Debunking the Moisturizer Myth: Why People with Acne Need It
There are so many myths about acne treatment, and one of the biggest is about moisturizers. Let’s clear it up once and for all!
Why Do People with Acne Avoid Moisturizers?
Many people with acne or oily skin avoid moisturizers, fearing they’ll make their skin even oilier and lead to more breakouts. But that’s not true! In fact, using the right moisturizer can actually reduce shine and prevent acne.
Why Do People with Acne Need Moisturizers?
Here’s the deal: Acne happens when oil glands and the skin’s barrier function are out of whack. Over-drying your skin with harsh cleansers, exfoliators, or strong acne medications can damage the skin barrier. When that happens, your skin becomes more vulnerable to irritation and breakouts. A moisturizer helps restore balance and keeps your skin barrier healthy.
What Does a Good Acne Skincare Routine Look Like?
To effectively treat acne, your routine needs three essentials:
- A mild cleanser to gently remove dirt and oil.
- An anti-acne cream for nighttime treatment.
- A light, oil-free moisturizer for daytime use.
Yes, even if your skin is oily, moisturizing is key. The anti-acne cream tackles breakouts, while the cleanser and moisturizer keep your skin barrier intact to prevent further irritation.
What Kind of Moisturizer is Best for Oily, Acne-Prone Skin?
Choose a moisturizer that’s oil-free and non-comedogenic (meaning it won’t clog your pores).
A great option includes dimethicone (like the ones in our customized MDacne products!). Dimethicone reduces water loss without making your skin greasy. It’s hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and perfect for sensitive, acne-prone skin.
Look for moisturizers with botanical extracts like aloe vera or witch hazel, which have anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. These help calm irritation, repair the skin barrier, and promote healing.
Why Moisturizer is a Must for Acne Treatment
Using a specially-formulated moisturizer for acne-prone skin can:
- Restore balance to the skin’s natural bacteria.
- Repair and strengthen the skin barrier.
- Hydrate the skin without clogging pores.
- Speed up skin healing.
Simply put, if you’re treating acne but skipping moisturizer, you’re missing a key part of the process. The right moisturizer helps you fight breakouts and keep your skin healthy!
Read more:
How to treat acne in winter: 2019 skincare guide
To find the right acne treatments for your unique skin, take the free skin assessment by clicking here.