Acne-prone skin needs moisturization, the only problem is, many of the ingredients in moisturizers are pore-clogging. That is why I recommend creating your own moisturizer. My recipe is all natural, super easy and only has a few ingredients.
Before we get to the recipe, we need to make sure you understand why moisturizing is essential, as well as why I don’t recommend purchasing traditional moisturizers – even those made for acne-prone skin.
Why Moisturize Acne Prone Skin?
Many people with acne have a damaged skin barrier. A weakened skin barrier can make acne worse by allowing more bacteria, pollutants, and irritants into our skin. With a damaged barrier, the skin becomes dry, pores are less elastic and more prone to clogging, and sebaceous glands pump out more oil to compensate.
Our skin barrier needs to be nourished with hydric (water) as well as lipid (oil) moisture to function at its best and keep out unwanted intruders. The skin will produce less oil when it is properly moisturized.
Why Avoid Store Bought Moisturizers
- Most moisturizers contain emulsifiers (ingredients that keep oil and water from separating). These emulsifiers are some of the most pore-clogging ingredients in skincare.
- Moisturizers are the perfect breeding ground for bacteria (due to their water content), meaning that preservatives must be used. These preservatives, especially harsh antimicrobials, can cause irritation and damage the skin barrier.
DIY Acne Moisturizer Recipes
I have two recipes that I use, one of them is more straightforward, and one of them is more robust. They both work, and neither is better than the other regarding effectiveness. The only difference is that the robust one contains more ingredients for skin repair and anti-aging.
Both of these recipes are mixed as needed within the palm of your hand or in an anointing bowl. Apply to your face in one thin layer.
Recipe #1 – The Simplest Formula
- 4 drops of a high linoleic acid oil (such as safflower)
- 4 drops aloe vera gel
Recipe #2 – A More Robust Moisturizer
- 2 drops aloe vera juice
- 1 drop rose water
- 2 drops glycerin
- 1 drop rosemary hydrosol
- 2 drops high linoleic acid oil
Why These Recipes Work
The recipes above are based on 2 main ingredient types: fluids and oils.
High linoleic facial oils are good for the skin because:
- they are nutrient dense and ultra concentrated
- their molecules are small enough to be thoroughly absorbed by the skin
Fluids serve the function of:
- retexturizing the oil so that it gets better absorbed and doesn’t leave behind a greasy feel (the fluid emulsifies the oil)
- adding hydrophilic (water-loving) nutrients
Mixed together, oils and fluids provide the skin with nourishment and hydration.