Best moisturizer for oily acne prone sensitive skin

First Aid Beauty/Differin

If you have oily skin, being diligent about moisturizing may seem a bit counterintuitive—but yes, you do need to moisturize, even if you have acne. Skipping this critical step may leave you plagued with dry, flaky skin, which only brings more attention to your breakouts. That’s why finding the best moisturizer for acne-prone skin is so important.

It all has to do with the acne treatment you’re using. “Even acne-prone teenagers need to moisturize to keep their skin barrier healthy. The skin barrier can become damaged from drying acne products and medications,” says Arielle Kauvar, M.D., director of New York Laser & Skin Care and clinical professor of dermatology at New York University School of Medicine. This includes salicylic acid (which works to unclog pores) and benzoyl peroxide (which fights acne-causing bacteria).

While it is important to hone in on the moisturizer for your skin type, there’s also a correct way to apply it. Follow this order: Acne medications go on first, topped with a moisturizer, then sunscreen, and finally, makeup if you choose to wear it, says Dr. Kauvar. However, if you use a retinoid-based product to control acne (like tretinoin or adapalene), apply these over a moisturizer or mixed with one to lessen irritation, she advises.

How to choose the best moisturizer for acne-prone skin:

Read the label carefully: The two most important phrases you’re looking for on your moisturizer are “oil-free” or “noncomedogenic,” and you probably won’t have to look very hard. “These types of moisturizers are really easy to find,” says Rebecca Baxt, M.D., board-certified dermatologist at Baxt Cosmedical in Paramus, New Jersey. “If it’s advertised as either, you can rest assured it will not clog pores,” she says.

Check the ingredients: “Choose active ingredients like squalene, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides which provide lightweight moisture that leaves the skin blemish-free,” explains says Corey L. Hartman, M.D., board-certified dermatologist, founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, AL, and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the University of Alabama School of Medicine.

Mind the texture: If you’re on the drier side (or have combination skin) and have acne, opt for a moisturizing cream. Those with oily skin should go for a lightweight lotion or gel, recommends Dr. Kauvar.

Look for SPF: Sun exposure is a foe to acne. “Many moisturizers for acne-prone skin are fragrance-free and contain chemical-free, non-irritating sunscreens, which help reduce the development of long-lasting blemishes that persist after the pimples are gone,” says Dr. Kauvar.

Then, consider these moisturizers that will work wonders on acne-prone skin.

1

BEST OVERALL

CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30

2

Differin Oil Absorbing Moisturizer With Sunscreen

3

BEST FOR SENSITIVE SKIN

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Sensitive Fluide Protective Moisturizer, Lightweight Oil-Free Face Moisturizer, For Sensitive Skin

4

Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion

5

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Oil-Control Moisturizer

6

Paula's Choice

Paula’s Choice CLEAR Oil-Free Moisturizer

7

BEST VALUE

Neutrogena Oil-Free Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 35

8

BEST MATTIFYING

Caudalie Vinopure Oil-Control Moisturizer for Acne-Prone Skin

9

Proactiv Green Tea and Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer

10

Best Tinted Moisturizer

Elta MD UV Elements Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 44

11

COSRX Oil-Free Moisturizing Lotion

12

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat Face Moisturizer

13

Vanicream Facial Moisturizer

14

Eau Thermale Avene Cleanance Concentrate Blemish Control Serum

15

Murad Acne Control Skin Perfecting Lotion

Alisa Hrustic Deputy Editor, Prevention Alisa Hrustic is the deputy editor at Prevention, where she leads the brand’s digital editorial strategy.

Emily Goldman Emily Goldman is the senior editor at Prevention.

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