Oily Skin Is Not Moist Skin It Needs Moisturizer

Oily skin is one of the most common and perhaps most misunderstood skin types.

Shine caused by excess sebum (natural oil) produced by the skin, enlarged pores, and acne proneness are the most common complaints of people with this skin type.

This shiny appearance creates the illusion that the skin is saturated with moisture, leading many people to avoid using moisturizer.

However, this is a big mistake that can further disrupt the skin's balance. Because oily skin doesn't mean it's moisturized.

In this article, we'll discuss the real needs of oily skin, why moisturizer is essential for this skin type, and the key tips for choosing the right product.

What is the difference of oily skin type?

Oily skin is characterized by the sebaceous glands in our skin producing more sebum than normal due to genetic, hormonal, or environmental factors.

The key characteristics that distinguish this skin type from others are:

• Intense Shine: An increased shine is observed throughout the day, particularly in the T-zone, which includes the forehead, nose, and chin.

• Enlarged Pores: Excessive sebum production clogs pores, causing them to enlarge over time.

• Blackhead and Acne Tendency: Excess sebum, combined with dead skin cells, clogs pores. These clogged pores create an ideal environment for the formation of blackheads (comedones) and inflamed pimples (acne).

• Thick Skin Texture: Oily skin generally has a thicker and fuller texture compared to other skin types. While this characteristic may help delay the appearance of wrinkles, it necessitates proper care.

Why Should People with Oily Skin Use Moisturizer?

The main reason why people with oily skin avoid moisturizers is the fear of increasing existing oil production. However, this belief ignores how the skin works.

Skin needs two essential components: "oil" and "moisture" (water), and these two are entirely different things.

When your skin is washed with harsh cleansers or left without moisture, it develops a defense mechanism to compensate for the lost moisture: it produces more oil.

This vicious cycle leads to even shinier skin and clogged pores.

Using the right moisturizer means:

1. Strengthens the skin's moisture barrier: A healthy moisture barrier protects the skin from external factors (pollution, bacteria, etc.).

2. Balances Sebum Production: When skin is saturated with water, it doesn't feel the need to produce excess oil. This helps control shine.

3. Soothes and calms the skin: Products used on skin, especially those undergoing acne treatment or prone to breakouts, can dry out the skin. Moisturizers prevent this dryness and irritation.

What kind of moisturizers should be used for oily skin?

Choosing the right moisturizer for oily skin is the most critical step in your skincare routine. The wrong product can clog pores and lead to acne breakouts.

Here are some things to consider when choosing the right moisturizer:

• Water-Based (Oil-Free) Formulas: Products that don't feel heavy on the skin, are oil-free, and water-based should be preferred. Lightweight textures like gels, lotions, or fluids are easily absorbed by the skin and don't leave a greasy feeling.

• Non-comedogenic Products: The presence of the term "non-comedogenic" on the product label means it has a low potential to clog pores.

• Lightweight and Effective Ingredients: Ingredients that increase the skin's moisture retention capacity, such as hyaluronic acid, are ideal for oily skin. Formulas containing sebum-balancing and pore-minimizing active ingredients like niacinamide also deliver excellent results. For soothing the skin, products containing natural ingredients like aloe vera and green tea extract can be preferred.

• Avoid heavy and rich creams: Creams with a rich texture containing petroleum jelly, lanolin, or strong vegetable oils can disrupt the balance of oily skin and cause acne.

Conclusion

Oily skin , despite its shiny appearance, is actually one of the skin types that needs the most moisture. Establishing the right balance between oil production and moisture levels is the first step towards healthy, matte, and smooth skin.

Instead of fearing moisturizer, you can make it the hero of your skincare routine by finding the right water-based, lightweight, and pore-non-clogging product that suits your skin type.

This will both strengthen your skin's protective barrier and control excessive shine, resulting in a more even complexion.

Remember, healthy skin is always hydrated skin.

Frequently Asked Questions

For my oily skin, is using moisturizer only in the mornings enough?

No, ideally you should apply moisturizer after cleansing your skin both in the morning and evening. The skin renews itself overnight and needs moisture during this process. A proper moisturizer applied at night helps the skin wake up feeling more balanced in the morning.

If I use sunscreen, should I still apply moisturizer?

Yes. Moisturizer and sunscreen have different functions. You should always apply sunscreen a few minutes after applying your moisturizer, which is suitable for your skin type. Although some sunscreens have moisturizing properties, it is generally more effective to use the two products separately to provide the best care for your skin.

Which ingredients are best for oily skin?

Ingredients like hyaluronic acid (moisturizing), niacinamide (sebum balancing and pore tightening), salicylic acid (pore cleansing), and tea tree oil (antibacterial) are highly effective in oily skin care.

My skin gets oilier in the summer, should I stop using moisturizer?

Absolutely not. Hot and humid weather can cause skin to produce more oil. You can switch to a lighter, gel-based moisturizer during these times, but leaving your skin dehydrated will only increase oil production further.