Acne can cause your skin to feel oily and greasy, so a moisturizer may be the last thing you'd think of trying. A moisturizer, however, may be just what you need if you're using one of the following acne treatments: Benzoyl peroxide.
1 If you're just beginning with your benzoyl peroxide treatment, start using moisturizer now, even before you notice any uncomfortable dryness. You may be able to stave off the worst of it. If you've already succumbed to benzoyl peroxide-induced dryness and flakiness, slather on moisturizer as often as necessary.
Moisturizer: Moisturizers should be applied after the application of acne medications. The use of a moisturizer often allows the acne medications to better penetrate the skin, and prevents medications from drying out your skin. Sunscreen: Sunscreen should be applied after both acne medications and moisturizer.
You Have Clogged Pores
If you over-moisturize, the leftover moisturizer just sits on your face. With nowhere to go, this extra moisturizer will eventually fill up the pores on your skin and clog them, resulting in the production of acne, whiteheads, and blackheads.
If you use a product containing benzoyl peroxide, it is best to wait until this product has been fully absorbed before applying a serum and/or moisturiser. Benzoyl peroxide works best when it has the chance to absorb into the skin first. This only takes a few seconds.
When using topical benzoyl peroxide, moisturize first. Let in soak in, then apply the benzoyl peroxide. This helps buffer the medication and compensates for its drying effects. With benzoyl peroxide cleansers or washes, first cleanse, then apply moisturizer while your skin is still damp.
Do not take clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide gel with moisturizer cream by mouth. Use on your skin only. Keep out of your mouth, nose, and eyes (may burn). If you get clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide gel with moisturizer cream in any of these areas, rinse well with water.
You should absolutely moisturize your skin even if you have active acne. It's an absolute myth that moisturizing your face will worsen your acne. In fact, moisturizers are necessary to keep acne-prone skin as relaxed as possible.
Regardless of which you choose, the application is the same: Dab a thin layer (seriously—more isn't merrier here) over your spot or zit, then wait at least a full minute for it to dry. Then, to prevent the treatment from getting wiped around your face, apply your moisturizer around the spots first.
Can I apply moisturizer after using salicylic acid? Yes. Moisturizers can help hydrate and repair skin, making it a good step to do after using an exfoliating treatment with salicylic acid.
Excessive moisturizer use can cause pimples or breakouts on the skin. Your skin absorbs what it needs and the extra product just sits on top of your face. This greasy layer attracts dirt and bacteria, which then gets accumulated in the pores and causes acne.
Moisturizers should be applied to clean skin after you cleanse your face, as they prevent skin from drying out post-wash. They're also most effective when applied to slightly damp skin, as they seal in moisture.
Apply Acne Medications
After your toner has dried completely, or after you've washed and thoroughly dried your face, smooth on your acne treatment creams as directed. Whether you are using prescription or OTC gels or creams, let the medication absorb completely before applying a moisturizer.
Usually, a basic routine includes removing makeup, cleansing your face, applying a spot treatment for any blemishes, using sunblock during the day, and putting on moisturizer.
Moisturizers and face oils are not interchangeable. You cannot use oil in place of moisturizer because oils are too heavy for the skin. They will make your face oily and greasy, which is something you definitely want to avoid as it will make your skin look worse than ever.
Spread the moisturizer evenly around your face with your fingertips. Using your fingertips, smooth each dab of moisturizer upwards and outwards on your face using circular motions. You only need to apply gentle pressure to blend the moisturizer into your skin evenly. Be extra careful around the delicate eye area.
Your skin needs moisture to heal and improve its appearance. The top layer of skin alone – the stratum corneum – can absorb three times its weight in water. If you suffer from acne scarring on your body (shoulders and back for example) moisturize with Vaseline® Intensive Care Deep Restore Lotion.
If you have acne-prone skin, look for moisturizers with salicylic, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid. Stay clear of petrolatum and coconut oil as they can clog pores and cause breakouts.
If you're dealing with acne, the right moisturizer serves 2 roles. First, it can help regulate oil production, which may help decrease breakouts. Second, it can help combat some of the negative side effects of the active ingredients in your acne-fighting products, like cleansers or spot treatments.
You can use make-up and moisturisers, but do not apply them at the same time as you use adapalene. Try to avoid any skin products which exfoliate or dry your skin. Adapalene may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight than usual. Therefore, it is best to apply it at night and wash it off in the morning.
You may have to use it for a long time before your acne starts to improve. Be patient and keep using it every day. Wash your skin with a mild cleanser and pat it dry before applying Allantoin + Clindamycin + Niacinamide. Apply it as a thin layer onto clean, dry, unbroken skin affected by acne.
This may dry your skin and make your acne worse. Washing with a mild, bland soap 2 or 3 times a day should be enough, unless you have oily skin. If you have any questions about this, check with your doctor. Topical clindamycin will not cure your acne.
If you use a product containing benzoyl peroxide, it is best to wait until this product has been fully absorbed before applying a serum and/or moisturiser. Benzoyl peroxide works best when it has the chance to absorb into the skin first. This only takes a few seconds.
You'll usually use the gel once or twice a day. If you have sensitive skin, use the gel once a day, before going to bed. Try to avoid strong sunlight while using benzoyl peroxide gel. Use an oil-free sunscreen, or a moisturiser or foundation with added SPF30.