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When you have oily skin, you don't need moisturizer, right? Wrong. Whether your skin is dry and ashy, greasy, or a combination of both, you still need to slather moisturizer on your face twice a day -- once when you wake up and once before you go to bed. African Americans might complain about a greasy T-zone or dry, ashy cheeks and some moisturizers are better at minimizing these areas and making your skin supple and smooth.
Burt's Bees Fragrance Free Shea Butter & Vitamin E Moisturizer
New York-based makeup artist Nicky Posley's favorite moisturizer for African American skin is Burt's Bees Fragrance Free Shea Butter & Vitamin E Moisturizer. The name of this lotion might be a mouthful, but it's also packed with soothing herbs like rosemary and calendula to soothe your skin and reduce dry patches. Best of all, this lotion works for a full 24 hours, so even if you pull an all-nighter, you're covered.
Cetaphil
Cetaphil is New York City makeup artist Kristy Strate's go-to for all skin types, but because it's lightweight and oil-free, it's an effective way to hydrate African American skin without making things too greasy. Cetaphil is recommended by dermatologists and contains no fragrances, so it won't make you break out -- and it won't make you smell like a grandma, either.
Active Moist by Dermalogica
For African Americans with oily skin, New York-based makeup artist Dina Gardner recommends Dermalogica's Active Moist. It's a hypoallergenic moisturizer that keeps the skin looking smooth and radiant without letting grease take over your skin. Strate also recommends Dermalogica products for African American skin types because it promotes the healing of skin cells, which could help make acne spots and marks go away quickly.
Olay Pro X Facial Moisturizer
Olay Pro X Facial Moisturizer is the winner of the "Essence" magazine 2011 Readers' Choice Beauty Awards in the Best Facial Moisturizer Category. This award-winning lotion cuts through grease and makes skin feel soft, according to "Essence." Olay Pro X is SPF 30, so not only will it reduce your risk of getting skin cancer, it also prevents you from getting little brown marks on your skin from soaking up the sun.
