One of the most common skincare myths I hear is:
“My skin is oily, so I don’t need a moisturizer.” Oh, is that right?
Let’s clear that up once and for all - oily skin absolutely does need moisture. In fact, skipping moisturizer can make oiliness worse over time. Yes… worse! So, let’s break down why this myth exists, what’s really happening on your skin, and how to moisturize oily skin the right way.
Why People Believe this Myth.
Oily skin produces excess sebum — that waxy, greasy substance from your sebaceous glands. Because of the shine and slick feel, many people assume: “Oil = moisture” or “My skin is greasy, so adding moisturizer will make it worse”, or “If I just dry it out, I can ‘fix’ the oil”.
Unfortunately, this leads to harsh cleansers, over-exfoliation, alcohol-based toners, and ultimately - a damaged skin barrier. (see previous post)
The Truth: Oil Is Not Moisture.
Here’s what most people don’t realize:
Oil (sebum) = lipids that sit on the surface.
Moisture = water content in the skin, inside the deeper layers.
Your skin can be:
Skin Type What’s Going On
Oily + Dehydrated Producing excess oil but lacking water
Oily + Moisturized Balanced, clear, and healthy
Dry + Dehydrated Lacking both oil and water
Many oily-skin people are actually dehydrated, so their skin overproduces oil to compensate. When you skip moisturizer, your skin ‘panics’ and produces even more oil to protect itself.
This is why people stuck in the “dry it out” cycle often feel oilier than ever.
Moisturizer Helps Regulate Oil - Not Increase It.
When oily skin is properly hydrated and supported with a lightweight moisturizer, the skin barrier becomes balanced and sends a message to your sebaceous glands to calm down.
A good moisturizer for oily, acne-prone, or combination skin will:
✅ Prevent transepidermal water loss (TEWL)
✅ Reduce excess oil production over time
✅ Strengthen the skin barrier
✅ Improve skin texture and clarity
✅ Calm inflammation and breakouts
What Kind of Moisturizer Should Oily Skin Use?
Look for lightweight, non-comedogenic formulas with ingredients like:
Hyaluronic Acid (hydration without heaviness)
Niacinamide (oil regulation + calm redness)
Ceramides (barrier repair)
Squalane (mimics skin’s natural oils, absorbs fast)
Gel-cream textures (instead of thick butters)
Avoid:
❌ Heavy mineral oil
❌ Thick occlusives (unless repairing a damaged barrier)
❌ Pore-clogging fillers
❌ Strong alcohol-based “oil control” products (they dehydrate then cause rebound oiliness)
How to Moisturize Oily Skin the Right Way (Simple Routine)
AM: Water rinse / No cleanser → lightweight hydrating serum → gel or lotion moisturizer → SPF
PM: Gentle cleanser or Double cleanse → treatment serum (optional) → light moisturizer
That’s it. Simplicity is your best friend.
The Bottom Line. Oily skin still needs hydration. Moisturizing isn’t your enemy - dehydration is. When you stop stripping your skin and start supporting its barrier with the right moisturizer, your skin will look clearer, calmer, smoother and less greasy.
Balanced skin is not about removing oil - it’s about restoring harmony.
