Is Vanicream moisturizer oil free?

Which Vanicream moisturizer do you mean?

Vanicream sells several different moisturizers, which makes the last few words of the name do actual work. Match the full name on your container before choosing a formula or following directions.1

Enhanced Moisturizer and Daily Facial Moisturizer are different formulas, so the shared surname is doing more branding than explaining. Enhanced is slightly thicker than Moisturizing Lotion. Pick Enhanced for a lightweight face and body option, or consider the Cream when you want a richer texture.1

Does noncomedogenic mean oil free?

Noncomedogenic means formulated not to clog pores. It is not a substitute for an explicit oil free claim. If your reason for avoiding oil is acne, the practical choice is broader: look for a moisturizer labeled noncomedogenic, nonacnegenic, oil free or "won't clog pores." These products are least likely to cause acne. You do not have to reject a moisturizer solely because its label uses noncomedogenic rather than oil free.13

What matters if your skin is dry and prone to breakouts?

Moisturizers can bring water into skin, soften dry areas and help prevent moisture loss. Humectants are ingredients that attract and bind water; glycerin and hyaluronic acid are examples. Occlusives help hold existing moisture in the skin. Oils and petroleum jelly can aggravate acne in people prone to breakouts, so use the product's pore clogging claim to guide your choice rather than judging by richness alone.4

How should you apply it?

1. 1Cleanse gently, rinse well and pat your skin dry, leaving it slightly damp.
2. 2Apply your regular moisturizer while skin is still damp. For dry body skin, aim to apply within three minutes of leaving the bath or shower.
3. 3Use Enhanced Moisturizer as needed during the day or at night. Introduce only one new moisturizer at a time so a reaction is easier to trace.
4. 4If you use prescription creams, follow your prescriber's layering instructions. Some medicines need to go on before a moisturizer.

For Facial Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30, follow the sunscreen directions instead: apply liberally 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapply at least every two hours. Use a water resistant sunscreen for swimming or sweating. Do not apply this SPF formula to damaged or broken skin.2

When should you get help choosing a moisturizer?

If you take isotretinoin, a prescription acne medicine, dryness is common. Apply an oil free moisturizer or emollient to damp skin after cleansing and whenever skin feels dry. This is general care for treatment related dryness, not a reason to assume every Vanicream formula is oil free.5

Contact a healthcare professional for irritation, itching, redness or a rash after using a moisturizer. For the SPF 30 formula, stop use and ask a doctor if a rash occurs. If painful, swollen acne is not improving after a few months of good skin care, seek treatment rather than continuing to change moisturizers.246