How to Properly Moisturize Acne-Prone Skin: Tips and Best Ingredients

Does Face Lotion Hurt or Help Acne? How To Properly Moisturize When You Have Acne Prone Skin

Does moisturizer make acne worse? Since acne is the result of excess oil and dead skin cells, which clog and irritate pores, it may seem that slathering on lotion might make things worse. This is true if the moisturizer you use contains heavy oils, waxes, or petroleum jelly. But studies show that using a moisturizer with healing ingredients, such as retinoids or niacinamide, can actually improve signs and symptoms of acne.1 This is especially true if you are already using a topical treatment that may be drying out your skin.

Read on to find out what causes acne, why it’s important to moisturize your skin, and what kind of moisturizer you should add to your routine.

What Causes Acne?

Acne erupts when your hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. These eruptions can take the form of blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, pustules, or cysts and they can leave behind scars. While acne can appear anywhere on the body, it is most common on the face, chest, and upper back because these areas have more oil glands.

There are a number of potential triggers for acne breakouts. These include:

Hormonal fluctuations, especially during puberty, menstruation, or menopause

Stress

Certain medications like steroids

Diet

Excess sweat

Picking at the skin

Air pollution

Harsh or oily cosmetic products

Genetics

Treating Acne

There are a number of different treatments to consider for clearing up acne, preventing breakouts, and healing residual scars. Practicing a healthy skincare routine is essential, beginning with daily cleansing, wearing sunscreen, and breaking bad habits like skin picking.

Common treatments for acne include the antiseptic benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, topical retinoids like tazarotene or tretinoin, or prescription isotretinoin (for severe acne). While these types of products can be highly effective, they can also dry out the skin, cause burning and redness, or make the skin more sensitive to sunlight.

Your doctor may also prescribe an oral medication like antibiotic tablets or birth control pills if your acne is moderate to severe and doesn’t respond to other treatments.

Why It’s Important To Moisturize With Acne

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, when your skin becomes too dry, your body amps up oil production.2 This extra oil can clog your pores, lead to more breakouts, or exacerbate an existing breakout. Using the right moisturizer can prevent your skin from becoming too dry and irritated, especially if you are using a strong acne topical treatment.

Using a moisturizer can also protect skin from acne by creating a physical barrier over the top layer of your skin, thus reducing sebum production. The right moisturizer will be hydrating enough that it will lock in moisture and soothe inflamed skin.

What To Look For In A Moisturizer If You Have Acne

The best moisturizer for acne will contain the following:

Labeled “Oil-free”

Non-comedogenic, which means it won’t clog pores

Humectants like hydrating hyaluronic acid

Acne-fighting ingredients like niacinamide, vitamin C, and azelaic acid

Soothing ingredients like aloe, vitamin E, and green tea

What To Avoid In Moisturizers If You Have Acne

If you have acne, it is recommended to avoid the following in your moisturizer:

Heavy oils like coconut

Waxes and petroleum jelly

Cocoa butter

Fragrances

Alcohol

Parabens

Exfoliators that contain sodium chloride

Vitamin C Lotion 20%

Regular price$45

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When & How To Apply Moisturizer For Acne Prone Skin

Dermatologists recommend applying moisturizer after you wash your face with a gentle cleanser. Applying moisturizer when there’s still a little water on your skin helps to maintain water in the skin. You can also apply moisturizer whenever your skin feels dry.

Studies show most people see less acne between 4 to 8 weeks after beginning to use an acne friendly moisturizer.2

Foundation Skincare Products Recommended for Acne

The Foundation Skincare collection offers a number of dermatologist-formulated products for acne without the need for a prescription. All of these products are lotion based, which helps to seal in moisture and sufficiently hydrate the skin. Use the following acne moisturizers, whether you’re struggling with a current breakout or trying to prevent a future one:

FS Night Renewal Cream contains 2% Granactive Retinoid and essential peptide growth factors with plant-based botanicals. The hydrating formula offers the skin-renewing benefits of prescription retinoic acid without the irritation.

FS Azelaic Acid 14% is the highest non-prescription percentage of azelaic acid available. The skin-friendly antioxidant formula soothes and manages breakouts without irritating skin like a prescription formula might, but is more effective than what you would get from other over-the-counter products with lower concentrations. Not only does azelaic acid kill acne-causing bacteria on the skin, it also disrupts the link between increased levels of testosterone and other hormonal changes to help minimize hormonal breakouts. Gentle enough for sensitive skin, the formulation is made for daily application as a soothing cream.

FS Niacinamide Lotion supports healthy fats in the skin while decreasing the production of sebum to help prevent acne breakouts. Its anti-inflammatory properties also soothe the redness and irritation of current breakouts while improving skin texture to minimize scarring. Also gentle enough for sensitive skin, the lotion has a hydrating base and can be used twice daily.

FS Vitamin C Lotion contains a high 20% concentration of the active ingredient, which reduces the redness and swelling associated with acne and boosts collagen to support scar healing. The Vitamin C Lotion also contains a hydrating base to moisturize, brighten, and protect skin without drying it out or causing irritation.

If your skin needs more hydration, the best recommended product to add as the top layer of your routine is FS Hyaluronic Acid Lotion, a fast-absorbing and powerful humectant, which locks in moisture and hydrates on a deeper level for healthy, vibrant skin. All of the products in the Foundation Skincare collection can be layered, with or without additional moisturizers. If you suffer from acne, we suggest the following routine.

Morning:

Cleanse skin with a gentle cleanser.

Apply FS Azelaic Acid 14%.

Hydrate skin with FS Hyaluronic Acid Lotion.

Apply sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher to protect against sun damage.

Night:

Cleanse skin with a gentle cleanser.

Apply FS Niacinamide Lotion.

Hydrate skin with Hyaluronic Acid Lotion or alternate with the granactive retinoid-powered Foundation Skincare Night Renewal Cream.

DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life. What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin? Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition. Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes. If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider. What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin? Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity. Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C. Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post. Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster. This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster. While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin. It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin. Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning? Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance. You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather. Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.

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