If you have oily skin or struggle at times with an oily forehead, nose or chin, should you use a moisturizer for oily skin?
The answer is yes, you should still moisturize even if you have an oily face, as moisturizing can actually help control oily skin.
Moisturizing locks the moisture into your skin, helping the skin to stay hydrated and looking youthful.
If you have oily skin, and you choose not to moisturize, your skin can become dry after cleansing or using soap. The dry skin signals to your oil glands to start producing more oil, which can then make your oily face more shiny.
If you have used a moisturizer for oily skin in the past, and found your skin and face felt greasy and heavy, then don’t despair, you just need to know what to look to find the perfect moisturizer for your skin.
Selecting a Moisturizer for Oily Skin
If you have oily skin it is recommended to use a light moisturizer designed specifically for oily skin.
A moisturizing lotion is best, as they are water based, and the moisturizer is absorbed into the skin without leaving a greasy feeling, or added shine.
Try to avoid using heavy creams or thick ointments as moisturizers as these can clog your pores causing your skin to become oily and may lead to breakouts.
When selecting a moisturizer for oily skin, choose one that is noncomedogenic, meaning the moisturizer won’t clog your pores, which helps to avoid breakouts and acne.
What to look for in a Moisturizer for Oily Skin:
When choosing a lotion moisturizer for oily skin, look for the following ingredients which help to manage oily skin and an problem T-Zone.
Antioxidants. Moisturizers that contain pomegrantate, green tea, licorice root or chamomile help to keep you skin looking healthy. These are all anti oxidants, which help neutralize the free radicals that breakdown skin cells, and are beneficial ingredients in a moisturizer for oily skin.
Sun protection. If you have oily skin, you are still susceptible to sun damage and the aging effects of the sun. Choose a moisturizer for oily skin that have SPF15 as a minimum, and make sure the moisturizer is oil free. Note, if you’re using mineral make up with an SPF15 factor or higher, then you can choose a moisturizer without sun protection, just be sure to be protected from the damaging effects of the sun when outdoors.
Alpha-Hydroxy Acids. If you suffer from acne and breakouts due to oily skin, then choosing a moisturizer with alpha-hydroxy acids can help calm the skin and clear up acne blemishes. Alpha-Hydroxy acids are also used to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. If you have sensitive skin, then alpha-hydroxy acids may cause irritation, so test a little moisturizer initially and check your skin reaction, before applying all over your face.
Silicone. Silicone is added to moisturizers to give them a slippery and creamy feel when applied. Silicones can be slightly drying for your skin, so they are good when you have oily skin and an oily face. To identify silicone in moisturizers, look for ingredients which end in ‘cone’, such as cyclomethicone, dimethicone etc.
Ingredients to Avoid in Moisturizers for Oily Skin:
When choosing a moisturizer for oily skin, it is best to avoid certain ingredients. Moisturizers should be oil free and before making a purchase check the moisturizer’s ingredients for any of the following and find an alternative product if you can:
Parabens – can be used as preservatives in moisturizers. Parabens are a potential cancer risk and should be avoided wherever possible.
Phthalates – commonly used in moisturizers. Used for their flexibility and softening properties, they are an inexpensive ingredient, however phthalates have been shown to interfere with horomone production, and they have links to the possible development of breast cancer.
Shea Butter – used as a long lasting moisturizer, however shea butter can clog your pores.
Liquid Paraffin, Paraffin Wax, Petrolatum – these ingredients are all forms of mineral oil. Avoid these where possible, and always select a moisturizer for oily skin as mineral oils can clog pores, and make your skin feel heavy and greasy.
Buying the right Moisturizer for Oily Skin
Buying the right moisturizer for oily skin isn’t hard when you know what to look for.
Purchase a small amount of moisturizer initially, or a test a sample if you can, to make sure the moisturizer is compatible with your skin, and doesn’t cause any irritation.
Selecting a moisturizer for oily skin that contains the ‘good’ ingredients without any oils, parabems and phtalates will help you to keep your skin hydrated, which reduces the oil production from your oil glands and improves your overall complexion.
Don’t be afraid to try a few different brands to find to the moisturizer that works best for your oily skin, leaving your skin feeling light, refreshed and shine free.
Remember too that a little moisturizer goes a long way, and to apply sparingly, to help you control oily skin and look great throughout the day.
If you have a found a favorite moisturizer for oily skin, share your experiences with our readers by adding a comment below.
For simple tips on how to apply moisturizer for oily skin, read more by clicking here…
