Fact: People with oily skin also need moisturizer!

As a member of the Grease Girl Group, I have a love-hate relationship with my oily skin. Sebum production helps to keep my skin smooth so I look younger, but it’s unpleasant when my face looks greasy after a few hours! Oil control sheets and powder for touch-ups are must-haves in my makeup bag. With skin care, I tend to stay away from facial oil, and even once tried to remove moisturizer from my routine because some experts claim that moisturizer for oily skin will only make my face oilier. 

My skin was at its worst when I followed a harsh anti-acne routine without moisturizer. I broke out even more because even though it was still oily, my skin had become dehydrated from not moisturizing. I learned the hard way that moisturizer for oily skin is still necessary, and I have since changed my routine into one that is gentler and includes the correct moisturizer for oily skin. This change proved to be an improvement, as my skin feels healthier and actually less prone to breakouts.

To better understand why using a moisturizer for oily skin is necessary, it’s important to understand the skin barrier and how it helps to keep skin healthy. The skin barrier is a layer that protects the skin from irritants like dust and bacteria. When the barrier is compromised by harsh ingredients or the lack of proper moisturization, it leads to collagen breakdown, and skin aging happens faster and becomes more obvious. It also makes you more prone to getting pimples because the barrier isn’t able to properly protect your skin.

If you have oily skin and your skin is dehydrated, you’re likely to experience breakouts like I did. The dryness aggravates acne, and sometimes even pimple treatments like salicylic acid and retinoids can also contribute to dryness. Using moisturizer for oily skin helps to regulate the skin’s oil production, so you actually get less oily and look less shiny! 

The good news is that there are moisturizer formulations that are designed to suit oily skin. These are usually lightweight, yet still have the hydrating power of cream-based moisturizers. The Olay Regenerist Whip (P1,999 for 50g at Lazada) has a beautiful light, whipped texture that leaves my skin moisturized without it feeling greasy! It even has some amazing ingredients: niacinamide to strengthen the skin barrier, Advanced Amino-Peptide Complex to improve skin elasticity and help remove the look of fine lines, and hyaluronic acid to help attract moisture from your environment so your skin feels moisturized throughout the day. 

Sun exposure can also make skin more prone to damage, so in addition to your trusty sunscreen, a face moisturizer with SPF can be helpful. In addition to the skin-caring features of the regular Whip formula, the Olay Regenerist Whip UV has SPF30 that makes it ideal for morning use. It turns from cream to liquid once applied, and doesn’t leave a white cast on the skin. During days when you’re just lounging about at home, this can also serve as a face sunscreen for oily skin. 

You can also suggest this face moisturizer with SPF for the men in your life who want to get started on having a skin care routine. If they’re used to having a very short routine and can’t be bothered to add a face sunscreen for oily skin, Olay Whip UV would be a great alternative because it hits two birds with one stone.

I’m really glad that I stopped believing in the misconception and started using moisturizer for oily skin. My skin is healthier and happier now, thanks to finding the right moisturizer for my skin!

Olay is available in leading supermarkets and drugstores nationwide, and online via Shopee, Lazada, and Watsons Philippines. Follow #OlayPhilippines on Facebook and Instagram, and visit their website at Olay Philippines.

This story is brought to you by Olay Philippines.