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Should you moisturize oily skin?

Whether you have an oily t-zone or your entire face leans towards oiliness chances are you probably hesitate before applying any moisturizer to your skin. Do you have the question; “do I really need to moisturize oily skin?” lingering in the corners of your mind and not sure if you are making the problem worse?

Believe it or not, moisturizers are actually very beneficial for oily skin. The oil in your skin (sebum) lubricates the surface of your skin but doesn’t provide any moisture.

Moisturizers are important because they contain ingredients that infuse the skin with moisture and nourishment and can be absorbed into the skin. Whereas sebum comes out of the pores providing a layer of lubrication designed to seal in moisture not deliver it.

All too often when we are struggling with oiliness, we cleanse and tone with products designed to reduce oiliness which can potentially dry out the skin. When moisture isn’t applied, oil production goes into overdrive in an attempt to seal in whatever little moisture might be remaining within your skin.

In the end, moisturizers can actually help to reduce the overproduction of oil helping to balance your skin while nourishing your cells.

You may feel like it’s counterintuitive in the beginning but your skin will thank and it will no longer try to overcompensate. Over time your skin will be more balanced as it isn’t desperate to seal in moisture. Apply your moisturizer just after cleansing so your skin doesn’t have the chance to go into panic mode and remember your oiliness is working to seal in that moisture which helps keep your skin looking younger and more beautiful.