There is a common misconception that those who are prone to oily skin and/or acne should never using skin moisturizers. The relationship between acne, oily skin, and dry skin is actually much more complicated. With this in mind, today we will seek to answer the question: should I moisturize oily skin? We will seek to answer this question by understanding what can cause oily skin and acne outbreaks, when and how to moisturize oily skin, defining comedogenic ratings, and how to select the best moisturizer for your skin needs.
Understanding What Causes Oily Skin
Speaking of common misconceptions, we often hear that acne only really affects teenagers and women into adulthood. This simply is not true. It is extremely common for men to have oily skin and acne outbreaks well into their adult years. To understand what causes oily skin in men, we must first understand a bit about how our skin works.
Our skin produces a natural oil called sebum which is necessary for skin hydration and strength. Sebum is produced by the sebaceous glands which lie just beneath your hair follicles. In the majority of cases, oily skin is caused by excess sebum production. Determining what is causing excess sebum production is slightly more involved. Potential causes can include hormonal shifts, aging, testosterone treatments, certain health conditions, and much more.
When to Moisturize Oily Skin
It can be tempting to treat oily skin as many of us do: by washing the hell out of it with soaps, exfoliants, and everything else under the sun. Ironically, by over-washing and over-stripping the skin, you may be causing your skin to react by producing even more sebum. Instead, consider cleansing in moderation alongside a moisturizer which will not clog your pores. Your skin requires a healthy balance of cleansers and hydrations to remain strong and healthy.
All of this being said, those with extremely oily skin or severe acne outbreaks should still probably take a break from moisturization. There are certainly cases where the skin truly needs to be allowed to get rid of clogged hair follicles and other debris from the skin before moisturizer can be of any benefit. If you are concerned that your oily skin is getting out of control, it can never hurt to see a qualified dermatologist. For moderate to mild cases, using a water-based moisturizer should only benefit your skin health in the long run.
What is a Comedogenic Rating?
We have talked about the need to moisturize oily skin without clogging pores or worsening existing acne symptoms. So how exactly can we be sure that a moisturizer will be a good fit? That is where comedogenic ratings come into play. The comedogenic scale ranges from 0-5, with a value of 0 indicating virtually zero risk of causing clogged pores and a rating of 5 indicating a very high likelihood of causing clogged pores. The relationship between clogged pores, acne, and oily skin is an important one to remember when deciding what products to use.
Water-based moisturizers tend to have a low comedogenic rating whereas certain oils commonly used in skincare actually have high comedogenic ratings. For example, coconut oil is often touted as a natural skin moisturizer, but scores very high on the comedogenic scale. While there is a time and a place for skincare ingredients like coconut oil, it is not ideal for use on already oily skin. Looking for the best moisturizer to use on oily skin should begin with watching out for oil-based ingredients that might worsen your problem.
Choosing the Right Moisturizer for Acne-Prone Skin
As we have established, those who are prone to acne and/or oily skin should not shy away from all moisturizers. In fact, the right moisturizer can actually help prevent future acne breakouts when used properly. Oil-based moisturizers are a bad choice for those who are prone to oily skin. This goes back to the comedogenic scale we discussed in the previous sections. We want to find moisturizers which will hydrate and replenish skin without further clogging pores and causing additional acne-like symptoms. Oil-based moisturizers tend to have higher comedogenic ratings and are more likely to exacerbate existing oily skin issues.
Beyond looking for a water-based moisturizer, you may also want to consider how your moisturizer works. High quality ingredients such as essential amino acids work by penetrating the skin and repairing from within. Coupled with powerful occlusives, humectants, and emollients, moisturizers do much more than just hydrate dry skin. For oily skin, they can repair, restore, and renew from the inside out.
HEFF Once-Daily Moisturizer is Perfect for All Skin Types
HEFF Relief is a moisturizer developed for hard working men that is a water-based formula with a low comedogenic rating to keep your skin clear and healthy. Our product was scientifically formulated by a team of doctors, chemists, and researchers with a singular goal in mind: create a product that can repair, restore, and renew very dry and/or damaged skin. The final result is a daily use moisturizing cream for hands, elbows, and feet. HEFF utilizes all three of the moisturizing pillars to offer deep relief for even the most cracked, chapped, and beat up skin.Every purchase of HEFF supports military and first responder personnel through Operation Gratitude. We are proud to donate a tube of HEFF for every tube purchased. To give HEFF a try today, find us at any one of the following national retailers, shop on Amazon, or feel free to contact us directly.