Let’s be real, there are a lot of moisturizer myths floating around the internet: "moisturizers clog pores," "you only need moisturizer if you have very dry skin," and many more!
However, despite the many moisturizer fables you’ve seen online, moisturizing is still a key part to any routine, especially if you have acne-prone skin. After all, once your skin becomes dry, it produces extra oil, leading to clogged pores and new breakouts.
To arm you with a refresher on moisturizer and what it can do for acne-prone skin, we’re giving you the full 411 on this skincare essential, below. We’ll run you through what happens if you don't moisturize, moisturizer properties, and if moisturizer can actually be the answer to your acne woes.
Let’s cut to the chase, shall we?
Moisturizing is essential
While it’s easy to assume that moisturizers are overhyped, these products aren't just another gimmick buy ‒ they protect the skin’s barrier from water loss and dryness.
Need a closer look into what moisturizer is, and what it does? Look no further.
What is moisturizer
What is moisturizer? Moisturizers are complex cosmetic formulations that are designed to maintain the water content of the skin. Preserving skin hydration is important as it keeps your skin healthy, soft, and smooth.
Moisturizers are available in the form of cream, lotions, and ointments, and can be formulated with different ingredients to target all kinds of skin concerns. For example, moisturizers containing vitamin C, can be used to brighten skin tone and correct dullness, while moisturizers containing retinol can keep signs of aging at bay.
There are three properties and ingredients to look out for when choosing a moisturizer: emollients, occlusives, and humectants. Emollients and occlusives are usually oil or waxed based, while humectants are water-based.
Because they are thick and unperfumed, emollients help soothe, moisturize, and protect the skin. Occlusive ingredients like petroleum jelly and squalene are also oil-based, and because they form a hydrophobic barrier over the skin, they protect the skin from water loss, making them ideal for treating very dry skin.
Finally, humectants are water-based, so they work by drawing water to the skin. Examples of humectant ingredients include hyaluronic and lactic acids.
Does moisturizer help with acne?
So, does moisturizer help with acne? Those that contain active ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid or adapalene can be beneficial as they help moisturize while also helping to treat the skin.
However, you’ll want to be careful about the moisturizer you choose. Comedogenic moisturizers can plug pores, which can lead to pimples forming. Instead, opt for oil-free products that are non-comedogenic.
Conclusion
Moisturizer is really important! It helps maintain skin moisture levels and protects the skin from damage, as well. Moisturizers can also be helpful for acne-prone skin, as once skin becomes dry, it causes the body to produce more oil, which clogs pores even further.
To choose a moisturizer that is safe for oily and acne-prone skin, it’s always best to stick with oil-free and non-comedogenic moisturizers, like the many options proactiv offers, as they won’t clog pores and cause breakouts.
