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What Are the Different Types of Oil-Free Creams?

Andrea Cross
Andrea Cross

Different oils are popularly used in beauty creams as they are highly moisturizing. This is not always beneficial, however, as it can cause problems for some types of skin. People whose skin is more oily often find that oil-based creams simply make their skin even more greasy, while those whose skin is prone to acne find that the oil in creams can clog their pores, making their skin break out even more. There are, however, oil-free creams available that make other ingredients good for skin their base, such as glycolic acid, silicon, and plant, fruit, and vegetable extracts.

Glycolic acid is used in many oil-containing creams but is also the star ingredient in some oil-free products. This acid works as an exfoliant to remove dead skin cells. Subsequently, this makes skin softer and helps to even out skin tone. Removing dead cells also has a number of other benefits. It helps to keep pores unclogged, preventing ingrown hairs and the buildup of sebum.

The oils in many beauty creams are meant to be moisturizers.
The oils in many beauty creams are meant to be moisturizers.

This helpful ingredient also encourages collagen production, making skin smoother and reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. An antioxidant, using glycolic acid as a major component of oil-free creams may help to improve skin conditions such as eczema and rosacea. Finally, it penetrates deeply into the skin for ready absorption.

Silicon is also a major component in some oil-free creams. These types of creams are not absorbed by the skin. Rather, they sit on the top layer, forming a protective barrier and trapping in moisture. Due to silicon-based creams not penetrating, they may be less aggravating to sensitive or acne-prone skins. These creams may help even out skin tone and reduce the appearance of scars.

Using oil-free creams that have glycolic acid as a main ingredient may help improve skin conditions such as eczema and rosacea.
Using oil-free creams that have glycolic acid as a main ingredient may help improve skin conditions such as eczema and rosacea.

Although they may keep moisture trapped next to the skin, these creams can also trap in bacteria. This may subsequently result in skin irritation and pores becoming clogged. People may also develop allergies to this type of cream over longer periods of time.

Finally, oil-free creams are also available made from plant, fruit, and vegetable components, all of which are chosen because they are considered beneficial to skin. Popular plants used include aloe vera, an anti-inflammatory, and feverfew, and antioxidant. Fruits such as mango are blended into butters that give these lotions their creaminess. Other popular ingredients include green tea, avocado, and cucumber. Creams containing these ingredients can work as well as oil-based creams, keeping skin well moisturized and toned.

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    • The oils in many beauty creams are meant to be moisturizers.
      By: volff
      The oils in many beauty creams are meant to be moisturizers.
    • Using oil-free creams that have glycolic acid as a main ingredient may help improve skin conditions such as eczema and rosacea.
      By: robert mobley
      Using oil-free creams that have glycolic acid as a main ingredient may help improve skin conditions such as eczema and rosacea.