Skincare Myth 101: Should You Skip Moisturizer if You Have Oily Skin? 

Oily skin doesn't need moisturizer,' might be the worst beauty advice that just won't die. It's right up there with 'you can shrink your pores’ and 'toothpaste helps with pimples.' (Spoiler: neither of those is true.) The logic seems sound—why add moisture to skin that's already producing too much oil? But like most skincare myths, this one needs some serious fact-checking.

Let’s start by...

Understanding Oily Skin

Sebaceous glands are tiny producers of sebum (oil) sitting under your skin, and when they start overproducing sebum, you get oily skin, clogged pores, breakouts, and acne. It's that simple—and that complicated. This overproduction could be chalked down to several factors: genetics, hormonal changes, stress, diet, environmental aggressors, and even weather. And with all that excess oil, the last thing you'd want is to add more moisture to your face, right? Seems logical, right? Except it isn't.

Not sure if you have oily, combination, or dry skin? Ask LUMI your personal beauty expert, to help you figure it out.

Should You Skip Moisturizer If You Have Oily Skin?

Dehydrated skin is basically your face's version of miscommunication. When your skin is starved of moisture, your oil glands get the wrong message and think the solution is to pump out more sebum. The result? Skin that's both dehydrated and oily (with a side of clogged pores and breakouts.) So, skipping moisturizer is clearly not the right way to go about it. Your skin needs proper hydration to restore its balance, i.e., a good moisturizer, one that's designed specifically for oily, acne-prone skin. Looks like moisturizer isn't the enemy after all—it's the ally you've been avoiding.

Benefits of Using Moisturizer for Oily Skin

1. Regulates Oil Production: Your sebaceous glands aren't very good at problem-solving. When they spot dehydration, their solution is to pump out more oil—making already oily, dehydrated skin even oilier. It's like trying to quench your thirst with coffee; you're just making things worse. A moisturizer brings that much-needed hydration to your skin, which helps regulate sebum production naturally. When your skin's properly hydrated, those oil glands don't need to overcompensate, keeping excess shine and breakouts in check. Just make sure you choose a lightweight, non-comedogenic formula that does not clog your pores.

2. Prevents Dehydration: It's a common misconception that oily skin doesn't need moisturizer. But your skin needs proper hydration, regardless of how shiny it looks on the surface. Kind of like a plant that's drowning in water but still wilting—it's not about how much moisture you see, it's about getting the right kind of hydration where it's actually needed. A good moisturizer helps restore that essential balance, giving your skin the moisture it needs to stay healthier and more nourished, while keeping oil production in check.

3. Supports Skin Barrier: Your skin barrier is your skin's natural security system—when it's strong and functioning, it helps lock in moisture, prevent water loss, while blocking external aggressors and irritants. When your skin's dehydrated, this defense system takes a hit, leaving you more vulnerable to breakouts, irritation, and inflammation. A good face moisturizer for oily skin helps rebuild and strengthen this weakened barrier, especially when it's packed with nourishing ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid. A strong barrier means better defense against external aggressors, less irritation, and skin that's finally on your side.

4. Reduces Irritation: Active ingredients are great at fighting breakouts, but they can leave your skin needing extra hydration. A good moisturizer helps maintain that balance by keeping your skin hydrated and comfortable. This is particularly beneficial for acne-prone skin, where maintaining hydration is crucial for preventing over-drying and the subsequent oil overproduction.

How to Choose the Best Moisturizer for Oily skin:

1. Formulated for Oily Skin: Not all moisturizers are created equal. While dry skin thrives on richer formulas, oily skin needs something different entirely. Keep an eye out for products specifically labeled 'for oily skin' or 'oil control'—this is the one time those labels actually matter.

2. Lightweight: When it comes to texture, lighter is better. Water-based formulas like gels absorb quickly, unlike rich creams that can overwhelm your oily skin.

3. Oli-Free, Non-Comedogenic: Keep an eye out for products labeled "oil-free" and "non-comedogenic." These formulas are specifically designed to moisturize oily skin without clogging pores and making your skin greasy.

Best Moisturizers for Oily Skin.

1. Retinol Advanced Renewal Day Crème.

The Retinol Advanced Renewal Day Crème has earned its stripes as one of the top moisturizers for oily skin. It combines pro retinol-peptide complex with SPF 15 PA++, delivering on skin renewal and moisture without feeling heavy on the skin. This powerhouse moisturizer works to renew skin cells and restore moisture, leaving behind a non-greasy, matte finish.

2. Glycolic Illuminate Day Crème.

Another contender on the list of best light moisturizers for oily and pigmented skin is the Glycolic Illuminate Day Crème. Packed with glycolic acid, shea butter, and bengkoang extract, this moisturizer helps hydrate your skin while increasing cell regeneration and turnover. As the cherry on top, it also boosts your skin's natural radiance and lends it an overall more polished finish.

3. Dew Drama Gel Crème.

Heavy on hydration and light on your skin, the Dew Drama Gel Crème delivers up to 24 hours of moisture while actively improving skin hydration and relieving dryness. Formulated with skin-loving ingredients like vitamins E, B3, and F, it hydrates, soothes, and improves skin barrier function, leaving you with soft, dewy skin that stays fresh all day long.

4. Perfect Radiance Day Crème.

Managing oily skin can seem tricky, but the Perfect Radiance Crème makes it simple. It offers deep hydration that feels light and breathable. The UV filters in this oily skin moisturizer help guard the skin against sun damage, while the niacinamide takes it a notch above by helping fade pigmentation, enhancing your skin’s overall clarity and radiance. It’s the perfect companion for oily skin—hydrating and managing excess oil and shine, delivering a complete skincare solution.

Final Thoughts

So, there it is—the case for moisturizer and oily skin. Sometimes the skincare solution you need isn't about fighting what your skin's doing but understanding why it's doing it. The most obvious solution isn't always the right one.

FAQs

Q:1 Do people with oily skin need moisturizer?

A: Absolutely, yes. Everybody needs moisturizer, even oily skin. It might sound counterintuitive, but even oily skin can be dehydrated, which can make oiliness worse as your skin tries to compensate for the reduced moisture content. A good oily skin moisturizer helps regulate oil production, prevents dehydration, and helps strengthens your skin's natural barrier. So, yes, moisturizer is pretty much non-negotiable.

Q:2 Which moisturizer is the best for oily skin?

The best moisturizers for oily skin are lightweight and non-comedogenic, which means they won't block your pores. Gel or water-based moisturizers labeled "oil-free" are often go-to formulas, as they hydrate without adding any extra oil or greasiness to your face. Ingredients like niacinamide are especially helpful for keeping skin hydrated while minimizing shine.

Q:3 How to apply moisturizer correctly?

The secret to effective moisturizing is applying it to damp skin, right after cleansing. After washing your face or showering, gently pat your skin and spread your moisturizer evenly over your face and neck using light, upward strokes. Apply moisturizer twice a day—once in the morning before putting on sunscreen and once at night, just before bed.