Have you ever wondered if moisturizer can help with acne? Acne is an ailment that affects the face and the body, and it’s not to be taken lightly.
The answer? Yes, a moisturizer can help with acne by keeping your pores from getting clogged and balancing the amount of oil on your skin. A moisturizer can also help with acne because they reduce irritations and minimize any redness caused by acne.
Having acne-prone skin can lead to a lot of negative emotions like embarrassment, low self-esteem, and depression. But you don’t have to suffer any longer. This article will explore why moisturizer helps with acne and how to choose the best one.
Benefits of Moisturizer for Acne
1. Hydrates Skin
Moisturizers provide hydration to the skin. Hydration is essential in treating acne-prone skin because it keeps the outer layer of the skin (epidermis) hydrated and soft.
When your skin is dry, you’re more likely to experience clogged pores and breakouts – so maintaining a good level of hydration in your skin helps maintain its elasticity which, in turn, reduces the likelihood of breakouts.
2. Reduces Oiliness
Moisturizers help reduce the amount of water lost from your skin. This helps slow down the cycle of oil production, which naturally speeds up in dry environments.
For best results, use a moisturizer with oil-absorbing ingredients like salicylic acid that can help acne by balancing the amount of sebum produced.
3. Prevent Clogged Pores
Applying a moisturizer helps to prevent clogged pores by keeping your skin lubricated so that dead skin cells don’t accumulate in them. This reduces the chances that bacteria will get trapped in a pore and cause inflammation or infection.
4. Kills Bacteria
Applying a moisturizer also helps to kill bacteria because water is one of the ways that our bodies naturally fight off infections. If you don’t moisturize, you’re more likely to experience dryness and cracking, which makes it easier for bacteria to get hold of your body.
5. Supports Skin Barrier
The American Academy of Dermatology defines a moisturizer as “a product that hydrates the skin barrier,” which is composed of lipids (fats) and water.
This skin barrier helps protect your skin from external environmental factors such as dust, viruses, and acne-causing bacteria.
6. Fights Free Radicals
Free radicals can damage the collagen and elastin in your skin, which makes it look older and more prone to acne. The antioxidants in moisturizers protect you from these damaging effects by neutralizing free radicals before they can cause damage to your skin.
Types of Moisturizers
Water-based moisturizers
These are also called “lotion” or “cream” moisturizers. They’re usually light in texture, white in color, and should be absorbed easily by your skin within minutes after application. This type of moisturizer can help with oily, and acne-prone skin types.
Oil-based moisturizers
These moisturizers are heavier than water-based ones, so they should be better at keeping your skin hydrated for longer periods. They’re also great at locking in moisture — making them ideal for dry or sensitive skin types.
They are often formulated with ingredients such as propylene glycol, glycerin, mineral oil, petrolatum, lanolin oil, or urea. For acne-prone skin, it’s best to avoid this type of moisturizer.
How to Apply Moisturizer for Acne
- Rinse your face with warm water, lather on a mild cleanser, and rinse thoroughly.
- Pat your face dry with a towel instead of rubbing it dry (rubbing can damage healthy skin cells and irritate sensitive ones).
- After patting dry, wait until your skin is completely dry before applying moisturizer.
- Gently massage the moisturizer into your face and neck in an upward motion.
- Apply your moisturizer and sunscreen (if required).
How to Choose the Right Moisturizer for Acne-Prone Skin
Here are some simple steps you can take to choose the right moisturizer for acne-prone skin:
- Look for hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic products. These products will not clog pores and reduce acne breakouts significantly.
- Look for moisturizers that contain benzoyl peroxide or sulfur. These ingredients are most effective when fighting bacteria that cause acne.
- Buy a moisturizer that is unscented. Scented products contain chemicals such as perfumes and dyes that can irritate the skin.
- Check for natural ingredients like aloe vera; these ingredients contain antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and can help prevent future breakouts.
- If your skin is oily, then you need to find a product that contains ingredients that will remove excess oil from your face. Look for words like “oil-free” or “non-greasy.”
- Avoid moisturizers that contain mineral oil, lanolin, isopropyl myristate, and silicone, as these ingredients are comedogenic and may trigger breakouts.
- Pick a moisturizer with SPF in it. This is important because most moisturizers don’t contain SPF and that makes your skin more susceptible to sun damage. You can find them online or at your local drugstore.
Acne-Prone Skin? Here’s What to Do
Start with the basics
Cleanse your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser. Apply sunscreen every day and wear protective clothing when you’re outdoors. By washing daily and using an SPF cream, you’re guarding against breakouts before they occur.
Wash your face gently
Avoid scrubbing harshly or using pore-clogging astringents and scrubs to cleanse your face. The extra friction might irritate your skin even more. That irritation can lead to more acne, which is exactly what you don’t want.
Use warm water
Wash your face with warm water instead of hot water, which can irritate the skin. Hot water irritates pores and increases oil production, which can lead to breakouts in your skin.
Exfoliate regularly
To remove dead skin cells from the surface of the face, use a gentle exfoliating cleanser at least twice a week This will help prevent clogged pores from forming and keep your skin looking healthy.
Avoid cosmetics that clog pores
If you wear makeup, look for water-based foundations and powders rather than oil-based ones. Oil tends to block pores and cause more breakouts, while water-based formulas allow your skin to breathe.
Don’t squeeze or pick at blemishes
This can make acne worse and leave scars behind. Try using a warm compress instead to help improve circulation and encourage the blemish to surface more quickly without harm to your skin.
FAQs
Is lotion a moisturizer?
Yes, it is. A lotion is a moisturizer with a blend of water and oils. It contains more water than oil, which is why it’s commonly used to treat oily skin.
These light, non-greasy formulas are easily absorbed into the skin, unlike heavier creams and oils, which can often leave a greasy residue. Lotions also tend to be less expensive than ointments and creams, which are formulated to treat extremely dry skin.
Can moisturizing make you look younger?
Yes, it can. Moisturizing your skin is a great way to plump and smooth your skin which can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
Moisturizers contain beneficial ingredients that help protect and nourish your skin, such as antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. They can also lighten dark spots, reduce the appearance of acne, and smooth out rough skin.
Where can you get moisturizers?
Moisturizers are available at any drugstore or supermarket. You can get them in many scents and fragrances, including unscented varieties. They’re also available in heavy creams for nighttime use or lighter formulations for daytime use.
Make sure that you read the labels carefully before you buy a moisturizer because some brands may contain lanolin or other ingredients that can be harmful if you’re allergic to them.
Conclusion
This article has explored the importance of moisturizing your skin for healthy-looking, acne-free skin. Moisturizers are an important part of treating your skin and can help reduce irritation and redness caused by acne.
Moisturizers come in many different forms such as creams, lotions, gels, and ointments—so there are plenty of options to choose from. For best results, look for an oil-free or non-greasy product that will nourish your skin without clogging pores.
Thanks for reading.
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