Do face washes hurt or help acne? How to use the right moisturizer if your skin is acne-prone
Does moisturizer make acne worse? Since acne is caused by excess oil and dead skin cells that clog and irritate your pores, it would seem that using lotion can make it worse. This is true if the moisturizer you use contains heavy oils, waxes, or petrolatum. However, studies have shown that using a moisturizer with healing ingredients like retinoids or niacinamide can actually improve the signs and symptoms of acne. 1 This is especially true if you’re already using a topical treatment that can dry out your skin.
Read on to learn what causes acne, why it’s important to keep your skin moisturized, and what types of moisturizers you should add to your routine.
What causes acne?
Acne occurs when your hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. These rashes can appear as blackheads, papules, pustules, or cysts and can leave scars. While acne can occur anywhere on the body, it’s most common on the face, chest, and upper back because these areas have more sebaceous glands.
There are a number of possible triggers for acne breakouts. These include:
Hormonal fluctuations, especially during puberty, menstruation, or menopause
Stress
Certain medications, such as steroids
Nutrition
Excessive sweating
Picking at the skin
Air pollution
Rough or oily makeup
Genetics
Acne treatments
There are many different treatments that can be used to clear acne, prevent breakouts, and heal scars. A healthy skin care routine is essential, starting with daily cleansing, wearing sunscreen, and breaking bad habits like picking.
Common acne treatments include the paraben-free benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, topical retinoids (such as tazarotene or Tretinoin), or prescription isotretinoin (for severe acne). While these types of products are very effective, they can also dry out the skin, cause burning and redness, or make the skin more sensitive to the sun.
If your acne is moderate to severe and doesn’t respond to other treatments, your doctor may also prescribe oral medications, such as antibiotic tablets or birth control pills.
Why Moisturizing Is Important for Acne
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, when your skin becomes too dry, your body increases sebum production. 2 Excess sebum can clog pores, leading to more breakouts, or making existing breakouts worse. Using the right moisturizer can prevent your skin from becoming too dry and irritated, especially when using strong topical acne treatments.
Using a moisturizer also protects your skin from acne by creating a physical barrier on the top layer of your skin, reducing sebum production. The right moisturizer is hydrating enough to lock in moisture and soothe inflamed skin.
What to Look for in a Moisturizer If You Have Acne
The best moisturizers for acne contain the following ingredients:
Labeled “oil-free.”
Non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog your pores
Moisturizers, such as hydrating hyaluronic acid
Acne-fighting ingredients like niacinamide, vitamin C, and azelaic acid
Soothing ingredients like aloe vera, vitamin E, and green tea
Moisturizers to avoid if you have acne
If you have acne, it’s recommended that you avoid moisturizers that:
Heavy oils, such as coconut oil
Waxes and petrolatum
Cocoa butter
Perfumes
Alcohol
Parabens
Peels that contain sodium chloride
Vitamin C Lotion 20%
Vitamin C Lotion 20%
Regular Price $45
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When and how to apply a moisturizer for acne-prone skin
Dermatologists recommend applying a moisturizer after washing your face with a gentle cleanser. Applying a moisturizer when there’s still some moisture in your skin will help retain moisture in your skin. You can also apply a moisturizer if your skin feels dry.
Studies show that most people experience a reduction in acne 4 to 8 weeks after they start using an acne-fighting moisturizer. 2
Acne-Recommended Foundation Skincare
The Foundation Skincare line offers a range of dermatologist-developed products to fight acne, without a prescription. All of these products are lotions that help lock in moisture and keep your skin well-hydrated. Whether you’re fighting current breakouts or trying to prevent future ones, use these acne moisturizers:
FS Night Renewal Cream contains 2% Granactive Retinoid and Essential Peptide Growth Factors along with herbal ingredients. The moisturizing formula delivers the skin-renewing benefits of prescription retinoic acid without the irritation.
FS Azelaic Acid 14% is the highest concentration of over-the-counter azelaic acid available. This skin-friendly antioxidant formula soothes and fights breakouts without irritating the skin like prescription formulas, but is more effective than other less concentrated over-the-counter products. In addition to killing acne-causing bacteria on the skin, azelaic acid disrupts the link between elevated testosterone levels and other hormonal changes, minimizing hormonal breakouts. The formula is gentle enough for sensitive skin and suitable for daily use as a soothing cream.
FS Niacinamide Lotion supports healthy oils in the skin while reducing sebum production to prevent acne breakouts. Its anti-inflammatory properties also soothe the redness and irritation of current breakouts while improving skin texture and minimizing scarring. The lotion is also gentle enough for sensitive skin and has a hydrating base that can be used twice daily.
FS Vitamin C Lotion contains a highly concentrated 20% active ingredient that reduces the redness caused by acne, boosts collagen production, and supports scar healing. Vitamin C Lotion also contains a hydrating base that moisturizes, brightens, and protects the skin without drying or irritating it.
When your skin needs more moisture, the best top product for daily use is FS Hyaluronic Acid Lotion, a fast-absorbing, intense moisturizer that locks in moisture and deeply hydrates for healthy, radiant skin. All products in the Foundation Skincare range can be layered with or without additional moisturizer. If you suffer from acne, we recommend the following routine.
Morning:
Cleanse skin with a gentle cleanser.
Apply FS Azelaic Acid 14%.
Moisturize skin with FS Hyaluronic Acid Lotion.
Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to protect against sun damage.
Evening:
Cleanse skin with a gentle cleanser.
Apply FS Niacinamide Lotion.
Moisturize skin with Hyaluronic Acid Lotion or alternate with Foundation Skincare Night Renewal Cream with Granactive Retinoid.
