“My teenager’s face is oily enough without moisturizer; they don’t need it! It will only add more oil to their face and make them break out more.”
One word: wrong! With both teenage and adult acne, this is the myth I hear repeated the most here at Face5 Acne Solutions.
It begs the question— why is this such a commonly-held myth, and why did moisturizer receive a bad reputation when it comes to acne in the first place? In today’s blog, Face5 is here to break down all you need to know about moisturizer in relation to acne… and why it’s not the “big bad” many assume it is!
Moisturizer and Acne: The Partial Truth
The truth behind “Moisturizer will break me/my teen out!” is only partial; while moisturizer in general is not only a help to acne (and acne scarring) but also an essential part of any skin care routine due to its role in protecting the skin’s natural moisture barrier, any skin care product runs the risk of aggravating your skin if it has inflammatory ingredients.
These skin care ingredients include, but aren’t limited to:
- Parabens
- Fragrance
- Formaldehyde
- Phthalates
- Oxybenzone
In Face 5’s expansive acne info page I also detail how even acne-friendly ingredients, such as retinol, can cause irritation if used too frequently on sensitive skin. The same goes for common acne-fighting ingredients such as salicylic acid.
The takeaway? Don’t blame acne breakouts on moisturizer; instead, check in with your acne specialist to ensure that the right skin care ingredients are being incorporated into your routine at the right strength and frequency.
What to Do When Moisturizer Does Break You Out
So let’s say moisturizer does break you or your teen out. How can you determine what’s causing it, and how can you avoid it in the future?
Common culprits are:
- Under-using moisturizers
- Applying moisturizers that are too thick for the season, which can also cause milia over time
- Over-using oil-based moisturizers
Because it can be difficult to determine if it is your moisturizer breaking you out, it’s recommended to use an esthetician-approved moisturizer to rule out harmful ingredients and harsh ingredient strengths.
Are you looking for moisturizers that have been given the thumbs-up by acne specialists? Shop Face 5’s selection of moisturizers online today.
Use a Moisturizer (Yes, Even When You Have Acne!)
The reason why “Moisturizers cause excess oiliness!” is such a harmful myth is that, in reality, it’s actually the opposite: letting skin go dry prompts it to over-produce oil in order to compensate, resulting in breakouts and chronic sebum overproduction. Locking hydration in with a moisturizer is essential for protecting the skin’s natural barrier, regulating serum, and, if using a moisturizer with SPF, guarding your skin from environmental damage.
Consistently moisturizing is also crucial for those looking to combat acne scars and post-inflammatory pigmentation. As one of Face5’s most popular services, ensuring that the skin retains its newly plump, hydrated topmost layer for as long as possible is the only way to see long-term results.
Start on the Path to Clear Skin for Life— Today!
Whether you live here in beautiful Colorado or are one of my many virtual care patients, don’t hesitate to reach out to schedule a consultation surrounding moisturizer recommendations for acne and/or microneedling treatments for acne scarring and pigmentation.