When you have acne prone skin, you may feel that using a moisturizer will only serve to further the problem, and lead to more breakouts. The truth is that all skin — even oily types — require hydration for skin health. In fact, foregoing a moisturizer can actually lead to an increase in oil production and exacerbate acne.
Moisturizing — like cleansing and exfoliating — is an integral part of any skin care regimen. With acne prone skin, the trick is to find a moisturizer that will maintain proper hydration of the skin without clogging pores and leading to more breakouts. There are several factors that make a lotion ideal for acne prone skin types, but how do you know which is right for you?
What Makes A Good Moisturizer For Acne Prone Skin?
The right moisturizer for you really depends on your skin type. While it is a wide-held belief that acne occurs exclusively with oily skin, this is not always the case. Some people experience acne even when they have dry and flaky skin. In fact, sometimes flakes of dry skin is what can lead to bumps — as is the case with acne rosacea.
Other times, people have combination skin where they experience patches of dryness and oiliness in their T-zones, and others still have oiliness to a point of feeling as though a lotion is unnecessary. Choosing the right moisturizer will ultimately come down to your specific skin type and acne-based issues. There are a few factors that universally ring true for all acne prone individuals when it comes to choosing a moisturizer.
- Oil-free is often a good bet: Referencing tips from the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), Kristen Hall-Geister of HowStuffWorks notes that those with oily skin and acne benefit mostly from oil-free products that offer hydration without layering more oil on top of a complexion that already has an excess
- Use a moisturizer with SPF: Dr. Mehmet Oz of the Dr. Oz show noted that — along with using lightweight lotions in order to avoid over-moisturizing acne prone skin — individuals should also seek moisturizers with sun protection to protect your skin from further irritation and damage that can be caused by UVA/UVB rays
- Go natural: Regardless of whether your acne is spurred from a dry, oily, or combination skin type, you don’t want to load your face with artificial chemicals and ingredients that could only make the situation worse. Choose products with natural ingredients and that include phrases like “non-comedogenic,” “paraben-free,” “hypoallergenic,” and the like.
Top 10 Moisturizers For Acne Prone Skin
As mentioned above, the right moisturizer for you is going to depend on your specific skin type and unique needs. Below are 10 moisturizers that are the best of the best when it comes to acne prone skin. Look through, and you are sure to find several that will match your skin requirements, and help to get you on your way to a flawless complexion.
Below are 10 BB creams that have received rave reviews across several websites, and are formulated in a way that are designed to benefit each variable present in acne prone skin.
1. Clean & Clear Dual Action Moisturizer
Regardless of whether your skin is dry and sensitive, or excessively oily, Clean & Clear Dual Action Moisturizer is a formidable opponent against acne breakouts. The moisturizers contains 0.5% salicylic acid to treat and heal acne, and its lightweight feel will leave skin feeling hydrated and refreshed.
2. Jurlique Calendula Cream
Infused with healing components like witch hazel and spilanthes for treatment of acne, as well as ingredients like avocado and aloe vera for soothing moisture, Jurlique Calendula Cream is exponentially beneficial to all types of acne prone skin.
The properties contained in the powerful cream also significantly reduce redness even with the most severe of cases.
3. Aveeno Clear Complexion Daily Moisturizer
Aveeno is known for its rich, luscious products, which can be enticing for some — but not for many with oily acne prone skin. Never fear, however, when it comes to Aveeno Clear Complexion Daily Moisturizer.
The lotion is oil-free and non-comedogenic. Only a small amount is needed to provide soothing coverage that will help heal acne and leave skin feeling wonderfully supple and soft.
4. Burt’s Bees Natural Acne Solutions Daily Moisturizing Lotion
When it comes to natural ingredients, it’s hard to match a brand like Burt’s Bees.
Burt’s Bees Natural Acne Solutions Daily Moisturizing Lotion combats acne with naturally derived salicylic acne, while also soothing skin and calming redness with ingredients like lemongrass, witch hazel, goldenseal and hops.
5. Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture SPF 35
Neutrogena has long been touted as an ideal brand for soothing relief from a myriad of acne problems.
Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture SPF 35 contains helioplex technology for optimal relief from sun damage and other environmental hazards that can irritate and damage the skin.
It is hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and fragrance-free, offering lightweight, comfortable coverage for a variety of skin types.
6. Philosophy Clear Days Ahead Oil-Free Salicylic Acne Treatment & Moisturizer
Clear days are definitely going to be in store for anyone using this powerful treatment from philosophy. The breathable formula combines antimicrobials, salicylic acid and oligopeptide-10 in order to begin treating and healing acne instantly upon application.
7. Boscia Oil-Free Daily Hydration SPF 15
As noted, SPF is a wonderful thing to have when it comes to moisturizing acne prone skin. Bosicia’s Oil-Free Daily Hydration SPF 15 offers optimal protection against UVA/UVB rays along with a comfortable, lightweight feel.
It is catered to all different skin types and has been shown to significantly reduce the appearance of pores, fine lines and wrinkles, and also is packed with strong anti-bacterials to treat germs and sebum that can exacerbate breakouts.
8. Clinique Acne Solutions All-Over Clearing Treatment Oil-Free
This powerful yet soothing lotion from Clinique seals off acne-causing agents while also soothing skin. The medicated treatment in the lotion fights blemishes and other bacteria without drying skin, leaving you with a flawlessly smooth complexion.
9. Derma E Very Clear Moisturizer
With blemish-fighting ingredients like willow bark, tea tree rosewood, chamomile and lavender, Derma E Very Clear Moisturizer is a naturally excellent choice for those suffering from acne prone skin.
The antibacterial components aid in treating and healing blemishes, while other hydrating ingredients sooth and restore balance to skin without over-moisturizing or clogging pores.
The product also significantly reduces redness and inflammation.
10. Cetaphil Dermacontrol Moisturizer SPF 30
You don’t have to be fancy when it comes to controlling acne. In fact, sometimes it’s best to stick with the basics. Cetaphil Dermacontrol Moisturizer SPF 30 is recommended by dermatologists and contains healing zinc, ceramide, and oleosome technology to protect skins natural moisture while also fighting acne.
The 3-in-1 formula also leaves a beautiful matte finish to the skin and provides UVA/UVB protection, and has been shown to smooth rough spots, reduce redness, and leave skin more supple with its age-defying components.
Conclusion
All of the above products can apply to a broad spectrum of people suffering from acne, regardless of how sensitive, dry, uneven, or oily your skin type may be. Of course, products can work better for some than others.
What have you discovered works best for you in your skincare journey?
