-fighting ingredients that hydrate the skin and minimize excess oil production to keep hydration and oil levels at bay.