Does Moisturizer Help with Acne? Combat Breakouts with These Tips

Struggling with acne? Don't overlook the power moisturizer can play in your skincare routine.

While it may seem a bit counterintuitive to slather on moisturizer when dealing with breakouts, believe it or not, the right moisturizer can actually help combat acne and improve overall skin health.

Keep reading to learn how moisturizers can benefit acne-prone skin. We’ll even provide tips for choosing the best moisturizer to help keep breakouts at bay.

What Does Moisturizer Do for Skin?

Moisturizer is an indispensable component of any skincare regimen, crucial for maintaining skin health and vitality. Beyond keeping your skin hydrated, moisturizers help boost its natural barrier, protecting it against harmful external aggressors like sun damage and irritants and preventing moisture loss.

Moisturizer leaves your skin feeling softer while hydrating it, which can help stave off fine lines and wrinkles. Incorporating moisturizers into your daily skincare routine is particularly advantageous for sensitive or dry skin, as certain moisturizers possess soothing properties, alleviating irritation and inflammation.

By replenishing moisture levels, you’ll foster a radiant and youthful complexion, which will naturally enhance overall skin tone and texture. Embracing the regular use of moisturizer is key to nurturing healthy, resilient skin.

How moisturizer can help breakouts

As you start on your moisturizer journey, it’s also important to differentiate between a serum and a moisturizer. Serums typically contain more active ingredients to target specific skin concerns, such as fine lines or hyperpigmentation, while moisturizers focus on hydrating and nourishing the skin's surface. While serums penetrate deeper into the skin, moisturizers create a protective barrier to lock in moisture and prevent water loss.

Should I Moisturize My Face If I Have Acne?

It’s natural for people to wonder if they should moisturize their face if they have acne and still are curious about what moisturizer does for their skin. Despite having acne, moisturizing is essential for maintaining skin health. Hydration is important for all skin types, including acne-prone skin, to stay balanced and healthy. Opting for a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer is key, as it can prevent dryness and irritation, which are common triggers for acne flare-ups.

Moreover, proper hydration helps regulate oil production, preventing the skin from overcompensating with excess oil, a factor that can exacerbate acne. By keeping the skin properly moisturized, you can help maintain its natural barrier function, protecting it from external aggressors and promoting faster healing of acne lesions. Incorporating a moisturizer into your skincare routine can contribute to a clearer, more resilient complexion
over time.

Woman with well-hydrated skin looking at herself in the bathroom mirror.

Consistency is key when it comes to skincare, so make sure to use a moisturizer daily, both in the morning and evening, after cleansing your face thoroughly. This routine can help ensure that your skin remains nourished, hydrated, and better equipped to deal with acne and other skin concerns.

Busting Common Myths About Moisturizer & Breakouts

There are so many myths and theories about what’s best for your skin, especially when it comes to researching, “Does moisturizer help with acne?” Despite common misconceptions, moisturizers can actually be beneficial for acne-prone skin when used correctly.

One of the most common myths is that moisturizers will make breakouts worse by clogging pores, but in reality, the right moisturizer can hydrate the skin without causing congestion.

True and False graphic busting the myth that all moisturizers make breakouts worse.

Another popular myth is that oily or heavy moisturizers should be avoided, but lightweight, oil-free formulas can provide hydration without exacerbating acne.

Additionally, some people believe that skipping moisturizer altogether will help clear acne, but this can actually lead to dryness and irritation, which may worsen breakouts.

By choosing non-comedogenic, oil-free moisturizers and incorporating them into a balanced skincare routine, individuals struggling to fight acne can effectively hydrate their skin and support its overall health without fear of making the acne worse.

What Type of Moisturizer Should I Use If I Have Acne?

Choosing the best face moisturizer for acne-prone skin is crucial. However, with so many options available, it can be confusing to sort through what’s going to work best for your skin. Here are some tips to help you find the perfect moisturizer for acne-prone skin.

What To Look For

When looking for a moisturizer for acne-prone skin, prioritize non-comedogenic formulas, which are specifically designed not to clog pores.

Another factor to consider is looking for oil-free or lightweight formulations to avoid exacerbating breakouts. Opt for products labeled as non-greasy to prevent a heavy or shiny feel on the skin.

Fragrances can potentially irritate sensitive skin and trigger breakouts, so it’s typically better to select a fragrance-free option. And while you’re checking the ingredients, look for moisturizers that contain active ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin, which provide hydration without causing your pores to clog.

