Credit: Brands
4 min read
Perfecting your oily skin routine can take a while, and moisturisers often seem the hardest to find. Stylist guides you through the importance of a moisturiser for this skin type, as well as a few products that may be worth looking into.
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of a moisturiser that you’re conscious is slipping off of your face. A natural glow that arose when you first applied it has miraculously transitioned into a greasy, oil-ridden finish. Those of us with oily skin are all too familiar with this.
So, jaded by our experiences this begs the question: do you actually need a moisturiser if you have oily skin?
Stylist probed skin specialist and founder of her eponymous practise, Dr Jaskaren Midha, to find out exactly what our oily skin needs before sharing some of the team’s favourite formulas.
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Do you need a moisturiser if you have oily skin?
In short, yes. Oiliness and excess oil can be caused by a multitude of reasons, including the temperature, hormonal changes and diet. And while everyone’s skin is different, it’s important to use a moisturiser.
“If you do have oily skin then you should use a moisturiser specifically designed for oily or acne-prone skin,” says Dr Midha. “Look for a moisturiser that is lightweight and won’t clog your pores.” You’ll need to be on the lookout for ingredients such as salicylic acid, tea tree oil and hyaluronic acid.
What happens if you don’t moisturise oily skin?
Above anything else, not moisturising can actually make your skin look even oilier. But there is another major effect, as Dr Midha explains: “By not using moisturiser you risk letting your skin dry out. External factors like cold weather, hot water and harsh products can disrupt skin integrity and the skin can no longer act as a barrier. This can lead to breakouts, skin damage and premature ageing.”
What’s the most common misconception about oily skin?
“It’s important you don’t confuse oily skin with hydrated skin,” says Dr Midha. “Moisturisers provide hydration to the skin, by adding water to it. Just because your skin has plenty of oil, doesn’t mean it has enough water.”
Looking to try out a new formula for your oily skin? We’ve curated a list of the best moisturisers to keep oil levels controlled throughout the day.
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Augustinus Bader The Light Cream
What is it? A lightweight but hydrating moisturiser that delivers a subtle mattifying effect.
Why is it brilliant? As well as immediately reducing shine (a common gripe for those with oily skin), this moisturiser works to balance sebum levels for long-term effects. Its TFC8® formula refreshes and hydrates while strengthening the skin barrier and protecting against environmental aggressors.
Glossier Priming Moisturizer Balance
What is it? A mid-weight gel cream that glides onto skin.
Why is it brilliant? It leaves a veil on your skin which protects current moisture levels and really controls greasy-looking shine. Thanks to the niacinamide included in the formula, it also works to reduce redness all day.
The Inkey List Symbright Moisturizer
What is it? A silky cream moisturiser that sinks into skin.
Why is it brilliant? If you don’t like to feel the layers of skincare on your face, this may work for you. It absorbs into skin quickly and easily, but doesn’t compromise on its efficiency. It contains skin-brightening vitamin C to boost a natural glow, 0.5% symbright to even out skin tone and a red algae complex for hydration.
CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 25
What is it? A cult cream moisturiser with a decent dose of SPF.
Why is it brilliant? It’s not often that a moisturiser infused with SPF actually sinks into skin without looking greasy or feeling chalky. CeraVe’s facial moisturiser is uniquely formulated with hyaluronic acid and three cell-turnover stimulating ceramides to leave skin with a healthy-looking glow.
Shop CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 25 at Lookfantastic, £13
Dr Sam’s Flawless Moisturiser
What is it? A lightweight gel-cream that absorbs into skin and reduces redness.
Why is it brilliant? A little goes a long way, but this moisturiser works to protect skin, and thanks to its non-comedogenic formula, leaves a naturally dewy finish that doesn’t clog pores. It also contains 5% niacinamide to help reduce redness and brighten the skin.
Biossance Squalane + Probiotic Gel Moisturizer
What is it? An ultra-gentle gel moisturiser that calms irritated skin.
Why is it brilliant? Redness and irritation is usually associated with dry complexions but it’s just as common for those with oily skin types, too. This moisturiser by Biossance is formulated with 100% plant-derived squalane to lock in moisture, while red seaweed calms skin.
Shop Biossance Squalane + Probiotic Gel Moisturizer at Cult Beauty, £44
Dr. Barbara Sturm Clarifying Face Cream
What is it? A antioxidant-rich cream that restores balance.
Why is it brilliant? Pricey, yes, but this clever cream is packed full of ingredients that work hard to level out sebum levels – particularly handy for oilier complexions. It also hydrates, smooths and plumps skin.
Shop Dr. Barbara Sturm Clarifying Face Cream at Cult Beauty, £135
Versed Dew Point Moisturizing Gel-Cream
What is it? A lightweight gel-cream with a jelly-like texture.
Why is it brilliant? As well as hydrating aloe leaf, this moisturiser contains green tea, which is packed with natural antioxidants. These not only soothe skin but also shield against damaging free radicals.
Shop Versed Dew Point Moisturizing Gel-Cream at Cult Beauty, £13.50
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