Having oily skin can be quite challenging to deal with. No one enjoys looking greasy or shiny throughout the day.

In this blog, we have tried to provide you with everything you need to know about oily skin including causes, treatments, and a skincare routine for oily skin.

What does it mean to have oily skin?

As the name suggests, Oily skin is a skin type characterized by a greasy or shiny appearance of the face due to increased sebum production. The excessive oiliness on the face can make the appearance of  pores enlarged and accumulate sebum and dead skin cells resulting in clogged pores. This makes oily skin types more prone to acne as compared to other skin types. 

Causes of oily skin

Genetics- If your parents have oily skin, chances are, so will you. Genetics plays an impact in having oily skin as it’s something that runs in families.

Weather- Heat and humidity can cause the skin to become oily and sticky, it can also increase your likelihood of having clogged pores.

Skin Care Products- Heavy skincare or makeup products can sit on the skin and clog the pores. Using the wrong skincare products which are oil-based can also make your skin oilier.

Lack of moisturization- Dryness caused by the lack of using a moisturizer can trigger oily skin to produce more oil in a bid to keep the skin moisturized.

Hormonal imbalance- An increase in levels of certain hormones can cause a surge in sebum production resulting in oily skin.

How to get rid of oily skin?

  • Skin type cannot be changed. Oiliness can be controlled by using right skincare products and taking care of your skin.
  • Just because you have oily skin doesn’t mean you get a free pass from moisturizing. Make sure you use an oil free skin hydrating moisturizer in your skincare routine as it can prevent your skin from being too oily.
  • Salicylic Acid and niacinamide are your best friends, include it in your skincare routine to control excess sebum production.
  • Use face masks with ingredients like charcoal, and clay which help absorb oil and keep the pores clean.

Things to keep in mind before planning an oily skincare routine

  • If you’re someone who believes that having oily skin prevents you from needing a moisturizer, we’ve got news for you, coz it’s quite the opposite. A lack of moisture in the skin can lead to dryness which may trigger the skin to produce excess sebum to overcompensate for the absence of moisture. Hence, if you’ve got oily skin, invest in an oil-free non comedogenic moisturizer and use it diligently.

  • Exfoliation is essential regardless of your skin type, even oily skin needs to be exfoliated regularly to avoid build-up of dead skin cells which could lead to clogged pores, dullness, and uneven skin texture. Use AHAs and BHAs to exfoliate your skin gently.
  • Stress can cause a surge of certain hormones and we know that hormonal imbalance could lead to excessive sebum production. Try not to stress out and relax, it’s good for the mind and body as it is for the skin.
  • Use non-comedogenic and water-based ingredients in your skincare routine to prevent clogged pores and acne.

 

Daytime skincare routine for oily skin

  • Any skincare routine should begin with cleansing, start by washing your face with a cleanser or an oil control hydrating face wash for oily skin.
  • Once you’ve cleansed your skin thoroughly, use a toner to restore your skin’s pH and prepare your skin for the rest of your skincare routine. You can look for a calming or hydrating toner with ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide.
  • Let your toner absorb and then use a few drops of serum of your choice and pat it onto your skin gently. Avoid using AHAs,BHAs in the daytime. Use alternative products with ingredients like Vitamin C or Niacinamide which can protect the skin even in the daytime.

 

Night skincare routine for oily skin

  • For your night routine, start by using a good makeup remover or micellar water to remove any makeup from the day.
  • Many people consider micellar water and makeup remover as a substitute for cleansing. Nothing substitutes for the cleansing period. Use your face wash to gently cleanse away any leftover makeup, sebum and dirt from the skin.
  • Your night routine allows a little more room for ingredients like AHAs and BHAs. You can look for a gentle toner or astringent to gently tone your skin and control oil.
  • Exfoliate your skin to prevent clogging of the pores. 
  • Follow up with your serum and gently pat a few drops into your skin. 
  • You can look for a moisturising eye cream and gently massage it around your eye area to prevent dryness.
  • Use your skin hydrating moisturiser to prevent your skin from getting too dry because of any exfoliating ingredients.
  • You can choose to spot treats at night. You can apply an anti-acne treatment of your choice and finish your skincare routine for the night.
  • Sleeping masks can be another addition for your night-time skincare routine. Although not a necessity, if you wish to add an extra dose of moisturiser, you can choose to apply sleeping masks after your moisturiser.

Weekly skincare routine for oily skin 

Weekends are not just for chilling, they’re for you to show your skin some extra love. Here’s some ways you can give your skin some TLC weekly-

  • Use a good face mask and look for ingredients like green tea, salicylic acid, and clay which help control oil and cleanse the skin deeply.

 

  • Exfoliate the skin weekly using ingredients like Glycolic Acid and Salicylic Acid. You can opt for exfoliating serums or you could look for peels or toners to exfoliate your skin.

 Ingredients to avoid in your oily skincare routine

  • Occlusives- Occlusives are ingredients that create a moisture barrier on the skin and prevent transepidermal water loss. Few of the commonly used occlusives you might find in your skincare products are Silicones, Petrolatum, Beeswax and Squalane. Using occlusives on your oily skin may clog your pores leaving it feeling extremely greasy and shiny. Look for other alternatives like moisturisers with light emollients and humectants to moisturise oily skin.

 

  • Harsh exfoliants- Using harsh exfoliants like some physical scrubs or overdoing it with your chemical exfoliant may result in over-exfoliation. Over exfoliation can cause serious damage to the epidermal barrier and invite a number of unpleasant skin woes.

Conclusion

Oily skin can be challenging to deal with as it comes with an added risk of clogged pores and acne. Depending on the cause, Oily skin may or may not be chronic, but it can be kept in check with the right ingredients and a good skincare routine. 

FAQs

1.WHAT IS THE MOST EFFICIENT WAY TO PROVIDE WINTER CARE FOR OILY SKIN?

The best way to care for oily skin in the winters is by moisturizing. Use an oil free moisturizer to hydrate your oily skin. Avoid taking long, hot showers in the winter to avoid damaging your skin.

2.WHAT ARE THE BEST INGREDIENTS TO ADD IN THE SKINCARE ROUTINE FOR OILY ACNE-PRONE SKIN?

Some of the best ingredients to be added in an oily skin routine are Hyaluronic Acid, Salicylic Acid, and Niacinamide serum.

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