The Importance of Using a Hydrator with Acne Prone Skin

Although using a hydrating product may initially appear to be somewhat counter productive if you have acne prone skin, ensuring your skin is hydrated is actually an incredibly important part of the treatment process.

Let's look at a few of the reasons why using the right moisturiser can help you to achieve clearer, balanced skin even if you are prone to acne.

1. Hydrators Support Normal Skin Barrier Function

The outermost layer of skin is called the skin barrier, and it plays an integral role in protecting us from environmental pollutants and irritants. The skin barrier also retains moisture so irritation and dryness can occur when it is compromised. Using a hydrator will allow you to support the normal functionality of your skin barrier, helping you to keep your skin calmer and healthier.

2. Hydrators Minimise Sebum Overproduction

When your skin is dry, whether from environmental factors or through the use of acne treatments containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, the skin tries to compensate by producing extra sebum or oil. This can cause more breakouts and clogged pores, so using a hydrator is critical to avoiding sebum overproduction.

3. Hydrators Support Acne Treatments

When your skin is properly hydrated, it can more effectively absorb acne treatments which can lead to better outcomes. Conversely, when the skin is flaky and dry, acne treatments are unable to penetrate into the skin as evenly or as deeply as is required to support healthier, clearer and calmer skin.

4. Hydrators Improve Skin Texture

When our skin is dehydrated or dry, it often feels very textured and looks dull. Hydrating products work to improve the overall appearance and texture of skin, supporting it to look healthier and more radiant. Keeping your skin hydrated also has long term benefits as well, because hydrators can also help to reduce the appearance of acne scarring over time.

5. Hydrators Minimise Inflammation

Inflammation often accompanies acne and leads to discomfort, swelling and redness. Using a hydrating product that has been formulated with anti-inflammatory ingredients can calm and soothe the skin, minimising the symptoms of inflammation and supporting the skin to calm and clear with consistent use.

Moisturisers For Acne-Prone Skin

There are a few important considerations to make when selecting a moisturiser to incorporate into your acne-prone skincare routine.

1. Non-Comedogenic

It is important to ensure that the hydrator you choose is non-comedogenic because this means that they have been formulated with ingredients that won't clog your pores and cause additional breakouts.

2. Lightweight and Oil-Free

Moisturisers come in a variety of different formulations and textures. For acne-prone skin, I recommend gel-based or super lightweight formulations as they don't leave a residue and absorb into the skin quickly.

I also recommend choosing a moisturiser that is oil-free, particularly if you have an oily or combination skin type. Oil-free formulations offer hydration without adding excess oils to the skin.

3. Soothing and Moisture-Retaining Ingredients

If you experience inflammation and irritation, look for a formula that contains niacinamide, chamomile or aloe vera, as these soothing ingredients can help to calm the skin.

I also recommend formulas that contain ceramides, glycerin and/or hyaluronic acid, as these hydrating ingredients can help to strengthen the skin barrier and retain moisture without overwhelming the skin with thick formulations.

If you are looking to refresh your skincare routine and you would like some personalised expert advice regarding products that can help you to achieve a clearer, more vibrant looking complexion, we would love to support you on your skin health journey. Simply contact us whenever you're ready to learn more.