The Best Moisturizers to Balance Out Oily Skin

For oily skin types, the idea of applying a moisturizer can sound like pouring water into a sinking ship: the last thing you want. "You’d be surprised by how many people with oily skin skip moisturizing," says dermatologist Dr. Howard Sobel. "Dehydrated skin will only lead to issues such as inflammation, breakouts and a breakdown of collagen which could lead to premature aging."

You see, your skin's natural oil, known as sebum, is actually your body's way of keeping skin moisturized and healthy; when you strip it away with cleansing and don't replenish that hydration, your body gets the signal that the skin is drying out and it needs to produce more oil. That's right, avoiding moisturizer can actually make your skin more greasy.

Of course, not all moisturizers are oily skin-friendly. The heavy, ultra-hydrating versions that are great for dry types can leave oily skin shiny and potentially clog pores, leading to acne woes. To keep oily skin on an even keel requires a balanced approach, and these moisturizers have everything you need to keep your complexion glowing, not glistening.