Even if you have oily or acne-prone skin, moisturizers are a crucial part of your skincare routine. It’s a common misconception that oily skin doesn’t need hydration. In reality, skin oils and skin hydration are distinct, and your skin can be both oily and dehydrated. Moisturizers help counter fluid loss due to environmental factors, such as cold weather, or other causes.
Hydration vs. Oil
Many people confuse skin oil with skin hydration. Skin oil, or sebum, is a waxy substance produced by sebaceous glands to maintain the skin's barrier. Hydration, on the other hand, involves water being absorbed into the skin's layers, keeping it plump, elastic, and resilient.
Excessive sebum can lead to oily skin and acne, but it doesn’t mean the skin is well-hydrated. Stripping away these oils can actually promote moisture loss. Hydrated skin is healthy skin; without sufficient moisture, skin's appearance and protective functions can be compromised, leading to:
Inflammation
Infection
Wrinkles
Premature aging
Skin Health and Dehydration
Dehydrated skin can increase the risk of breakouts. When skin becomes too dry, the body compensates by producing more oil, which can clog pores and cause more pimples. Factors like cold weather, hot baths, and harsh astringents can disrupt skin integrity, leading to rapid moisture loss and dryness.
Acne and Moisturizing
Many acne treatments, such as topical retinoids (e.g., Retin-A) and antibacterials (e.g., benzoyl peroxide), have drying effects. They work by:
Topical retinoids: Speed up skin cell turnover, causing the skin to shed cells faster, which can lead to dryness and flakiness.
Benzoyl peroxide: Reduces sebum production and exfoliates the skin, contributing to dryness.
If you don’t replenish lost moisture, your skin can become dry, flaky, and more prone to cracks, tears, and infections. Daily moisturizing is the best way to prevent these issues and maintain healthy skin.
In summary, even if your skin is oily or prone to acne, using a moisturizer daily is essential for maintaining skin health. Choose products that balance hydration without clogging pores to keep your skin looking and feeling its best.
Book a FREE consultation with our skin specialist to understand how our treatments can help your skin.