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DISCOVER OUR BEST MOISTURISER FOR OILY SKIN TYPES

WHAT IS OILY SKIN?

Skin is considered oily when it produces too much sebum (natural skin oil). If you’re wondering how much oil production is too much, visibly shiny skin within an hour of cleansing is a reliable sign you've got oily skin. Or a combination skin type if the oiliness is restricted only to some areas of your face – commonly your forehead, nose, and chin.

An oily complexion can be attributed to genetics, hormones, humidity, and stress. Your skin type can also change with the seasons or when travelling to a different climate.

People with oily skin frequently make two fundamental skincare mistakes:

WASHING TOO OFTEN

Although it seems an eminently sensible way for people with oily complexions to remove excess oil, washing too frequently strips all the oil and has the effect of drying the skin. The response from the sebaceous glands is then to go into overdrive and produce even more oil.

NOT USING A DAILY MOISTURISER

All skin – regardless of skin type or skin tone, needs adequate and appropriate hydration, because dehydrated skin can't function properly without a balanced oil-to-water ratio. Moisturisers are designed to not only add hydration, but hold it within the skin, where it balances the sebum produced by the sebaceous glands. With the excess sebum produced by oily skin types, it's no less important to keep the skin hydrated.

WHAT ARE THE BEST INGREDIENTS TO LOOK FOR IN AN OILY SKIN MOISTURISER?

Here are some of the key ingredients that are useful in a moisturiser for combination or oily skin types.

Niacinamide

Also known as vitamin B3, niacinamide is a very versatile ingredient. It helps strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier to reduce dehydration. Topically applied, niacinamide also helps regulate excess sebum production, has calming benefits and has been shown to have antioxidant properties. It helps reduce the visible effects of environmental damage, so skin appears healthier and more radiant.

Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is a chemical exfoliant derived from salicin, a compound found in willow bark. It helps to shed dead skin cells from the skin's surface and promote skin cell turnover and improve skin texture. Salicylic acid is also oil-soluble, which enables it to penetrate clogged pores more deeply. Useful for oily skin types or blemish-prone skin, it helps regulate sebum production and remove excess oil.

Hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring glycosaminoglycan (a large carbohydrate molecule) found throughout the body and especially in skin. The greatest benefit of hyaluronic acid is its ability to absorb many times its own weight of water. When used in skincare products, hyaluronic acid hydrates dry skin and retains moisture to visibly reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Gentle and well-tolerated, hyaluronic acid is an ingredient that combines well with others and is suitable for all skin types.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT MOISTURISER FOR OILY AND COMBINATION SKIN TYPES

When selecting a moisturiser, the most important consideration is knowing and understanding your skin type. Skin types can change depending on the time of year, or when travelling to a different climate, so you may need to adapt your moisturiser to suit.

You also need to take account of other skin concerns like sensitive skin, acne-prone skin, or mature skin.

When looking for a product to hydrate oily skin, as generally it's best to stay away from overly rich products that can clog pores. Because of this, there's perhaps a natural tendency towards choosing an oil-free formula. This doesn't need to be a deal-breaker though because some emollients (for example, shea butter) provide skin benefits without clogging pores.

The best moisturisers for oily skin provide hydration without leaving a feeling of “weight”, or a greasy residue on the skin. Weightless (also called ultralight), featherweight, and lightweight formulas can all be appropriate for combination and oily skin.

The Best SkinCeuticals Moisturisers for Oily Skin Types

SkinCeuticals offers several moisturisers for oily skin that provide the essential hydration the skin needs while accommodating a variety of textural preferences as well as other skin concerns.

WEIGHTLESS FORMULA: HYDRATING B5 GEL

This ultra-light texture, oil-free hydrating hyaluronic acid serum includes vitamin B5 (also known as pantothenic acid) to assist the skin’s ability to rejuvenate. Just a few drops each day will replenish moisture and the nutrients that oily skin requires, for enhanced skin smoothness and radiance without clogged pores.

Suitable for all skin types, but especially blemish-prone and oily skin. Many customers say this is SkinCeuticals best oil-free moisturiser because it can be used on its own or layered beneath other hydrating products when the skin needs extra moisture.

LIGHTWEIGHT FORMULA OPTIONS: DAILY MOISTURE AND METACELL RENEWAL B3

Daily Moisture Cream for normal and oily skin contains nutrient-rich algae extracts, the antioxidant vitamin E, and a blend of purifying botanical extracts to help minimise the appearance of pores and long-lasting hydration, with a non-greasy finish.

Metacell Renewal B3 is another one of our moisturisers ideal for oily and combination skin. This lightweight aqueous emulsion is formulated with niacinamide (vitamin B3), combined with a tripeptide concentrate and 15% pure glycerin. Metacell Renewal B3 improves the appearance of premature signs of photodamage and skin ageing, helps increase cell turnover, and supports the skin’s moisture barrier while respecting the needs of oily skin.

MASKS THAT DOUBLE AS MOISTURISERS FOR OILY SKIN TYPES

While there’s no substitute for a daily moisturiser, there are additional ways to enhance your skin care routine for oily skin with extra hydration that won’t clog pores.

For intense hydration, Hydrating B5 Masque is a gel mask designed for weekly use. It contains hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, and an advanced moisture complex that mimics the skin’s natural moisturising factor (NMF) to restore the hydration balance. The formulation enables these potent ingredients to infuse deeply into the skin for a plump and dewy complexion.

Ideal for those with oily, mild acne-prone skin, Phyto Corrective Masque has an oil-free and lightweight gel texture. It's a hydrating facial mask containing highly concentrated botanical extracts, a comforting dipeptide, and hyaluronic acid to comfort sensitive skin and reduce visible redness after cosmetic procedures.

This intensive comforting and soothing face mask provides a cooling sensation on contact, minimises the feeling of skin sensitivity and restores natural radiance and a smoother complexion. Use daily after workouts, sun exposure or hot baths, seasonally after travel, swimming in chlorine or saltwater, or windburn.

One more thing...

Remember, moisturisers are just one product in a comprehensive skincare routine. It’s also important if you have oily skin to ensure all the products you use are appropriate for your skin type. Here are a few other SkinCeuticals suggestions suitable for an oily skin.

● Cleanser: Blemish and Age Cleansing Gel

● Toner: Blemish and Age Toner

● Antioxidant: Silymarin CF

● Serums: Phyto Corrective Gel and Blemish + Age Defence

● Sunscreen: Ultra Facial Defense

ALWAYS READ THE LABEL AND FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE.

Apply 20 minutes before sun exposure. Sunscreen is only one part of sun protection so wear protective clothing and seek shade. Avoid prolonged sun exposure. Reapply every 2 hours and after swimming, towelling and perspiring in accordance with directions.

Where can I find out more?

For help choosing the best facial moisturiser for oily skin, or to build the ideal oily skin skincare routine, use our online Routine Finder, or schedule an appointment with a SkinCeuticals Skincare Professional for a one-on-one consultation.

Next: How to transition your skincare regimen as the seasons change