Why oily skin still needs a moisturiser

Oil and water are not the same thing. Oily skin makes plenty of sebum, but it can still be short on water — and skipping moisturiser tends to make that worse, not better.

The stripping cycle

Harsh foaming cleansers, alcohol-heavy toners and scrubbing leave skin tight and irritated. The protective barrier weakens, water escapes faster, and skin can look shiny and feel dehydrated at the same time. Most people respond by cleansing harder, and the cycle repeats.

What to look for

• An oil-free, non-comedogenic formula.
• Humectants such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid to hold water in the skin.
• Ceramides to support the barrier.
• A light lotion or gel-cream texture that sinks in within a minute.

How to use it

Cleanse gently, then apply a pea-sized amount to skin that is still slightly damp. In the morning, a lightweight lotion with SPF can cover moisturiser and sun protection in one step — use a separate sunscreen on long days outdoors.

Give it two to three weeks. Skin that is properly hydrated usually looks calmer and less greasy by midday, not more.