SUMMER SKINCARE SOS: WHY MOISTURIZER IS THE ANSWER TO OILY SKIN TROUBLES

  SUMMER SKINCARE SOS: WHY MOISTURIZER IS THE ANSWER TO OILY SKIN TROUBLES

Had enough of the oily skin in summer? We’ll help you forget your summer woes with something unimaginable. Moisturiser! Believe it or not, it can be your answer to bid adieu to greasiness and constant breakouts. We’re listing down the best moisturisers for oily skin in India and the absolute best moisturisers for oily acne prone skin and helping you understand why you need a face cream even in hotter months. Let’s learn more about your skin and find out which moisturiser is the best for oily skin. 

 

Summer Skincare SOS: The Basics  

Oily skin is caused when excess sebum surfaces to the top layer of the skin; this gets worse in summers due to the humidity and rising temperatures that wreak havoc on oily skin. The seasonal shift can make skin look dull, attract dust and clog pores with the excess oil and dirt. But sebum, or your sebaceous glands, are not the villain – the culprit is a compromised barrier. To simplify things: think of your skin’s barrier as an airtight container’s lid that prevents things from spilling outside the container and entering the container and contaminating the contents. If this lid is broken, there is spillage and contamination. Similarly, if your skin’s barrier is irritated, there is more sebum on the top layer, than needed.  

However, it’s still quite irritating and needs to be assessed. In extreme cases, skin can tend to look shiny within a few hours of cleansing. To regulate the oil production, you have to start treating the issue at its root cause i.e., by repairing your skin’s barrier. And how would you do that? By turning to your biggest enemy aka a moisturiser.  

  

Why Moisturiser is the Answer to Oily Skin   

The common misconception that follows oily skin is that it does not need a moisturiser since it’s “moisturised” enough. False! Oily skin needs a moisturiser in every season, including summer. In fact, we can confidently say that moisturiser is the answer to your greasiness.  

When you stop using moisturiser, your skin goes into a frenzy, assuming there’s a shortage of moisture. This leads to more oil production than before, and more greasiness and acne. Hence, you need to turn to topical moisturisers to limit skin’s oil secretion. So, the question isn’t whether oily skin needs moisturisers in summers – rather – which is the best moisturiser for oily skin in summer? Here are 5 reasons why you should turn to moisturiser in summers to beat the disco-ball look. 

 

Reason #1 Moisture is not the same as hydration

The popular myth about oily skin not needing moisturiser stems from the lack of understanding and is part of the moisturiser myths for oily skin. While the natural oil can provide enough moisture to the skin, oily skin can still be dehydrated as hydration and oily skin don’t always goes hand in hand. Hydration works on the interior levels of the skin and ensures there is enough water content in your skin cells. This is what causes your skin to look fresh and plump. Moisture on the other hand, works as an occlusive on the topmost layer by fixing your skin’s barrier and creating a shield to prevent transepidermal water loss. This is exactly why we always use facial oils at the very end of our skincare routine.  

  

Reason #2: There is an ingredient for every skin type

Oily skin can benefit from humectants such as hyaluronic acid, aloe vera gel, alpha hydroxy acids and ceramides. The best moisturiser for oily skin in our books has to be the Pond’s Super Light Gel with Hyaluronic Acid + Vitamin E. This lightweight gel, enriched with hyaluronic acid instantly sinks into the skin and adds a fresher, plumper look. It reduces the dehydrated, tight feeling in the skin and nourishes oily skin for all day freshness. Vitamin E also ensures the hydration is locked in all day with some added moisturisation!  

Another fabulous ingredient for oily skin is panthenol or vitamin B5. Panthenol regulates oil production in oily and dry skin, and acts as an oil controlling ingredient in moisturisers for oily skin. Its main winning quality is its soothing nature that calms irritation, itchiness and roughness as well. Our top pick with this amazing ingredient is the Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser with Borage Seed Oil + Pro-Vit B5 + Vit E. This mild moisturiser has a super lightweight and non-sticky texture, adding to the shine-reducing properties in moisturisers. It is easily absorbed into the skin and keeps skin hydrated and moisturised for up to 12 hours.  

 

Reason #3: Combat acne with moisturising

Oily skin often struggles with enlarged, clogged pores and acne. The excess shine only highlights these issues and can severely cause confidence issues in many people. But this can easily be fixed with some moisturisers for acne-prone, oily skin or even pore-refining moisturisers made for oily skin.  

A basic skincare routine for oily skin would be complete with toner and Lakmé Hydra Pro Day & Night Combo. A pore-refining toner will take care of enlarged, clogged pores and ensure the excess oils on your skin are wiped out. Post that, the water-based Hydra Pro Gel Creme and Overnight Gel combo will provide your skin with a boost of hydration for all-day and all-night softness. This is the perfect fix for your daytime and nighttime routine! 

 

Reason #4: Don’t underestimate the Importance of Moisturising

Moisturisers not only fight oiliness but also give your skin some nutrients it needs to stay healthy and gorgeous, another aspect moisturiser myths for oily skin don’t mention. Cleansing your face every few hours is not going to stop your skin from looking slick. In fact, it will be resolved only with regular moisturisation. Stop your skin from working overtime to keep it moisturised by giving it the nourishment it needs. Maintain a healthy skincare routine for day and night – use light gel moisturisers in the day, it helps hydration and oily skin go hand in hand. And try creamy (but not thick) moisturisers at night. Try this for at least a month and we promise you’ll see a difference! 

  

Reason #5: Summer care for skin

When we talk about summer skincare tips for oily skin, the first one has to be to ice the face every morning. Rub an ice cube on your skin right after cleansing to calm your skin and reduce inflammation caused by the weather. This will also prevent your face from sweating profusely, which adds to the shiny look.  

Another one of the best summer skincare tips for oily skin we swear by is wearing sunscreen – even indoors. Sun exposure may add to the dullness that we often experience with excess oil. The best way to combat this is by using a nice, matte sunscreen throughout the day. Use one with a gel formula and matte finish as it makes it the perfect sunscreen for oily skin. It keeps skin shine-free and adds a veil of protection. Apply it every three to four hours for the best results.