If you have oily skin, you may think that moisturizer is your enemy, but this is wrong. Believe it or not, moisturizers can actually help reduce visible fat and give your face a shiny appearance. Without a moisturizer, the skin will become dehydrated and will balance it out by producing more oil. However, this does not mean that all moisturizers will work equally well for your skin.
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Part 1 of 3: Determining How Oily Your Skin is
Step 1. Get rid of the problematic product
Don't assume you have naturally oily skin just because it looks shinier than expected. You may be using the wrong product.
- There is a possibility that the moisturizer you are using is too heavy. When you use a product that is too heavy for the skin, the skin pores cannot absorb it. As a result, the moisturizer sticks to the skin, potentially clogging the skin pores.
- On the other hand, you may be using a product that is too harsh and can dry out your skin. The skin will balance these products by producing more oil.
- Use only a gentle facial cleanser and an oil-free moisturizer for a few weeks to see how your skin reacts.
Step 2. Pay attention to where and when your skin is oily
Everyone has natural oils on their skin, but this doesn't mean everyone has to use products specifically for oily skin. Once you have removed the problematic product, consider the following to determine skin condition:
- If your skin is oily all day and you have large pores all over your face, chances are you have oily skin.
- If you have oily skin and large pores only in the T area (forehead, nose, and chin), you likely have combination skin.
- If you have oily skin only in the T-zone when the weather is warm, chances are you have normal skin.
- If your skin is oily but your pores are small, this is a good sign that your moisturizer may be the culprit, not your skin type.
Step 3. Perform the test using a tissue
Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and don't put anything on your face. Within an hour or two, wipe the surface of the face with a tissue. If you have oily patches, your skin is likely oily. If not, you likely have combination skin.
Step 4. Define the action
If you've determined that your skin isn't really oily, look for a moisturizer for normal skin. On the other hand, if your skin is really oily, take a look at Part 2 of this article to choose the right product.
Part 2 of 3: Choosing the Right Product
Step 1. Read the product label
Moisturizers made specifically for oily skin often have keywords like water-based, noncomedogenic (don't clog pores), nonacnegenic (don't cause acne) and/or oil-free.
But oil-free products are more complicated than you might think, because they contain other ingredients that can clog pores (like wax) or irritate skin (like alcohol)
Step 2. Check the content of other ingredients
People with oily skin should be careful with ingredients that can help and harm the skin at the same time.
- Aqueous products must have a word ending in "- icone " (like silicone) as one of the first few ingredients.
- Dimethicone is often used as a substitute for petrolatum, which is derived from oil. Dimethicone is moisturizing and not too oily, which means it can help control fat and shine on your face.
- Look for ingredients that exfoliate the skin. Oily skin often looks dull and heavy, so choose products that help with cell turnover. These ingredients are lactic acid, glycolic acid, and salicylic acid.
- Avoid products that contain paraffin, cocoa butter, or oil.
Step 3. Consider texture
Moisturizers come in many forms. From lightest to heaviest, includes gels, lotions, and creams. Pay attention to the various properties when choosing a moisturizer.
- People with oily skin should avoid heavy creams and lotions.
- Instead, choose a light gel or lotion.
Step 4. Consider other products you use
Oily skin can also be prone to breakouts, which means you may be using anti-acne products that are harsh and dry out your skin. Don't make your skin more irritated by applying an anti-acne moisturizer on top of these products. Instead, look for a moisturizer for sensitive skin.
If you don't use anti-acne products, a moisturizer that can also treat acne may be a good choice for you
Step 5. Look for a moisturizer that contains sunscreen
Experts recommend looking for a moisturizer that also protects the skin from the sun. Many people with oily skin worry that sunscreen will make their oily, shiny skin worse, so again look for products that don't clog pores or cause breakouts.
You might also consider using sunscreen as a moisturizer. Sunscreen moisturizes the skin, so you don't need to apply a second coat, especially if you have oily skin (if you applied sunscreen first)
Part 3 of 3: Trying Different Products
Step 1. Research the product
You need a moisturizer that keeps your skin moisturized but not greasy, fresh but not stiff. You need to spend some time before finding the right product for your skin. Since you have to try several products before finding the right one, don't assume that you have to buy the most expensive brand. Cheaper options can often work just as well.
Step 2. Test the new product on the arm first
To avoid breakouts and rashes, test a moisturizer on your arm before applying it to your face. This is especially important for people with sensitive skin. Try to wait two weeks before deciding on the right product, unless you experience an immediate reaction.
Step 3. Adjust your skin care routine to the weather
Your skin won't react the same way all year round, so consider using a different moisturizer in hot and cold weather.
- People with oily skin should consider using a moisturizer in the form of an ointment in cold weather, as long as the skin is not prone to breakouts.
- Similarly, people with normal and combination skin need to switch to a light moisturizing lotion or gel during hot weather, when the skin becomes oily.
Step 4. Consider the age factor
Oily skin is related to other factors. Fifteen year olds dealing with oily skin and acne need different products than forty year olds who also need to deal with aging problems.
