In some cases, using no moisturizer at all is the best treatment for acne-prone skin, Marianne O'Donoghue, M.D., associate professor of dermatology at
Rush--Presbyterian--St Luke's Medical Center in Chicago, says in the publication Acne Briefs. O'Donoghue says that even oil-free moisturizers can make acne outbreaks worse for some people. Of course, if your skin tends to be dry as well as acne-prone, choosing a good moisturizer is essential. If you have questions about your particular skin care needs, it's always a good idea to check with your dermatologist.

Acne Fighting Moisturizers

If your skin is getting older and still prone to breakouts, Real Simple magazine recommends choosing a lightweight moisturizer that contains a salicylic acid, a common ingredient in acne medications. Opt for a lotion or gel moisturizer--creams are more likely to clog your pores, contributing to even more acne outbreaks. Real Simple recommends Neutrogena Anti-Wrinkle Anti-Blemish Cream as one option for a moisturizer in this category.

Oil-Free Moisturizers

If your skin is very dry, reach for an oil-free lotion, recommends Debra Jaliman, M.D., assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City, in Good Housekeeping magazine. Look for the word "noncomedogenic" on the label--it lets you know the lotion isn't likely to clog your pores. If you have serious dry patches, use a more intensive moisturizer in those spots only, says Jaliman. She recommends Jergens Skin Smoothing Cellular Renewal Moisturizer as one good moisturizer option in this category.

Reaction-Relieving Moisturizers

If you take medication to treat your acne, especially vitamin A derivatives like Accutane, red, itchy, peeling skin may be one of the side effects. Jeanette Graf, M.D., a dermatologist, tells Teen Vogue magazine that these side effects can occur while you're using the medication and may stick around for months after you've stopped taking it. To combat them, Graf recommends a calming moisturizer designed to soothe your skin. She says Aveeno Ultra-Calming Cream and Eucerin Anti-Redness are good moisturizer options for this type of dryness.