I have oily skin. Should I still use a moisturiser?

Oil is one thing, moisture is another

The shine on your face comes from the oil your oil glands produce. Moisture, on the other hand, is the water in your skin. Skin can be oily and dehydrated at the same time: it shines on the surface, but underneath there is tightness and, here and there, flaking.

This is especially common in people who use harsh, oil-stripping cleansers and alcohol-based toners. The oil goes, but your skin's protective lipids go with it.

The right cream: a light gel cream

The problem is not using a moisturiser; it is choosing the wrong cream. Thick, greasy creams sit on your face, add to the shine and clog pores in some people. For oily skin, choose a light, water-based gel or gel cream.

Can a prebiotic cream be used on oily skin?

Yes. Prebiotics support the natural community on the surface of the skin, an approach that works together with the skin's protective layer in every skin type, oily or dry. What matters is a light texture.

Recent assessments regard prebiotics applied to the skin as generally well-tolerated ingredients. Even so, it is worth noting that larger studies are needed in this field.

What to look for when choosing

A short list:

• A light, water-based gel or gel cream
• Formulated so that it won't clog pores
• A formula that supports your skin's protective layer
• No alcohol: it feels cooling at first but dries your skin out
• Apply a pea-sized amount morning and evening, and even less on your T-zone