One of the issues those of us with oily skin have is that despite the oil, our skin still gets tight and dry. Often in an effort to control oil and rid ourselves of that shine and large pores, we cleanse, exfoliate and tone our skin to death until it’s stripped. Then our skin is oily AND dry, and this extreme cleansing process can actually trigger an increase oil production and irritate skin, causing sensitivity and even acne. Often, acne prone skin is the most sensitive, which is pretty scary considering the things we do to eliminate that acne.

It is possible to moisturize your oily skin. If your skin is reacting and breaking out, you might want to start with Osmia Organics Facial Calibration Serum and Spot Treatment. I wrote about the Calibration Serum here, and I cannot believe I haven’t reviewed the Spot Treatment because that shizz is the bomb and works even on nasty cystic acne. I’m need to buy a couple bottles ASAP because this should be in the cupboard of anyone who ever gets a zit. I’ll be posting some more about skin oils soon…

Evaluate your skin. If it’s reacting and irritated, treat it kindly to settle things down, then start giving it the moisture it needs. These are some of my favourite moisturizers that will offer hydration without irritation. We have come a long way since the days of “light lotions” which were just watered down versions of heavier creams. Technology has allowed for the elimination of excess stuff in our lotions and potions. They now have the ability to create products with the good stuff we need, minus what we don’t need, and this allows our skin to be happy and glow! Each of these creams moisturizes and adds radiance without shimmer or shine. Seriously.

bliss fabulous drench ‘n’ quench is simply terrific. I am in love with the cream-to-water texture, which helps it melt right into the skin immediately. It has a very soft fragrance that dissipates several minutes after application. It has “10,000 marine micro-droplets” that sounds like another way to say encapsulated hyaluronic acid, which is a terrific way to deliver moisture to the skin. It enables a plumping effect that lasts all day without being greasy, which makes it a great base for any cosmetics as well. We know that moisturized skin looks healthy and naturally glowing, so you will probably need less makeup! My reactive skin had no no irritation from drench ‘n’ quench.

Darphin HYDRASKIN Light Gel Cream is quickly becoming my favourite. With 84% of the ingredients being naturally sourced, and with no parabens, this gorgeous and luxurious gel-cream is perfection. You can feel your skin drink it up as the soft aromatic scent calms and relaxes as it disappears into the skin. Darphin HYDRASKIN moisturizes and adds a lovely radiance to skin, and also works perfectly under makeup. My sensitive skin loves it. I love to use it in the morning, and use the Darphin Niaouli Aromatic oil for reactive skin at night. HYDRASKIN is gentle and nourishing for sensitive skin.

Caudalie Vinosource Moisturizing Matifying Fluid is fantastic. Not only is it the perfect base for makeup, but you will likely need less makeup when you use this. It minimizes pores with a velvety texture that controls oil beautifully while nourishing skin. Caudalie Vinosource Moisture Fluid is also free of parabens, pthalates, sulfates, mineral oil and animal ingredients. Skin is soft and matte while never looking dry. I would say this might be better in warmer weather, and look forward to using this more come summer. It feels lightweight on skin and I had zero irritation.

Bioderma Hydralabio Gel-Crème is actually created for sensitive skin, and the fact that it is light while it moisturizes is a benefit. It moisturizes deeply and it lasts all day long. The gentlest of fruit ingredients help with smoothing the skin’s texture and allowing pores to be clear while the moisture can penetrate deeply for lasting hydration. This stuff is so gentle that even my mother, who has eczema and highly sensitive skin, loves it.