Another popular ingredient to look for is prickly pear. Prickly pear extract, derived from the fruit itself, contains vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. You’ll find that prickly pear extract is often used in serums and creams to brighten your complexion and combat signs of aging. The extract is also found in many skin-redness products as it is known for its anti-inflammatory properties.

Taking all of these factors into consideration will help ensure that your moisturizer effectively nourishes your skin without worsening any acne so you never find yourself wondering, “Does moisturizing your face help with acne?” again.

Graphic explaining the benefits of moisturizer for acne-prone skin

Our Top Recommendation

When It comes to acne-prone skin, our top recommendation is the Barrier Pro™ Essential Moisturizer. This moisturizer stands out for its lightweight, non-comedogenic formula, making it ideal for those prone to breakouts.

It’s enriched with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin to nourish the skin without clogging pores. With its fragrance-free and dermatologist-tested formula, the Barrier Pro™ Essential Moisturizer provides effective hydration while minimizing the risk of irritation.

Incorporating this moisturizer into your skincare routine can help maintain a healthy skin barrier, reduce breakouts, and promote a clear, balanced complexion.

Keeping Your Skin Clear with This Duo

When it comes to skin health, it’s all about your regimen. Achieving clear, radiant skin is nearly effortless with Barrier Pro™ Essential Moisturizer and Barrier Pro™ 1-Step Cleanser. When used together, these products complement each other perfectly to promote the healthy, balanced skin of your dreams.

Our Barrier Pro™ 1-Step Cleanser effectively removes impurities, excess oil, and makeup while soothing inflammation and reducing redness. Its gentle formula helps to cleanse the skin without stripping it of essential moisture, making it suitable for acne-prone skin.

After you’ve cleansed your skin, using the Barrier Pro™ Essential Moisturizer will provide lightweight hydration without clogging pores, helping to maintain the skin's natural barrier and prevent moisture loss. Filled with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, it nourishes and soothes the skin, promoting a clearer complexion.

By incorporating this Barrier Health Dream Duo into your skincare routine, you can effectively cleanse, hydrate, and support your skin's health while also addressing acne concerns. Available as a convenient duo, they offer a comprehensive solution for achieving and maintaining clear, beautiful skin.

Hispanic man applying moisturizer to his cheeks

Should I Use Moisturizer Every Day Even If I Have Acne?

Yes, you should absolutely use a moisturizer every day, regardless of whether you have acne-prone skin or not.

Incorporating a daily moisturizer into your skincare routine is crucial for maintaining your skin's hydration levels and supporting its overall health, especially if you’re dealing with acne. By keeping your skin properly moisturized, you can help prevent excessive dryness or irritation that may exacerbate acne symptoms.

It's recommended to use a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer specifically formulated for acne-prone skin. Non-comedogenic moisturizers are designed to hydrate your skin without clogging pores or exacerbating acne breakouts.

Apply the moisturizer in the morning and at night after cleansing your face thoroughly to ensure that your skin remains hydrated and balanced throughout the day and night, helping to improve its resilience against acne and other skin issues. Consistency is key in skincare, so incorporating moisturizer into your daily routine can contribute to healthier, clearer skin over time.

How to Use Barrier Pro™ Essential Moisturizer Daily

Incorporating Barrier Pro™ Essential Moisturizer into your daily skincare routine is simple and effective.

  1. Start by cleansing your face with a gentle cleanser to remove any impurities and patting your skin dry.
  2. Dispense a small amount of Barrier Pro™ Essential Moisturizer onto your fingertips.
  3. Gently massage the moisturizer onto your face and neck using upward motions.
  4. Allow the moisturizer to absorb fully into your skin before applying any makeup or additional skincare products.

Use the Barrier Pro™ Essential Moisturizer daily, both in the morning and evening, as part of your skincare routine. Keeping up with a consistent regimen will help maintain your skin's health and vitality, promoting a radiant complexion.

Replenish Hydration & Improve Skin Health

Maintaining proper hydration is essential for overall skin health, especially for those dealing with acne-prone skin. The Barrier Pro™ Essential Moisturizer offers a lightweight, non-comedogenic solution to replenish your skin’s moisture levels without clogging pores, leaving you with a clear and balanced complexion.
With its nourishing ingredients and dermatologist-tested formula, this moisturizer is the perfect choice for supporting healthy skin and managing acne. Give your skin the hydration it deserves and experience the benefits of this moisturizer today.