“Do I really need a moisturizer for oily skin?”
“Will a moisturizer dry out my oily skin? If so, how?”
“If I apply moisturizer to my oily skin, won’t it attract more dirt to it?”
“I need something to dry out my oily skin, not make it oilier.”
Most people with oily skin usually have these concerns. Yes, you do need moisturizer for your skin even if it is oily and acne-prone. The reason why you’re not so sure about this is that you are probably mistaking skin oil for skin hydration. Skin oil is the waxy substance called sebum. Secreted by the sebaceous glands, sebum helps maintain the barrier function of the skin. To maintain its elasticity, plumpness, and resiliency, water is absorbed into the layers of the skin which is known as the epidermis and dermis. This process is called skin hydration.
How Face Moisturizer for Oily Skin Works
Oily skin and acne can be caused by the excessive buildup of sebum. However, that doesn’t imply the skin is well-hydrated. In other words, just because your skin has a lot of oil doesn’t mean that it has a lot of water. On the other hand, stripping away these oils promotes the loss of moisture and this isn’t the best of things when it comes to your skin’s health & wellness.
Moisturizers don’t add water to your skin, instead, they help hold the water in the outer layer of your skin to keep it hydrated. How do they do that? Moisturizers contain ingredients that draw water into your skin and form a protective film to trap the water in the skin. These ingredients are known as humectants and emollients, respectively.
Choosing the Best Moisturizer for Oily Skin
From lotions and creams to gels, there are all categories of moisturizers that you can find in the market. Some are water-based, others oil-based. With countless choices, how do you even figure out what works best for your skin?
A good moisturizer has three main properties:
1. Occlusive
An occlusive agent is an ingredient that seals in moisture by forming a hydrophobic film on the skin.
2. Humectant
Ingredients that keep the skin moist by drawing water from the lower-lying dermis to the outermost epidermis are known as Humectants.
3. Emollient
These are ingredients that smooth skin by filling spaces between flakes in the crusty outer layer of the epidermis, known as stratum corneum, with either wax or oil.
However, do bear in mind that everyone’s skin is different. The same moisturizer that works well for someone you know or that celebrity/influencer you’re a die-hard fan of, may not be the best option for you. Be prepared to experiment with different moisturizers until you find the right one.
Conclusion
The risk of breakouts can be increased further on dehydrated skin. When the skin becomes excessively dry, the body is left with no choice but to compensate by producing more oil to bolster the skin’s barrier function. This, in turn, can lead to the clogging of pores and the development of more pimples which isn’t something you would want to happen.
Without adequate moisture, the appearance and protective function of the skin can be seriously compromised. With prolonged dehydration, your skin is at greater risk of inflammation, infection, wrinkles, and premature ageing.
In the end, we’d like to reiterate the fact that moisturizer for oily skin or any other type of skin can be a trustworthy skincare essential. Most caring season for oily skin is summer because of sweating and oil on face. you should clean your face clearly.
