Does oily skin need moisturizer?

Oil and moisture aren't the same thing

Sebum is the oil that comes from your skin's oil glands. Moisture is the water inside your skin. That's why your face can be shiny and feel tight at the same time.

Who gets oilier?

According to a review of 57 studies, men produce more oil than women, and it barely drops with age. In women, it changes over the month with hormones. Pores also look more visible as oil builds up.

Why doesn't drying it out work?

Harsh cleansers remove the oil on the surface, but they also remove the lipids in the barrier. The result: skin that's shiny again an hour later, and tight this time too.

Oily skin routine

• 1Wash morning and evening with a gentle, sulfate-free gel.
• 2Use a light, water-based gel-cream. Oily skin needs moisture too.
• 3Apply a clay mask once or twice a week. Clay draws excess oil from the surface; the effect is temporary, so regular use is key.