It may sound counter-intuitive, but even oily skin needs a good moisturiser. Without moisture, skin loses its lustre and starts to look unhealthy. While oily skin types don’t need to moisturise twice-a-day or more, they do need to keep hydrated, inside and out.
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If you have oily skin, you may have been told to ditch the moisturiser. After all, why add more moisture to skin that already seems overzealous in the oil production department, right? Wrong! This is a widespread skincare myth that can do more harm than good. The truth is, oily skin needs hydration just as much as any other skin type, and skin moisturisers along with drinking water play key roles in overall skin health.
Let's dive in and discover why.
Understanding Oily Skin
Oily skin occurs when your sebaceous glands produce excess sebum. Sebum is a natural oily substance that protects and lubricates your skin. However, sebaceous glands can get kicked into overdrive by:
- Genetics
- Hormones
- Diet
- Stress
- Harsh skincare products
These triggers and excess sebum can lead to a shiny complexion and sometimes breakouts.
Why Oily Skin Needs Moisturiser
“The common misconception is that oily skin doesn't need moisturiser, or that moisturiser will worsen the problem,” explains Dr Austin. “The reality is quite the opposite.”
Let’s look at the facts:
Dehydration vs Oiliness: Oily skin can be dehydrated because dehydration means your skin lacks water, not oil. Stripping away natural oils with harsh cleansers or failing to use a moisturiser can signal your skin to produce even more oil to compensate for the dryness.
Oil Balancing: Using the right moisturiser can help regulate oil production. Oil-free, water-based moisturisers add hydration without weighing your skin down. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which draws moisture into the skin, or niacinamide, which helps control sebum production.
Barrier Protection: Your skin's barrier keeps moisture in and irritants out. Dehydrated skin often has a compromised barrier, making it susceptible to breakouts, sensitivity, and even premature ageing. Moisturiser helps restore and strengthen this protective barrier.
Better Makeup Application: Moisturiser creates a smooth, hydrated canvas for makeup application. It prevents makeup from clinging to dry patches and can help your foundation last longer and look more natural.
The Power of Hydration
No exploration of skin health would be complete without a nod to water. Drinking enough water is crucial for overall health, and your skin is no exception. Here's how water keeps your oily, dry, or combination skin in tip-top shape:
Plump and Supple: “When your body is hydrated, your skin cells plump up, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, giving you a more youthful glow,” observes Dr Austin.
Clearer Complexion: Water helps flush out toxins and waste products, contributing to a clearer, more radiant complexion.
Supports Skin Function: Water is essential for many cellular processes, including the production of new skin cells and the repair of damaged ones.
It's important to note that drinking water won't directly cure oily skin. However, proper hydration ensures your skin has the resources it needs to function optimally, potentially improving oil balance and overall skin health in the long run.
How to Choose the Right Moisturiser for Oily Skin
Here is the trinity of things to look for in your moisturiser:
"Oil-Free" and "Non-Comedogenic": These products are formulated to not clog pores.
Lightweight Textures: Opt for gel or lotion formulas that absorb quickly and leave a matte finish.
Ingredients to Love: Hyaluronic acid, glycerine, niacinamide, dimethicone. These are skin-loving ingredients that offer hydration without the grease.
At the same time, be on the lookout for these ingredients which feel heavy on the skin and can potentially clog pores:
- Heavy Oils
- Petrolatum
- Lanolin
6 Ways to Add Needed Moisture to Oily Skin
Now that you understand the needs of your oily skin vis-à-vis moisture and hydration, here are five tips that turn what you know into action:
Cleanse Gently: Use a mild, non-stripping cleanser twice a day.
Avoid Hot Water: Hot water can dehydrate your skin.
Apply Moisturiser on Damp Skin: This helps lock in hydration.
Layer Products Smartly: Apply a lightweight serum with active ingredients before your moisturiser.
Find Your Balance: It might take some experimentation to find the right moisturiser and application frequency for your skin.
Drink Up: Aim for at least 8 glasses of water per day and include hydrating fruits and vegetables in your diet.
Say Goodbye to the No Moisturiser Myth
“Moisturiser is your oily skin's friend, not its foe,” says Dr Austin. By understanding the importance of hydration, choosing the right products, and staying hydrated from the inside out, you can achieve a healthy, balanced, and radiant complexion. So, embrace the moisturiser and let your skin shine – without the unwanted grease!
