Moisturiser is an essential part of any skincare routine, no matter your skin type. For men managing oily, greasy-looking skin, we discuss how to keep your skin hydrated without adding excess oil to your face.
WHAT CAUSES OILY SKIN?
Oily skin occurs when the sebaceous glands produce an excess of sebum, resulting in the sebum sitting at the skin’s surface. While sebum is a necessary part of maintaining the skin’s moisture barrier, an overproduction of sebum can lead to clogged pores and breakouts.
Oily skin is caused by a number of factors, including:
- Hormones
- Genes
- Stress
- Diet and lifestyle factors
- Environmental aggressors
- Enlarged pores
Key to any skincare routine is moisturiser, and choosing the right moisturiser can have a huge impact on visibly oily skin. Let's delve into how to choose the right face moisturiser for men with oily skin.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT FACE MOISTURISER FOR MEN
It might seem tempting to avoid adding excess moisture to your skin, but skipping moisturiser can actually increase oil production, as the skin overcompensates for the lost moisture by producing more sebum.
So, no matter your skin type, moisturiser is a must. Let's delve into choosing the right face moisturiser for men's skin prone to oiliness.
Things to consider when choosing moisturiser for men:
- Men's skin tends to have larger pores, so they are prone to clogged pores and breakouts
- Men tend to also have thicker skin which is why extra hydration is essential
- Look for oil-free moisturisers so you aren't adding to the oily sheen
- Lightweight moisturisers hydrate without feeling heavy on the skin
HYDRATION AND MOISTURER
Sebum aims to maintain the moisture barrier, but it doesn’t necessarily keep the skin hydrated. Oily skin doesn’t show signs of dehydration the same way as other skin types, but it can still be dehydrated. In addition to regular moisturising, look for signs of dehydration on the face. Dehydration on oily skin can appear as dry patches and redness around the nose. The skin may also feel tight and appear dull.
INGREDIENTS TO LOOK FOR IN MEN'S MOISTURISER
GLYCERIN
Glycerin is a naturally occurring humectant that helps the skin retain moisture and stay hydrated. This ingredient also helps to strengthen the skin's moisture barrier, which is essential to regulating sebum production. Glycerin is beneficial to all skin types.
SALICYLIC ACID
Salicylic acid is beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that penetrates pores to clear away impurities, dead skin cells and excess oil at the skin's surface. It's found in cleansers, exfoliants, moisturisers and serums to help with oily and blemish-prone skin.
NIACINAMIDE
Niacinamide is a type of vitamin B3 that helps to visibly reduce redness, dark spots and manage sebum production.
SEBULYSE
Sebulyse is a new active ingredient that regulates sebum production to mattify the skin.
LHA
Beta lipo hydroxy acid (LHA) is a salicylic acid derivate that micro-exfoliates the skin without irritating it. Moisturisers containing LHA help to clear away dead skin cells to prevent build-up and clogged pores.
VITAMIN E
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps to prevent oily skin oxidation as well as moisturise and hydrate the skin.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN MEN'S MOISTURISER
SUN PROTECTION
Sun protection is vital for all skin types. Sun damage can trigger oil production as the skin tries to protect itself, so it's especially important to keep your skin protected from harmful UV rays. If you’re worried about sunscreen clogging your pores and adding an extra layer of sheen, opt instead for a non greasy, lightweight sunscreen, like the Anthelios XL Anti-Shine Dry Touch Facial Sunscreen.
OIL FREE
You don't want to be adding an extra layer of oil over already greasy skin. Look for oil free, water based men's moisturiser so you're getting hydration without the heaviness.
MATTIFYING
Look for face moisturiser labelled as mattifying to help with greasy-looking skin. The Effaclar Matte Anti-Shine Moisturiser provides daily hydration without leaving the skin feeling oily.
NON-COMEDOGENIC
Comedogenic skin care clogs pores, which can exacerbate visibly oily skin. Look for non-comedogenic products when shopping for face moisturiser, but also when looking for the rest of your skincare.
NIGHT TIME MOISTURISERS FOR MEN
WILL USING A MOISTURISER AT NIGHT MAKE MY OILY SKIN WORSE?
Your skin shifts into a renew and restore mode overnight, and rich nighttime moisturisers support this function. There is also an increased change of trans epidermal water loss (TEWL), which is why night moisturisers tend to be heavier to provide more intensive hydration to the skin. Night cream is important for all skin types, and when combined with the rest of your skincare night creams won't impact sebum production.
Remember, moisture from sebum is not the same as hydration, so keep your nightly moisturiser. If you’re worried about using heavy night creams, look for water-based moisturiser, like theToleriane Dermallergo Fluid Lightweight Moisturiser.
OIL FREE MOISTURISERS FOR MEN
La Roche-Posay has a range of non greasy moisturisers formulated to manage oil production and reduce shine.
Effaclar Matte Anti-Shine Moisturiser
A lightweight, oil free formula that provides a matte finish and reduces the size of pores and skin oiliness.
Efflaclar H Isobiome Moisturiser
This lightweight, oil free face moisturiser hydrates oily skin that has been weakened by the over-drying effects of blemish treatments.
Anthelios XL Anti-Shine Dry Touch Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+
This non greasy SPF 50+ formula provides sun protection without leaving the skin feeling oily. *
Effaclar K (+) Anti-Blackhead Moisturiser
The Anti-Blackhead moisturiser helps to reduce the visibility of blackheads, unclog pores and reduce shine.
MANAGE OILY SKIN WITH YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINE
Moisturiser is just one part of your skincare routine. Make sure you're getting the most out of your moisturiser by incorporating it into a regular skincare regime day and night.
Apply 20 minutes before sun exposure. Sunscreen is only one part of sun protection so wear protective clothing and seek shade. Avoid prolonged sun exposure. Reapply every 2 hours and after swimming, towelling and perspiring in accordance with directions.
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