If you have dry skin, it may seem obvious that it’s necessary to apply a moisturizer in order to replenish the skin’s moisture. But if you have oily skin, moisturizing may seem like the last thing you should do.
Perhaps you’re thinking: ‘why add moisture when your skin is already oily enough?’ Or ‘won’t using a moisturizer make my skin greasier?’ These are great questions.
The short answer is yes: you do need to moisturize your skin even if it’s oily or acne-prone. Let’s take a closer look to find out why.
What is a Moisturizer?
First of all, it's important to understand what exactly a moisturizer is. We can classify moisturizers based on the amount of oil and water they contain. There are three different types: creams, ointments and lotions. The more oil a moisturizer contains, the better it will be at hydrating dry skin.
Ointments tend to have the highest oil content, making them a great choice for those with extremely dry skin. Creams come next in line, making them better than lotions at locking in moisture. Lotions contain the least amount of oil. Rather, water is the main ingredient.
No matter your skin type, moisturizing is an important part of your daily skincare routine. In addition to keeping the skin hydrated, they also serve as a protective barrier on the skin, keeping it safe from environmental factors that may cause dryness or irritation such as pollution and UV rays.
Moisturizing for Oily Skin
It’s important to clarify that moisturizers don’t add water to the skin. Instead, they help keep the skin hydrated by helping the outer layer of the skin to hold water.
They do this through an ingredient called humectants. Humectants draw water into the skin while emollients form a protective film to keep the water trapped. People with oily skin often confuse greasiness with skin hydration. I
n reality, skin oil is sebum, a waxy substance that is secreted by the sebaceous glands. A buildup of sebum leads to acne or oily skin. When the skin is truly hydrated, water is absorbed into the layers of the skin in a way that promotes elasticity and reduces premature aging and wrinkles.
Skipping the step of moisturizing can actually cause oil glands to work extra hard, thereby causing the skin to look even oilier.
The Best Moisturizer for Oily Skin
With so many different skin types out there, it may be difficult to find a moisturizer that best works for your skin.
Unfortunately, not all moisturizers are created equal. Some moisturizers which obtain harmful chemicals or ingredients may exacerbate your symptoms or cause irritation. It’s important to remember that everyone’s skin is different. What works for one person may not necessarily work for you.
That said, we love natural moisturizers that celebrate clean beauty and are suitable for even the most sensitive skin.
We recommend this Organic Manuka Skin Soothing Cream. Made with six ingredients, including the ever-powerful Manuka honey, it’s a natural remedy that puts your skin health first. Because there’s no burning or stinging, it’s a wonderful choice for the delicate skin of babies and adults alike.
It’s also safe and effective to use anywhere on your body from head to toe, including more sensitive areas like lips and eyelids.
Plus, did you know it’s doctor and dermatologist approved, as well as EWG Skin Deep 1 Rated? An oil-based balm, it works wonders restoring and locking in moisture, reducing symptoms of eczema or psoriasis, relieving sunburn, and soothing irritation. You’ll love its soft, buttery texture and sweet, honey smell.
