Does moisturizer help acne?

How does moisturizer help?

Benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, retinoids such as adapalene and tretinoin, and prescription isotretinoin tend to dry and irritate skin. Daily moisturizer can help you tolerate these treatments. It is also useful when skin feels dry for other reasons, including winter weather. Having oily skin does not rule out needing moisturizer during acne treatment.1

Moisturizers prevent dry skin. Acne treatments tackle causes of breakouts, including clogged pores and bacteria. Moisturizer and acne medication have different jobs. Retinoids, medicines related to vitamin A, play a central role in acne treatment; being able to stick with treatment matters for results.2345

Which moisturizer should you choose?

Look for a water based moisturizer marked oil free, noncomedogenic, or "won't clog pores." Noncomedogenic means formulated to avoid clogging pores, which is a lot of syllables to take moisturizer shopping. These descriptions make a moisturizer less likely to cause acne, rather than impossible to react to. "Won't clog pores" is useful wording to look for, which gives the container something to do besides announce its own importance.16

Avoid greasy creams: oily or greasy personal care products, including heavy lotions and creams, can worsen breakouts. If you are prone to acne, products made for oily to combination skin are a useful starting point. Choose for acne suitability, not simply the word "moisturizer."57

How should you use moisturizer with acne?

1. 1Wash gently with a mild, nondrying cleanser. Avoid scrubbing or repeatedly washing your face.
2. 2Leave some water on your skin after washing, then apply moisturizer to help trap that water.
3. 3Use moisturizer daily when skin feels dry. Morning and evening moisturizing is a routine option for inflammatory acne, which causes swollen, sore blemishes.
4. 4Follow your acne medication's directions for its place in the routine. If you use a prescription retinoid, ask your dermatologist whether moisturizer should go first.

For irritation from a retinoid, a dermatologist can recommend moisturizer first, a smaller amount of medication, or less frequent use. Make those medication changes with your dermatologist's help. Retinoids are often applied in the evening, and sun protection is part of their use. Choose sunscreen that does not clog pores, with broad spectrum protection, SPF 30 or higher, and water resistance.3

Can a moisturizer also treat acne?

Some moisturizers contain salicylic acid, an acne treatment that opens clogged pores and removes dead skin cells. A moisturizer containing an acne medicine is different from a plain moisturizer. Check the active ingredients before adding it to an existing treatment plan, and use the acne product your dermatologist recommends. Niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, has anti inflammatory, moisturizing and soothing effects.35

How long does it take to see fewer breakouts?

Fewer breakouts can appear within 4 to 8 weeks when an acne friendly moisturizer is used alongside acne medication and cleanser. That is a combined routine, not a timetable for moisturizer alone. Acne treatment generally takes at least 6 to 8 weeks before fewer breakouts become noticeable.13

When is moisturizer not enough?

See a healthcare professional early for deep, painful lumps or cysts, which can leave permanent scars. Also seek help if acne is worsening, leaving scars, causing emotional stress, or not improving after several months of self care and nonprescription treatment. If prescribed acne treatment causes irritation, contact your dermatologist about adjusting the routine rather than applying more medication.367