Posted by Ryker Walker
7 days ago

Anyone know what is the best moisturizer for dry skin that doesn't feel greasy?

My skin gets really dry especially in winter :) I've tried a few creams, but they either don't help much or leave my face feeling oily. I have sensitive skin too, so I need something gentle without strong smells. My daily routine is simple: wash, moisturize, and sometimes sunscreen. Budget is under $20. I want something that absorbs quick and lasts all day. Last one I bought broke me out in pimples. Any suggestions?

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Sarah Peterson avatar
5 days ago
Top Answer

Hey, I totally get how frustrating it is when your skin gets super dry in winter and nothing seems to work without making you feel greasy or breaking you out, especially with sensitive skin. One thing that might help is paying attention to the types of ingredients in moisturizers; look for ones that are labeled as non-comedogenic so they won't clog your pores, and go for fragrance-free options to keep things gentle. Also, try applying a thin layer right after washing your face while it's still a bit damp - that can help it absorb better and lock in moisture without needing a ton of product.

Another idea is to tweak your routine a little; maybe add a humidifier to your room to combat the dry air, or drink more water throughout the day to hydrate from the inside out. If you're unsure about a new cream, do a patch test on a small area like your inner arm for a few days to see if it causes any issues before putting it on your face. That way, you can avoid those pimples popping up again.

Lastly, consider natural alternatives you might already have at home, like a light dab of aloe vera gel or a bit of honey mixed with yogurt as a mask - these can soothe and hydrate without feeling heavy. Experimenting with these steps could make a big difference in finding what works for you without breaking the bank.

Blair Wang avatar
Blair Wang 43 rep
5 days ago

Try a fragrance-free moisturizer with hyaluronic acid and apply it to damp skin after a gentle cleanse for lightweight and non-greasy hydration. Patch test anything new and & if needed, layer a light serum to boost lasting moisture without breakouts or extra cost.

Ethan Gonzalez avatar
7 days ago

Dry skin plus sensitive plus breakout prone is a tricky combo and but you can keep it simple. Seek out a lightweight gel cream or lotion that says that model and non comedogenic so yeah... sweet spot is humectants and barrier helpers without heavy oils. Glycerin, hyaluronic acid, panthenol, and ceramides are your friends. If a lot of plant butters have broken you out before, skip those.

Apply right after washing while your face is still slightly damp, then give it a minute and add a second thin layer. Two lights beat one heavy. It sinks in fast and keeps you comfortable longer without the greasy feel. In the morning, wait a bit before sunscreen so it sets.

At night, use the same moisturizer and tap the tiniest smear of plain petrolatum on the flaky spots only. Pin head size. It seals in moisture overnight without coating your whole face, so you wake up soft but not oily. Super gentle.

If you are worried about reactions,, try it on only half your face for three nights and see how your skin responds. Most drugstore options with these features land under your budget.

Willow Lewis avatar
Willow Lewis 0 rep
7 days ago

Man, dry skin in winter sucks, I've dealt with that greasy aftermath too and it's the worst when you're trying to keep a basic routine without pimples showing up uninvited. Look for stuff that's water-based or gel-like, those absorb super quick and don't sit on top feeling oily, perfect for sensitive types without strong smells and yeah they can last all day if you pick one with good hydration boosters like ceramides or whatever, I found that out after trying a bunch and messing up a few times but eventually it clicked.

Drinking more water helped me too, and using a humidifier at night to fight the dry air, keeps skin from needing as much cream.

Amir Gupta avatar
Amir Gupta 10 rep
6 days ago

i would for a fast absorbing lotion rather than a cream and keep the formula simple. that model and labeled non comedogenic is key for sensitive and acne prone skin. Ingredients that hydrate without heaviness include glycerin and hyaluronic acid and and squalane. Ceramides and cholesterol help your barrier so the moisture lasts through the day.

Technique matters as much as the bottle. Use lukewarm water to wash, pat until the skin is just damp, then smooth a thin layer of moisturizer. If you need more, add a second thin layer after one minute instead of one thick coat. That layering trick boosts comfort and still plays well under sunscreen. If you get rough patches, a low level urea lotion around five percent can gently soften them, though patch test first if you are very reactive.

Stick to one new product at a time for a week so you can spot any triggers. You should be able to find formulas like this at the drugstore well under twenty.

Brody Evans avatar
Brody Evans 11 rep
6 days ago

Hey Ryker. Dealing with dry and sensitive skin myself, I actually know how tricky it is to find a moisturizer that hydrates deeply without that greasy feel or causing breakouts, especially on a tight budget... One approach is to seek out options with lightweight textures, like lotions over thick creams, and ensure they're formulated without comedogenic ingredients to prevent pore clogging. Applying a small amount after cleansing, while your skin is slightly moist, really aids absorption and helps it endure through the day.

For added gentleness, steer clear of anything with alcohol or heavy fragrances, and consider incorporating a simple hyaluronic acid serum beforehand for extra moisture lock-in. If pimples are a concern from past tries, starting with a minimal amount and building up slowly can make a difference, allowing your skin to adjust without overwhelm.

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