For those with blemish-prone skin, the idea of using a moisturizer every day may seem counterintuitive. After all, blemish-prone skin often tends to be on the oilier side. It’s easy to assume that adding more products on top of oily skin would just clog pores and worsen breakouts. In reality, however, excess oil does not equate to hydrated skin. Often, the opposite is true.

Our picks for blemish-prone skin: Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Face Cream for all blemish-prone skin, and Expertly Clear Moisturizer for Acne Prone Skin with Salicylic Acid for active breakouts and future breakout prevention.

Research indicates that the skin tends to produce more oil when it’s dry. This means that skimping on the moisturizer could actually be one of the causes of your breakouts. A lack of essential moisture can also damage the skin’s natural moisture barrier, which can lead to dry skin. Thankfully, the solution is simple: Moisturizing.

Kiehl's Tip: Layer On A Hydrating Serum

Hydro-Plumping Hydrating Serum keeps skin hydrated when breakout-fighting ingredients like benzoyl peroxide dry it out, and helps improve overall texture with regular use. Smooth a small amount onto damp skin after cleansing and toning.

Kiehl's Tip: Reach For a Lightweight Moisturizer 

After applying your facial serum, you’re ready for your moisturizer. Keep reading to find our best Kiehl’s moisturizer for your skin’s specific needs.

For all blemish-prone skin, we recommend Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Face Cream. The alcohol-free, non-comedogenic formula hydrates for up to 24 hours, and with consistent use helps reduce the appearance of enlarged pores and control shine. Apply a generous layer to face and neck as the last step of your daily routine.

For active breakouts, we recommend Expertly Clear Moisturizer for Acne Prone Skin with Salicylic Acid. Our hydrating acne treatment lotion with 1.2% Salicylic Acid is specifically formulated to improve the appearance of acne by rapidly clearing pimples, fading post-acne marks, and helping to prevent future breakouts without over-drying skin. Concentrated with 1.2% Salicylic Acid, 2% Niacinamide, Postbiotic Lactobacillus Ferment and Glycerin, our formula works as an all-over daily acne treatment that visibly clears acne and reinforces skin’s barrier without excessive dryness.

Next: Asked & Answered: How Do Hydrocolloid Pimple Patches Work?

Sources
I. “Moisturizer: Why You May Need It if You Have Acne.” American Academy of Dermatology. 2021. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/skin-care/moisturizer