Soft, smooth, plump, bouncy and MATTE looking skin. Every oily skinned girls dream. Having oily skin myself, I always wish for a day where I would not look like I have rubbed Vicks on my T-zone after being out in the sun. Well, on the plus side, my skin will age slower (BOOM).
Especially living in a country like India, where the weather is ultra moody and can range from being extremely hot to freezing cold – its is essential that you invest in good moisturisers to keep your skin hydrated.
If you are a oily skinned beauty and are planning to skip it altogether – think again. It may sound counter-intuitive – but your skin needs moisture. The answer lies in our standard six, chemistry class – reversible reaction. Your skin is naturally balanced(or at equilibrium), and if you remove even one component your skin works doubly hard to rebalance the equation by producing more oil. Which could make you more oily than before!
Read on more about moisturisers – Humectants and Occlusives here.
What to Buy?
There are so many options out there in the market. But there are few products that you must consider adding to your beauty bag.
I have listed the moisturisers that are needed for oily skin here. I have explained it in detail below.
- Aloe Vera
- Non-comedogenic oils and butters
- Emolene
- Simple Kind To Skin Hydrating Light Moisturiser
- Cetaphil Moisturising Lotion
- Sebamed Clear Face Gel
- Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
- Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
- Cosrx Oil Free Ultra Moisturising Lotion with Birch Sap
- Plum Green Tea Oil Free Moisturiser
1. Aloevera (Must)
Considering that aloe vera is 95% water and free from any external additives – it is the best kind of moisturiser that your skin can get. Sun burn, mosquito bites, minor burns, insect bites – it can be used on anything. I’m currently using Urban Botanics Aloe Gel.
I would advice to be careful while using aloe from a freshly cut stem, as the sap may mix in and cause reactions on some people’s skin.
Note: Please follow up with a sunscreen if using Aloe Vera as it makes the skin photosensitive.
2. Non-Comedogenic Oils & Butters
Yes, yes – oily skin and oil sounds very counter-intuitive. But your skin needs some oil and butter, specially in the colder months. You can use oils like argan, grapeseed, hempseed, mango and shea butter.
I would also suggest investing in a plant based squalane oil. This oil is similar to the sebum that is produced by the skin and is effective even on very sensitive skin types. You just need 3-4 drops for your entire face.
MRP: Rs 600 for 30ml
3. Emolene
Emolene is one of the products I keep reaching out for. Sometimes, I get dry patches on my forehead as I have both oily and dehydrated skin, for that I end up using a pea sized amount for my face.
It contains – Lecithin(softens and soothes the skin), Glycerine(moisturising), Squalene(mimics your skins lipids) amongst others. You can buy it from your nearest pharmacy or from 1mg, Pharmeasy.
4. Simple Kind To Skin Hydrating Light Moisturiser
Okay, I have to say this – SIMPLE is simply the best. Superstar ingredients priced at reasonable rates, and no added fragrance! I have been using it since the past few months and it doesn’t make my pores sweat out oil like a oil factory. It is – ‘No chip chip, no chik chik.’ (for the few who do not remember this was fewistick’s tagline back in the 90s).
Some of its top ingredients are:
- Glycerin – Natural moisturiser, keeps skin plump
- Panthenol – Vitamin B5
- Bisabolol – Anti inflammatory ingredient, which is derived from chamomile
- Borago Officinalis Seed Oil – Soothing, good for irritated and itchy skin
For those of you, who are sensitive to mineral oil – skip this.
5. Cetaphil Moisturising Lotion
Another good moisturiser for oily skin. Using a pea sized amount should be good enough to cover your entire face, as too much of it can leave your skin a little oily
- Glycerin – helps restore skins moisture barrier
- Vitamin E
- Panthenol – Vitamin B5
- Macadamia oil – makes skin soft and supple
6. Sebamed Clear Face Care Gel, 50ml
This is a lovely basic moisturiser which does not contain any oil or emulsifier. It goes on to your skin like a cool gel and gets absorbed easily.
The only negative being it is not very moisturising for winters. For that you can add 3-4 drops of squalane to this.
7. COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
Yes, we know it is an essence – but it can also be used as an extremely lightweight moisturiser. It goes on smoothly on your skin and ends up giving you a subtle glow. No need to worry about getting greasy. It is expensive but a little goes a very long way.
You can seal the essence with a few drops of a non-comedogenic oil or squalene, for better moisturisation.
9. COSRX Oil Free Ultra Moisturising Lotion with Birch Sap
Another gift of K-beauty to the world. When I feel that my skin is exceptionally troubled, especially after a day out in the sun – I use this, and my skin immediately feels better. The star ingredients are – Birch Sap (reduces inflammation and hydrates), Panthenol (Vitamin B5), Sodium Hyaluronate (helps retaining moisture), Glycerin (helps retaining moisture)
10. Plum Green Tea Oil Free Moisturizer
A gel based formula that goes lightly on the skin. It does leave skin a little tacky though. This formulation is full of superstar ingredients – aloe, niacinamide, green tea, glycerin and kakadu plum extract (antioxidant). In case you are sensitive to alcohol, stay off this.
I’ll start to put the review for these products one by one. Till then.
XOXO
Suavitri
Note: I am not affiliated to any of the above mentioned brands
