It’s possible that the moisturizer you are using is too heavy. When you use a product that is too rich for your skin, your pores can’t absorb it. As a result, the product sits on your skin, potentially clogging your pores. Conversely, you might actually be using a product that is too harsh and drying. Your skin compensates for these products by producing more oil. Stick to gentle cleansers and light, oil-free moisturizers for a few weeks to see how your skin reacts.
If your skin is oily throughout the day and you have large pores all over your face, you probably have oily skin. If oily skin and large pores exist only in your T-zone (the forehead, nose, and chin), you probably have combination skin. If you only see oily skin in your T-zone when the weather is warm, you probably have normal skin. If your skin is oily but your pores are small, it’s a good sign that your products, and not your skin type, might be to blame.
Oil-free products are more complicated than you think, however, as they may contain other ingredients that can clog your pores (like waxes) or irritate your skin (like alcohol). [5] X Research source
Water-based products should have a word than ends in “-icone” (like silicone) as one of the first few ingredients. [6] X Research source Dimethicone is often used as a replacement for petrolatum, which is oil-derived. Dimethicone is both moisturizing and mattifying, which means that it can help control grease and shine. [7] X Research source Look for exfoliating ingredients. Oily skin can often be dull and thick, so choose products with ingredients that will aid in cell turnover. These include lactic, glycolic, and salicylic acid. [8] X Research source Avoid products that include paraffin, cocoa butter, or oils. [9] X Research source
People with oily skin should avoid creams and heavy lotions. Instead, choose gels or light lotions.
If you’re not using other anti-acne products, moisturizers that also fight breakouts might be a good bet for you.
You might also want to consider using sunscreen as moisturizer. Sunscreen hydrates your skin, so you might want to skip a second layer, especially if your skin is oily. (If you wear both, put on sunscreen first. )[12] X Research source
As long as your skin is not acne-prone, even those with oily skin may want to consider using an ointment in winter. Similarly, those with normal and combination skin may want to switch to a lighter lotion or gel during the summer months, when their skin may be oily.
