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I’ve Had Acne for Over 20 Years—These 15 Moisturisers Never Cause Breakouts

I've Had Acne for Over 20 Years—These 15 Moisturisers Never Cause Breakouts

When you have acne-prone skin, finding a good moisturiser can feel like a daunting task. Chances are you (like me) grew up thinking that stripping the moisture from your skin would help to dry out your spots, and that moisturisers would clog your pores and contribute to breakouts. However, it’s a common misconception that you should skip moisturiser if you have acne-prone skin. In fact, doing so is probably causing more harm than good—as I learned the hard way as a teenager who avoided moisturiser at all cost. 

Keeping skin hydrated means that skin is healthy and can function optimally, which means it’s better able to defend itself from bacteria and irritants, and can heal and repair damaged skin efficiently. In addition, moisturising skin will help to regulate oil production (a leading factor in the formation of breakouts) and will help to soothe and calm any existing spots. What’s more, if your skincare routined is oriented towards clearing acne, then chances are it contains active ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid which, while effective, do have a drying effect upon skin.

ACNE MOISTURISERS

My learnings from ten plus years of testing and trying moisturisers on my acne-prone skin? Firstly, avoid richer cream textures and oil-based formulas, and opt instead for lightweight, water-based gel-creams. These moisturisers will utilise ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid to help rehydrate skin and support the skin barrier without clogging pores, irritating breakouts, or leaving greasy residue. 

Secondly, maintain round the clock hydration and commit to twice daily moisturising even if you don’t feel dry. You’re likely to find that your skin looks clearer and calmer over time, and that any breakouts you do experience will heal quickly and without leaving marks or scars. 

Finally, if you think that having acne-prone skin equates to having oily skin, chances are it doesn’t. My T-zone was far oilier and shinier when I skipped moisturiser than it is now that moisturiser is an essential in my skincare routine. By keeping skin well moisturised I’ve not only restored balanced to my skin, but I’ve also learned that it’s possible to reduce the appearance of enlarged pores (because skin is plumped with moisture and not stretched taut).

In my 18 years of living with with acne, moisturiser has been the hardest product to nail down, and it took me a long time to get out of the mindset that moisturiser would clog my pores and cause more breakouts. What I’ve since learned in my career as a beauty editor and training as an esthetician, is that not all moisturisers are created equal, and it really is all about formula. Keep scrolling for my picks of the best moisturisers for acne-prone skin.

The 15 Best Moisturisers for Acne-Prone Skin:

1. The Inkey List Bio-Active Ceramide Repairing and Plumping Moisturiser

2. Byoma Moisturising Gel Cream

3. Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream

4. Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Calming Gel Cream

5. The Inkey List Omega Water Cream

6. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Water Cream

7. Rhode Barrier Restore Cream

8. La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+

9. Beauty Pie Happy Face Azelaic Acid Skin Clearing Gel Cream

10. Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Cream Moisturiser

11. Curel Oil Control Weightless Gel Moisturiser

12. Naturium Niacinamide Gel Cream 5%

13. Dr. Sam’s Flawless Moisturiser Light

14. e.l.f. Holy Hydration Face Cream

15. Bubble Level Up Balancing Gel Moisturiser

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