Having acne is a troublesome and tedious process because it’s hard to get rid of them, not to mention it affects our self-esteem tremendously. On the other hand, there’s also a belief that people with oily skin or acne-prone skin should avoid using moisturizers since it leads to more breakouts. There is some truth to that but it’s not entirely true either.
Thus, we are here to explain to you some of the most effective tips you can use during your search for the best moisturizer for acne-prone skin.
Understanding the ingredients of the moisturizer.
We are going to go straight down to what’s most important and that is – finding out the ingredients of the moisturizer you intend to use. One of the biggest problems in the skincare world is that people are quick to pick a product based on its marketing rather than knowing the actual ingredients in the product itself.
With so many options in the market, it’s hard to find the best moisturizer in Singapore. What you should pay attention to are the ingredients and find out what those ingredients mean. It’s also important to know which specific ingredients are proven to help in treating acne.
Once you have understood the ingredients and are okay with it, the next step would be to also look for skin-friendly and moisturizing ingredients based on your skin type. Some key ingredients you might want to look out for when buying moisturizers are salicylic, glycerin and hyaluronic acid.
Note: Check the entire list of ingredients on the labels of the moisturizers you are interested in.
Opt for fragrance-free moisturizers.
Being gentle on your skin is something that all skin types can agree upon but at the same time, not using too many harsh ingredients to your skincare routine would actually help your skin to achieve a fuller and brighter look as well. Hence, it is wise to go for hypoallergenic and fragrance-free formula as fragrances are often known to contribute to acne breakouts.
Salicylic acid is your companion to treat pimples.
Salicylic acid is the most crucial ingredient in treating acne but also has so many other uses in the skincare world. When used in the right dosage, salicylic acid can reduce inflammation and breakouts that are caused by excess sebum. In fact, it’s so good at calming down inflammation that it can be considered an all-natural treatment for a number of skin conditions.
Glycerin and Hyaluronic acid are essential for deep hydration.
Glycerin is a very popular ingredient in the skincare world and it has been hailed to do almost everything when it comes to moisturizing. The good thing about it is that it’s very hydrating in the sense that it can hold over 1000 times its weight in water and it can also absorb the skin’s moisture while also assisting in creating a silky, soft finish.
However, glycerin can actually work as an acne reducer too, since it’s known to reduce and clear up excess sebum. Since glycerin is oil-free, it’s not going to clog pores. It also has soothing properties, helps to hydrate skin and is rich in antioxidants which helps to fight free radical damage.
Glycerin’s cousin – Hyaluronic acid – also has major benefits in terms of skincare. It helps to moisturize the skin by binding water to the dermis, thus resulting in a more even skin tone, firmer skin, and a much softer texture. It can even be used as a filler for smoothing brows and eye bags.
As most acne-prone people tend to find no relief from salicylic acid and glycerin, it is advisable to use a lighter moisturizer with salicylic acid that comes with a hyaluronic acid sub-fraction or in conjunction with a glycerin-based moisturizer.
It’s best to stay away from petrolatum.
Petrolatum is actually the main culprit behind acne breakouts. The fact that it is mostly considered to be a good ingredient in balms and lotions does not mean it does acne-prone skin any good, since it is one of the main causes and can even worsen acne.
Though most people don’t know it, petrolatum is basically used as a filler and to control oil levels, which is not in the least ideal for the skin, especially when it’s acne-prone. Even if a lotion or cream claims that it’s petroleum-free, the majority of them use petrolatum to control oil levels, which mostly means that the oil will still settle onto the skin, leading to breakouts.
An important thing to also note is that most petroleum-based products contain several types of ingredients, namely parabens and propylene glycol, both of which are known to cause acne and thus, it’s best to steer clear of them.
Don’t forget to wear sunscreen with zinc oxide.
Lastly, when using any kind of moisturizer, you can also pick a morning moisturizer with SPF. Sunscreens with zinc oxide are usually much better since they protect against both UV rays and oil that can irritate the skin. It’s also known to be tolerable for acne sufferers.
Conclusion
Ultimately, a dermatologist or an aesthetician is the best person to seek advice, since they’re the ones who are qualified to assess the severity of your skin and prescribe the right solution. Book an appointment with Mirage Aesthetic to speak to a qualified aesthetician and find out about the best acne treatments for acne-prone skin and hear from us about the most effective methods you could do to help with your skin condition.