Clinical evidence refutes the idea that moisturizers make acne worse, instead showing that appropriate moisturizers improve skin barrier function, reduce irritation from acne treatments, and support overall acne management.
The retrieved literature consistently shows that appropriate moisturizers are beneficial, rather than harmful, in acne management. They help repair the skin barrier, mitigate the side effects of harsh topical and systemic anti-acne medications (such as retinoids), and improve overall treatment adherence and outcomes. None of the provided papers support the claim that using moisturizers makes acne worse; instead, studies demonstrate clinical improvement when moisturizers are integrated into acne regimens.