Does your skin always seem shiny, no matter how hard you try to manage it? Does it leave you with that constant sticky feeling? Oily skin can significantly influence how we perceive ourselves; while some may feel a bit self-conscious, many embrace it as a common issue.
Many of us do not know the causes of oily skin and try random solutions that tend to damage skin even more. Let's break down how to control oily skin.
Understanding the causes of oily skin:
Our skin has sebaceous glands. They produce sebum, which keeps the skin hydrated and plump. However, when your glands produce excess sebum, you struggle with oily skin that attracts dirt and impurities. This makes your skin more prone to acne and other infections.
If there’s excess oil, can using excess soap help? Of course not! Your skin needs a balance of oils to stay hydrated. Over-cleansing can strip away natural oils, leading to dryness and blocked pores, which can lead to more acne. The goal is to balance it out. Further, clogged pores can trap impurities in your skin and promote acne.
So, is there no solution? Wrong! We're here with a routine to help you!
A skincare routine tailored to your specific needs can make all the difference in managing oily skin. It’s essential to control excess oil and protect your skin’s natural barrier. Start by choosing a cleanser that effectively dissolves oil buildup, then follow with a lightweight, water-based Moisturiser to keep your skin's barrier balanced and healthy.
The right products for your skin!
Oil-free moisturisers:
Those with oily skin will require water since their skin has excessive oil buildup. Hence, choose an oil-free Moisturiser that will keep your skin fresh and hydrated without adding excess oil. Moisturiser
Salicylic acid cleansers:
Salicylic acid is known for its ability to dissolve oil and reduce pores. It deeply penetrates your pores while cleaning the excess sebum and dead skin cells.
Mattifying sunscreen:
Your skin constantly shines due to the oil. If you apply sunscreen that shines, it will make your skin feel heavy and sticky. Instead, opt for a more mattifying sunscreen to reduce this shine. They have ingredients such as silica or zinc oxide, which help absorb excess oil and provide a smooth, matte finish. A mattifying sunscreen can reduce blackheads and remove excess oil, providing you with a balanced skin tone.
Your step-by-step guide for daily
Cleansing:
You need a foaming cleanser to remove excess oil, dirt and pollutants without making your face dry. Now, your skin is prepped well.
Toning:
After cleansing, you will require a toner to maintain the pH of your skin. Get toners with witch hazel or salicylic acid, as they go best with oily skin.
Exfoliation:
Often, dead skin cells can clog the pores. It can lead to acne. Hence, you can exfoliate your skin 2-3 times a week to get rid of all those impurities clogging the pores.
Treating:
This step allows you to use serums and spot treatments to focus on specific concerns. You can select products containing niacinamide or benzoyl peroxide to reduce the effects of large acne and scarring.
Moisturising:
It's a common myth that oily skin doesn't require Moisturisation. However, when you're working on removing the excess oil, you need to include a non-comedogenic Moisturiser in your routine to keep it hydrated.
Sunscreen:
As mentioned above, select a mattifying sunscreen that won't leave a cast. You can choose oil-free sunscreen. Choose the best SPF sunscreen for your skin type and witness it as it protects your skin from sun damage.
This oily skin care routine will help you control excess sebum. While this won't give you overnight results, you can get your oily skin issues under control by following this routine consistently.
Weekly treatments to take your oily skin care routine to the next level
Along with your daily oily skin care routine, you can include other things in your weekly treatments to improve the results of this skincare routine. Let's explore.
Clay Masks:
Use clay masks to detoxify and deeply purify your skin. Bentonite, or kaolin, is a clay that naturally absorbs excess oils and impurities from the pores to give you a clearer, more matte complexion.
Chemical Peels:
Peels with alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) are excellent for oily skin types. Glycolic acid, or salicylic acid, can exfoliate the skin, removing dead skin cells and promoting cell renewal. These treatments can reduce the appearance of large pores.
Charcoal Masks:
These are similar to clay masks as they clear all the impurities and reduce the appearance of large pores. Charcoal masks can also reduce the severity and frequency of breakouts.
Hydrating Serums:
Contrary to common belief, even oily skin needs hydration as it can help control excess oil production.
A few lifestyle tips to manage oily skin issues
- Maintain a balanced diet by cutting down on sugary and oily foods.
- Drink plenty of water to flush out toxins that create pore congestion.
- Practice stress management, as high stress levels can lead to breakouts and acne.
- Aim for a good night’s sleep of 8–9 hours, as a well-rested body keeps skin healthy.
- Follow your skincare routine, and never skip a mattifying sunscreen.
- Regularly cleanse your skin to prevent dirt and oil buildup in your pores.
Follow this guide to control your oily skin. Be consistent with your routine and make sustainable lifestyle changes to combat oily skin issues. Slowly, you will start seeing changes in the texture of your skin, and the oiliness will reduce significantly. Find the right products that work for your skin and build a routine that's easy to follow. Get started today!
FAQs:
1. Do I still need to use a Moisturiser if I have oily skin?
Moisturising is essential, even for oily skin. Use an oil-free, water-based, or gel Moisturiser to keep your skin hydrated without adding excess oil.
2. What type of sunscreen should I use if I have oily skin?
Choose a mattifying, oil-free sunscreen with SPF that is lightweight and doesn’t leave a greasy finish. Look for sunscreens with ingredients like silica or zinc oxide to absorb excess oil.
3. How can my diet impact oily skin?
A diet high in sugar, oil, or processed foods can increase oil production and trigger breakouts. Try incorporating more whole foods, fruits, vegetables, and water to promote healthier skin.
4. Can stress cause my skin to become oilier?
Yes, stress can trigger hormonal changes that lead to an increase in oil production and acne breakouts. Managing stress through relaxation techniques, exercise, and adequate sleep can help.
