If you have oily skin, controlling excess oil production is likely at the top of your skincare priorities. You might think the best way to do that is to double down on drying ingredients like retinoids and hydroxy acids—but that approach can actually backfire. In fact, one of the most effective ways to manage oily skin isn’t drying it out—it’s keeping it hydrated.
We know it sounds counterintuitive, but hear us out. Keep reading to learn why moisturizing at night is essential even for oily skin—and how to find the right formula.
What Is Oily Skin?
People with oily skin tend to notice a shiny or greasy appearance, which is caused by an overproduction of sebum. Sebum is the skin’s natural oil, produced by sebaceous glands. When too much is produced, it can lead to clogged pores, blackheads, and breakouts.
Every skin type (except for the palms of your hands and soles of your feet) has sebaceous glands that produce sebum. It contains various lipids like triglycerides and fatty acids that help lubricate the skin and hair, acting as a natural barrier against dryness and damage. In normal amounts, sebum supports skin health and function. But when it’s overproduced, you get oily skin—along with all the unwanted side effects.
While some people are genetically predisposed to oily skin (if one or both of your parents had oily skin, you likely will too), environmental factors like humidity or hormonal changes can also trigger excess sebum. That means some people only get oily skin occasionally, depending on where they live, the time of year, or hormonal fluctuations like during the menstrual cycle.
Your skincare habits can also play a role. Over-washing or using harsh, stripping active ingredients can signal your body to produce even more oil to make up for the dryness or damage. The good news is that using the right skincare—especially a good moisturizer—can help restore balance.
Why Moisturizing Matters
In short, moisturizing helps regulate your skin’s oil production. When your skin is dehydrated, it tries to compensate by producing even more oil. This can lead to that frustrating combo of oily and dry skin—especially if you’re using potent actives like AHAs or retinoids that can strip the skin.
Oily skin doesn’t mean your skin holds water well either. Moisture is key for a strong skin barrier, and moisturizing regularly helps prevent transepidermal water loss (aka losing water through the skin) while keeping your skin smooth, plump, and healthy.
When to Moisturize
Dermatologists recommend moisturizing oily skin at least once a day—preferably at night. At night, your skin goes into “rest and repair” mode, which makes it easier for active ingredients and hydration to penetrate. Plus, your skin naturally loses more water while you sleep, so sealing in moisture with a hydrating product can make a big difference.
How to Choose the Right Moisturizer for Oily Skin
The key is finding a formula that hydrates without feeling heavy or greasy. Look for lightweight, oil-free moisturizers and facial lotions that say “non-comedogenic” on the label—meaning they won’t clog your pores or cause breakouts.
Ingredient-wise, humectants like hyaluronic acid, polyglutamic acid, glycerin, and aloe vera are great for oily skin because they pull moisture into the skin without creating a heavy, pore-blocking layer. You can also look for oil-free moisturizers containing ceramides and squalane, which support the skin barrier without contributing to breakouts.
Avoid cream-based formulas, thick ointments, or oil-rich ingredients like butters, petroleum jelly, silicones, vitamin E, or tocopherol, which can be too occlusive for oily skin types.
Application Tips
No matter your skin type, moisturizer should always be the final step in your nighttime routine—after cleansing and applying serums. But for oily skin, cleansing is especially important. Aim to wash your face twice a day to remove excess sebum, dirt, and product buildup. Follow with a lightweight moisturizer to seal in hydration and help balance oil production.
If you’re also using a retinoid (prescription or OTC), applying a moisturizer after can help prevent dryness and irritation while keeping pores clear and skin balanced.
As for how much to use? A nickel-sized amount should be enough to cover your entire face. Gently massage it in (consistency is key!) and let the formula work its magic overnight.