Why You Need to Moisturise When You Have Acne
Getting your skincare routine sorted when you have acne can be overwhelming at times. So many skincare trends come and go, especially for acne or breakout related solutions. It can be tough to figure out what you should be doing to work towards healthier skin.
At the core of it all, regardless of trend, is getting your basic skincare routine right.
Creating Your Skincare Routine
Skincare isn’t a one-size-fits-all kind of thing. We all have different skin types, different genetics, live in different climates and practise different lifestyles. A lot of these things factor into our skin’s health. So, what might work for others, might not work for you.
Finding the right skincare routine for you can be quite a journey. And it can be difficult for those who have certain skin conditions, allergies, or sensitivities they need to consider. Acne can be a significant factor for many people, especially if you’re already getting acne treatment.
If this sounds like you, you’ll need to build a skincare routine around preventing breakouts, supporting your skin barrier, and supporting any acne treatments. Sounds like a lot, but it’s not hard.
Why Do You Need to Moisturise If You Have Acne?
Acne-prone skin usually comes along with oily skin types. This often means there’s the false belief that you don’t need moisturiser if you have acne-prone skin.
The truth is actually the opposite. Using the right moisturiser for your skin - whether acne-prone, or oily - helps keep your skin hydrated and supports your skin's natural functions. Using the correct moisturiser can actually help regulate oil production if it contains actives like Niacinamide.
If you’re using acne treatments that contain tretinoin, isotretinoin (accutane/roaccutane), adapalene, or tazarotene, or other retinoids, your skin will usually also become dry and prone to irritation. Other actives like Salicylic Acid, and Benzoyl Peroxide can also have this drying effect.
This is where the right moisturiser is essential.
The right moisturiser will combat the drying effect of the treatments and lock in the moisture your skin needs. It should help hydrate without adding excessive oil to your skin. It’s also beneficial for the moisturiser to include skin barrier supporting actives to ensure your vulnerable skin barrier stays healthy.
What Should You Look for in a Moisturiser?
We don’t recommend using just any moisturiser. Some moisturisers might have formulations that won’t work well with your skin - And using the wrong moisturiser can actually worsen your acne problem.
For acne-prone or oily skin, it’s best to look for moisturisers that contain a high level of humectants like Glycerin, Propanediol, Sodium PCA, Hyaluronic Acid, or Panthenol. You can also look for moisturisers that are oil-free (or low-oil) and non-comedogenic.
It’s probably best to avoid moisturisers that contain heavier oils like butters - shea butter, cocoa butter, mango butter etc.
And if you’re an animal rights supporter, you should also look for a cruelty-free and/or vegan moisturiser.
When Should You Use Moisturiser?
Dermatologists recommend applying moisturiser as part of your core routine - cleanser, moisturiser, sunscreen - or additionally when your skin feels dry. Many people moisturise right after showering or washing their face as damp skin can the moisturiser lock in more moisture. Moisturising should be a daily habit, especially during colder months when your skin is more prone to dryness.
When Can You Expect to See Results?
You might become frustrated if you don’t see immediate results. Results always vary but it usually takes 4-8 weeks before you start to see significant changes in your skin when using actives.
If you feel your skin negatively reacting to the moisturiser even when using it for less than four weeks, you should, by all means, stop using the product. Don’t push through with it if you feel tingling, stinging or get any adverse reaction from using the product - however it’s important to figure out if this irritation is being caused by your acne treatment (retinoid) or the additional moisturiser.
Let your skin heal first, and then go back to trying a different moisturiser. It’s best to avoid fragrance, plant extracts or botanicals, and essential oils.
Final Thoughts
Build a skincare routine around your specific needs. After all, the right solutions can’t fix the wrong problems. Listen to your body to know how best to take care of it.
Skincare involves a lot of trial and error. So, don’t give up if one product fails you. That just means that specific products weren't made for your skin. But there are definitely other options out there that would work better.
If you’re unsure where to begin, or if nothing seems to be working for you, personalised skincare is a newer option. It involves professionals custom making products designed for your specific skin needs.
For your personalised moisturising needs, you can count on August Skincare to provide the best cruelty-free moisturiser. We provide custom skincare products especially made for you. Fill out our form now to get started!
