A common generalization in the skin care arena is to avoid moisturizers if you have an oily skin type. This advice seems reasonable on the surface: applying moisturizers to naturally oily skin, the thinking goes, can lead to a surplus of oil, clogging pores and giving rise to acne. But with Skin Actives’s scientific leanings, we know better than to assume that just because a line of thinking is common doesn’t mean it should escape critical scrutiny. Today we’ll examine the role of moisturizers on oily skin—and how to use them for the best effect. 

Are Moisturizers Bad for Oily Skin?

The belief that moisturizers pose a risk for oily skin emerges from the connection between oil and blemishes. But this view runs afoul of the truth by overlooking a significant detail: not all moisturizers are wholly based on oil. By grouping all moisturizers into the same broad category, this generalization neglects many benefits moisturizers bring to the table—even for those with oily skin. In fact, moisturizers can be a helpful complement to an array of other skin solutions, including products containing salicylic acid and retinol.

Even the notion that oil and acne necessarily promotes acne is an oversimplification. When we covered castor oil in last week’s blog, we found one source that warned against using castor oil on acne-prone skin for this reason. Clearly, we disagree, since we included it in our Repairing Cleanser. As we stated then, many instances of blemishes and irritation can be traced back to problems with the skin barrier—which moisturizers can help fix. 

Bottom line: not only can moisturizers support a variety of skin solutions, but they can also strike at the heart of problems causing dryness, blemishes and irritation. For those with oily skin, the key to success is knowing which moisturizers will work best. 

Key Advice on Choosing a Moisturizer

Oily skin can benefit from added moisture like any other skin type. Sun exposure and the use of makeup can lead to dryness and a damaged skin barrier even for the oiliest skin. When selecting a moisturizer, those with oily skin can follow the simple strategies outlined below to achieve lushly hydrated skin without unwanted side effects. 

While a hearty cream might seem appealing on the surface, try opting for a lotion instead. Because lotions are formulated with a higher water content, their lightweight texture will hydrate the skin without adding excessive oil. Hand and Body Lotion is a moderating generalist of the moisturizer world, served in a volume sufficient for broad coverage. 

Skin Actives’ formulation, hyaluronic acid is pleasantly suspended in a watery jelly, giving your skin an ongoing supply of hydration in even the most taxing environments. 

Additionally, if you have oily skin and feel your choice of moisturizers is limited by irritation, it may be worth examining the source of the irritation in the first place. Take a look at the other products in your lineup and assess their intensity. Is it possible you are using an overly aggressive chemical cleanser? Are you exfoliating more frequently than recommended? Adjusting your routine may restore health to naturally resilient oily skin. 

Don’t Overlook Valuable Moisturizing Actives 

Aside from water-based formulas and obvious all-stars like Hyaluronic Acid, there are a number of moisturizing actives that hydrate the skin with little risk of irritation. In fact, many of these actives are actually soothing. Take Sea Kelp Coral, for instance. Derived from underwater algae, Sea Kelp Coral delivers a range of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents in the form of a cooling gel sure to draw a sigh of relief when applied to irritated skin.

Another hidden performer in the moisturizer space is sunscreen. Our Advanced Protection Sunscreen with SPF 30 is an essential product across the skin type spectrum. Aside from providing UVA and UVB sun protection, this lightweight cream includes Retinyl Palmitate, Green Tea Extract and Camomile Extract for soothing, antioxidant effects. It goes without saying, but we’ll say it anyway: even skin care users with oily skin should wear sun protection.

Lastly, don’t sleep on clarifying actives. As we outlined earlier, supporting the skin barrier has an important effect on moisture. Repairing Cleanser may trigger alarm bells over the included castor oil, but recall that the chemical structure of castor oil gives it a moderating effect on the skin barrier, improving moisture retention and resiliency overall. 

However, You SHOULD Avoid These Bad Actors

  Cleansers and toners containing alcohol are not an ally when trying to moisturize. Although those with oily skin may be tempted to eliminate oil with the use of alcohol, this practice can harm the skin barrier and actually trigger increased oil production. 

Likewise, essential oils and fragrances can have potent effects on the skin. To add insult to injury, they are often unnecessary to the performance of the product. Choosing products formulated to avoid irritants (in other words, anything in our collection) limits your risk of bad reaction without reducing the effectiveness of the ingredients.

Not all of the risk factors come in a jar or a bottle. When reviewing your routine for potential causes of dryness or irritation, take some time to consider any environmental factors that may be involved. Spending time in hot, humid environments can change the dynamics of your skin’s ecosystem, giving troublesome bacteria an opportunity to grow. 

AM & PM Routines for Oily Skin

Taking those recommendations into account, here are AM & PM routines for oily skin types to will keep you cleansed, moisturized and nourished around the clock:

Try this in the morning:

1. Salicylic Cleanser to discourage bacteria and exfoliate mildly.
2. Hyaluronic Acid Serum with EGF for moisture and cell renewal. 
3. Advanced Protection Sunscreen for ongoing protection and nourishment. 

And follow it up with this before bed: 

1. Repairing Cleanser for gentle cleansing and fortifying lipids. 
2. Salicylic Serum as needed for targeted blemish relief. 
3. Barrier Repair Cream for moisture and overnight recovery.

Equal Opportunity Moisture 

As we’ve established, moisturizing is not only valid but often necessary for those with oily skin, whether to help the skin bounce back from makeup or sun damage or to support other skin care solutions like salicylic acid and retinol. Choosing water-based moisturizers like Hyaluronic Acid Serum can boost water retention without clogging pores, while targeted actives like those found in Sea Kelp Coral can fight free radicals and quell inflammation. Don’t be afraid to moisturize oily skin—just do it with the right products.