How To Pick A Moisturiser For Acne Prone Skin

Reviewed by Dr. Mrunal Shah Modi

Dermatologist & Trichologist | MD, FCPS, DDV, MBBS

Written by Sanya Hamdani26th Aug 2020
How to pick a moisturiser for acne prone skin

Contrary to popular belief, oily and acne-prone skin do require a moisturizer. It is a common misconception that those with oily skin need not invest in a moisturiser, because their skin naturally produces oil. A lot of women with oily skin are sold on this idea because it kinda makes sense. However, here’s why it’s wrong – when you don’t moisturise your skin, it has to work overtime to compensate, this results in excessive oil production, which can be difficult to handle and can also cause breakouts. To prevent this, it is important you use a moisturiser specifically meant for acne-prone skin.

Any number of ingredients can cause breakouts, therefore it is important to select the right moisturizer for your acne-prone skin. Using the wrong product can irritate the skin as well as lead to breakouts and acne. Certain moisturizers can be comedogenic, meaning they block pores, which in turn can cause blackheads and whiteheads.

Therefore, to help you pick the right product, we asked cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Mrunal Shah Modi Owner & Director - Shine Skin, Hair & Laser Clinic, Mumbai, to give us insights on how to pick the right moisturizer for acne-prone skin.

 

What texture of moisturiser is suitable for acne prone skin?

Frequently asked questions about moisturisers for acne prone skin

As mentioned earlier, those with acne-prone and oily skin should use skincare and makeup products that are non-comedogenic in nature. This prevents pore-clogging and keeps acne and breakouts at bay. “If anyone has acne-prone skin, make sure you are using a moisturising lotion and not cream, as creams tend to be heavier and can end up making your skin look greasy,” says Dr. Modi. Invest in a moisturiser for acne-prone skin that contains mild moisturising ingredients and is non-comedogenic in nature. This way your skin will be moisturized and you won’t end up looking like a sweaty and greasy mess.

The Pond’s Super Light Gel Oil Free Moisturiser With Hyaluronic Acid + Vitamin E is a lightweight formula that absorbs into the skin instantly without leaving any sticky feeling.

 

Which ingredients should a moisturiser for acne prone skin contain?

Frequently asked questions about moisturisers for acne prone skin

While there are plenty of moisturisers in the market, you will rarely find one that reads – moisturiser for acne-prone skin. Therefore, you need to be smart and educate yourself on the ingredients that will work for your skin type. Here’s what Dr. Modi has to say. “Always use a hypoallergenic and fragrance-free formula as fragrances often irritate the skin that is already sensitive or inflamed with acne. Using a moisturiser with SPF would be extra beneficial. Acne-prone skin can benefit from ingredients like salicylic acid, glycerine and hyaluronic acid. Other ingredients that should be included are alpha-hydroxy acids such as benzoyl peroxide, sulfur and tea tree oil.”

The Simple Kind To Skin Hydrating Light Moisturiser is a fast-absorbing, non-greasy formula that is hypoallergenic and fragrance-free.

 

What ingredients should be avoided?

Frequently asked questions about moisturisers for acne prone skin

Now that you know which ingredients will work, knowing which ones won’t is equally important. Therefore, the next question we asked Dr. Modi was what ingredients should one watch out for while choosing a moisturiser for acne-prone skin? “Avoid alcohol as it makes the skin very dry and irritated by removing all the oil. Stay away from petroleum and coconut oil as they clog pores and increase the breakouts. Fragrances must be avoided too as they irritate the skin. Some other ingredients like isopropyl myristate, lanolin, mineral oils, silicones, sodium lauryl sulfate should also be avoided.”

 

Is it okay to use the same moisturiser throughout the year?

Frequently asked questions about moisturisers for acne prone skin

Skincare should be changed according to the season. Just like you have different dresses and footwear for every season, you should also have different moisturisers for acne-prone skin depending on the season. “With changing weather, the skin acts differently. If the skin is very dry, it is better to use a cream than a lotion. If it’s very hot and humid, sometimes a moisturiser is not needed or a very light moisturiser is needed,” says Dr. Modi. Using a zinc oxide-based sunscreen will work best for those with acne-prone skin, as it is better tolerated by the skin.

 

The right way to apply a moisturiser

Frequently asked questions about moisturisers for acne prone skin

  • Apply moisturiser on cleansed skin, this will allow the skin to absorb it better.
  • Damp skin can absorb and retain moisture better, therefore experts recommend using it while your skin is a little damp after a shower.
  • While applying moisturiser twice a day is recommended, you can do it more often if your skin feels dry.
  • Moisturisers and other skincare products take at least a month or two to show results.
  • Tap or spread gently on the skin, do not rub or drag downwards.
  • Don’t forget your neck area while applying moisturiser on the face.

 

Other tips to treat acne prone skin

Frequently asked questions about moisturisers for acne prone skin

  • Cleanse skin twice a day

Wash your face twice a day, once after waking up in the morning and once before retiring to bed. Doing it more often than that, except if you are sweaty, can irritate the skin.

  • Be gentle

Whether you have active acne or your skin is acne-prone, avoid rubbing or using harsh exfoliants. Remember acne is not always a result of dirt or bacteria, there are many other reasons why your skin might be breaking out.

  • Do not pick or pop

We’ve said this several times before and we’ll say it again, never pick or pop at acne. Resist the urge, because this will not only transfer the dirt from your hands onto it, but it will also lead to scarring.

 

Frequently asked questions about moisturisers for acne prone skin

Frequently asked questions about moisturisers for acne prone skin

1) Is a moisturiser bad for acne?

A. Not at all. Applying moisturiser on acne does not mean it will make the situation worse, in fact, it can help calm it down. However, you need to be careful of the ingredients in the moisturiser as some of them can irritate the skin.

2) Should I moisturise my skin at night if I have acne?

A. Yes, a bedtime moisturiser will prevent your skin from producing excess oil, thereby reducing the risk of more breakouts. If you are using a night cream to tackle acne, first apply moisturiser, wait for a few minutes and then apply your spot treatment or medicated acne cream.

3) Can moisturiser cause acne?

A. Heavier lotions and creams can clog pores by increasing oil production, this can cause acne as well as worsen current acne. Use lightweight or non-comedogenic products.

Sanya Hamdani

Written by

Sanya Hamdani is a skincare enthusiast and lipstick hoarder, she truly believes no two red lipsticks look exactly alike. With a Master's degree in Communication & Journalism and 5+ years of digital writing experience up her sleeve, Sanya has some of the biggest beauty experts in the country on her speed dial. When she's not swatching products or writing about the latest trends in beauty, you will find her watching F.R.I.E.N.D.S. or cooking up a storm in the kitchen.

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