If you have oily skin, your first instinct might be to try and get rid of all the oil present on your face to achieve squeaky-clean skin. Naturally, you don’t feel the need to apply moisturizer because it would go against what your already-greasy skin needs.

No, that’s not the case.

Oily skin can be difficult to manage. This article will explain how using a moisturizer can help keep your skin balanced and healthy.

So, does oily skin need moisturizer?

It’s true that oily skin needs moisturizer, because that helps control oil production. Not using moisturizer can lead to your skin producing more oil to hydrate itself.

One of your skin’s most important assets is oil. With the right amount, your skin can keep it healthy and wrinkles-free. Oil is also needed to maintain a healthy skin barrier, which protects against acne caused by environmental irritants.

Dry skin may benefit from a heavier moisturizer or vitamin-packed serum, whereas oily skin needs lighter application and usually has no trouble with an oil-free serum. However, if you love to use a hydrating lotion on your face no matter the condition of your skin, you can help offset the effect of heavy products by cleansing as soon as possible and making sure to be gentle while scrubbing.

Why does a clogged pores result in acne? A clogged pore’s response is to produce more oil. This overproduction of oil creates clogs and results in an accumulation of cells (sebum) that cannot escape the follicle. This unending cycle produces acne because excess sebum gel combines with dead skin cells, giving rise to comedones (blackheads and whiteheads).

Oily skin can be caused when the sebum production rate exceeds the rate it is disposed of by the body.

Oily skin is overproduction of sebum by the skin’s oil glands, which is important in keeping the skin hydrated and protected. Overproduction of sebum creates a greasy, shiny, and unattractive appearance. Dr. Claire Chang explains that “dermatologists diagnose and treat people with oil-related conditions.”

Did you know that the combination of stress, pollution, improper skin care, and a poor diet can lead to excess sebum? Stress, in particular, causes your skin to produce more oil than it needs. Luckily, there are moisturizing products out there that will give your skin the right balance to fight oily skin.

Moisturizers for Oily Skin

For oily skin, moisturizers are somewhat tricky. You have to find the perfect balance of moisture to maintain hydration while avoiding too much oil, which can lead to breakouts. When you’re choosing your moisturizer, here’s how to choose the right one without making mistakes.

We recommend:

To get rid of oily skin, avoid oil-based moisturizers and heavy creams. These will only make you break out more and make your skin even oilier. Get:

Non-comedogenic: means the product won’t clog your pores and can potentially prevent blackheads, whiteheads, and comedones. Water-based gels: unlike oils that are heavy on your skin, they restore your natural skin moisture balance and feel light and refreshing. For example, Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Oil Free Gel Cream has an Imperata cylindrica root extract formula with Antarcticine which meets all of these needs. You’ll feel a cooling sensation upon application because it is quickly absorbed by your face. Additionally, this product is non-greasy, oil-free, and non-comedogenic which makes it perfect for oily skin types.

Kiehl’s can help. They have an oil-eliminator moisturizer that can absorb any sweat and surface oils, as well as a calendula cream that helps to even out skin tone and reduce redness.

Home remedies for an oily complexion

Taking care of oily skin can be challenging. However, there are some tricks and best practices to make it hydrated and balanced, so you avoid the risk of developing acne breakouts.

Your skin needs oils to stay healthy. The first step of your nighttime routine should be removing makeup residue and dirt from your skin. Washing off all of this with a gentle cleanser is always best because harsher products can over-strip the natural oils in your skin, upsetting the pH balance which can cause problems like acne.

For a temporary hydration boost, use a facade gel mask once or twice a week. Recommended masks include the Refreshing Hydrating Mask from Erno Laszlo and the Coenzyme Q10 Nourishing Facial Masque from Jurlique. Apply these masks at night, put them on for 20 minutes, then massage it into your skin.

Your makeup brushes and sponges are what make your face beautiful, but they also accumulate dirt, so you need to clean them regularly. First, rinse your brushes and sponges under lukewarm water. Then, using a natural cleanser or shampoo, gently massage them clean until all the makeup comes off. Rinse again if any makeup residue is left. Make sure to do this until no makeup residue still comes off from the brush or sponge.

Remember to drink plenty of water and eat well. A poor diet can cause toxins to accumulate in your body, which leads to bad skin. Add dehydration to the mix and you’ll have the perfect environment for acne to flourish. Water keeps you hydrated and helps flush out toxins. So, remember to drink plenty of water and eat nutritiously in order to promote healthy skin.

Putting the right moisturizer on at night is an easy way to replenish moisture to your skin before bed.

Making sure your oily skin is well-hydrated can be challenging. The key is to pay special attention to the skincare products you use, and to choose from a wide range of options that are affordable, yet effective.

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all moisturizer, which is why it’s important to find something that works best for your skin type. So if you have an oily skin type, make sure to add a non-comedogenic and lightweight moisturizer in your routine. As well, be mindful of the products you use - make sure they’re formulated for oily skin types.

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream moisturizes your skin for 24 hours and helps protect oil production. Follow these tips to keep your skin hydrated while also combating oil production.