Have you been battling acne for quite some time? If that’s the case, you’ll know that finding the right moisturizer is every bit as important as choosing the right treatment. The issue is that many choose to skip using a moisturizer out of fear of clogged pores, but all skin needs hydration – so what’s the solution? Well, you just have to use the best moisturizers for acne prone skin.
So, what are they, and where do they fit in the average skincare routine? That’s our focus here as we delve into the topic a little more deeply.
Using the Best Moisturizers for Acne Prone Skin Morning & Night
So, what do we mean when we say “The best moisturizers for acne prone skin?” Well, there happen to be two different types (one for the AM and one for PM) that are perfect for the job. Essentially, you should be using one in the morning and one at night. Let’s break things down a little further.
#1 – Your AM Moisturizer: Ideal for Lightweight Hydration & Skin Protection
The moisturizer you use in the morning should be able to do two things: 1) keep your skin nice and hydrated, and 2) offer this hydration and protect the skin from the outside world without feeling heavy. As such, the best AM moisturizers out there will offer:
- Lightweight, fast-absorbing hydration – Acne-prone skin needs moisture like any other skin type. That said, thick creams can feel too heavy. It’s why the formula you choose should be able to hydrate without leaving a greasy residue behind.
- Non-comedogenic ingredients – It’s also essential to choose a product that’s not going to clog your pores and lead to breakouts.
- Soothing, Skin-balancing ingredients – Lastly, the acne-friendly moisturizer you select needs to address irritation, which usually presents when your zits appear.
- Sun Protection (SPF) – Most daytime moisturizers contain broad-spectrum SPF to help protect against UV damage, which can worsen breakouts and post-acne marks.
- Support for the skin barrier – Since the skin is exposed to the outside world throughout the day, the right AM moisturizer should help maintain a strong, healthy barrier.
- Ingredients that help regulate oil production – Keeping excess sebum in check reduces shine and helps prevent clogged pores.
Check for hyaluronic acid for hydration, broad-spectrum SPF for sun protection, and antioxidants like caffeine or vitamin C to help protect your skin throughout the day. A good AM moisturizer should also help control oil and keep your skin shine-free without feeling heavy.
#2 – Your PM Moisturizer: Great For Repairing & Replenishing While You Sleep
At night, your skin does most of its repairing and regenerating, and the acne-friendly moisturizer you should be using just before bed needs to have a formula that supports this overnight healing process. As such, the best PM moisturizers will offer:
- Deep hydration – Nighttime is when you’ll be using a slightly richer formula to restore moisture and prevent overnight water loss.
- Barrier-repair ingredients – Since many types of acne treatment can leave your skin dry, your nighttime moisturizer should help rebuild and protect the skin.
- Soothing & calming properties – To minimize irritation and redness, look for ingredients that help skin recover overnight.
Once again, you’re going to need to cast an eye over the ingredients table of any acne-friendly moisturizer you’re considering to check that it contains hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and glycerin. Firstly, hyaluronic acid will hydrate and prevent overnight moisture loss, niacinamide regulates oil, supports skin repair and minimizes redness, while glycerin locks in moisture to keep skin hydrated overnight.
The Best Moisturizers for Acne Prone Skin Can Make All the Difference
The best acne-friendly moisturizers support your skin at both ends of the day—one protects during the day, while the other replenishes at night. We hope this guide helps you find the right formulas to keep your skin healthy and balanced.
