Skincare For Oily Skin

Oily skin is one of the most common skin concerns. It presents some unique challenges, like a shiny complexion and acne breakouts.

Striking that balance can be hard to manage, the good news? With the right skin care routine and products, these issues can be less of a problem.

 What are the Causes of Oily Skin

Everyone has some oil on their skin. Under each of your pores is a sebaceous gland that produces a natural oil called sebum, or oil, this plays an important role in maintaining your skin’s health. From keeping your complexion smooth to slowing the signs of ageing and protecting skin moisture, having an oily complexion isn’t all bad. However, too much oil can lead to congestion, breakouts and acne.

• Genetics

Oily skin tends to run in families. If one of your parents has oily skin, you’re likely to have overactive sebaceous glands, too.

•  Age

While you don’t necessarily grow out of oily skin, your skin will indeed produce less sebum as you age. Aging skin loses protein, such as collagen, and the sebaceous glands slow down. This is why many people who have aging skin also have dry skin. This is also the time when fine lines and wrinkles are more noticeable because of the lack of collagen and sebum.

One benefit of oily skin is that you may not show signs of aging as quickly as your drier counterparts, so its not all bad news.

• Location and the time of year

While genetics and age drive the underlying causes of oily skin, where you live and the time of year can also make a difference.

People tend to have oilier skin in hot, humid climates. You’re also more likely to have more oil on your skin during the summer than you would in the fall or winter.

• Enlarged pores

Sometimes your pores can stretch out due to age, weight fluctuations, and previous breakouts. Larger pores also tend to produce more oil. You can’t shrink your pores, but you can take extra care to blot areas of your face with enlarged pores throughout the day.

• Using the wrong skincare products

Often oily skin can also be brought on by using the wrong skin care products for your skin type. Some people mistake combination skin for oily skin, and they might use too heavy moisturiser and incorrect cleansers.

If you have drier skin during the winter months, you may need to change your skin care plan for the spring and summer with lightweight moisturizers and gel-based cleansers.

Using the correct skin care products can make a huge difference in the amount of oil that’s left on your face.

• An overzealous skin care routine

On the flip side, washing your face or exfoliating too often can also make your skin oily. This can seem like an oxymoron, since the purpose of washing and exfoliating is to get rid of oil.

But if you do this too often, you strip away too much of the oil from your skin. This can cause your sebaceous glands to go into emergency mode, where they produce even more oil to make up for the loss. You only need to wash your skin twice a day to keep excess oil at bay.

Failing to wear sunscreen can also dry out your skin, leading to more sebum production. Make sure you wear sunscreen every single day. Moisturisers and foundations with sunscreen tend to be less oily, but you may still need to reapply throughout the day.

• Skipping your moisturiser

It’s a myth that moisturiser causes oily skin. In fact, if you’re using acne treatments such as salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, you definitely need a good moisturiser to keep your skin from drying out. Without a moisturiser, any skin type will dry out and your skin will produce more oils in an effort to balance this. So instead of skipping moisturiser, the key is to find the right kind of moisturiser. Lightweight, water-based moisturisers work well for oily skin. Always make this your last step after cleansing and toning.

The Importance of Having a Routine for Oily Skin

If you have an oily complexion, setting yourself up with the right skincare routine is key to managing your skin. A good acne skincare routine can help you to balance oil, refine the appearance of pores and manage your breakouts.

When it comes to oily skin, the last thing you want is to use products that could clog up your pores. Instead, it’s important to use skincare products specially formulated with ingredients that are suitable for oily skin types. Look for oil-free and non-comedogenic products that will help to reduce excess oil production and unclog your pores. 

Great skin starts with a good skincare routine. Here’s how to get started with a skincare routine for oily skin. 

STEP 1: Cleanse

When it comes to oily complexions, cleansing is one of the most important steps in an oily skin routine. Thoroughly cleanse your skin morning, night and after exercise to help control oil and minimise breakouts. Making sure your skin is free from makeup, dirt and oil before bed, may require a quality toner that contains either: salicylic acid, glycolic acid or lactic acid.

STEP 2: Exfoliate

Just don’t be tempted to overdo it with your exfoliator. Over-exfoliation can affect your skin’s natural barrier, leaving your skin feeling irritated, so a couple of times a week is enough to do the trick. 

STEP 3: Use a Serum

Skin serums tend to contain high levels of powerful ingredients to help you enhance your oily skin routine. From improving skin texture and preventing breakouts to reducing the appearance of fine lines, serums are often formulated to target specific skin concerns, making it easier to find a suitable product. Depending on the ingredients in the serum, you can use them as part of your AM and PM skincare routine after cleansing and before moisturising. 

STEP 4: Moisturise

While it can be tempting to skip the moisturiser if you already have oily skin, it’s important to keep your skin hydrated. In some cases, your skin may overproduce oil to compensate for a lack of moisture and hydration. So, moisturising actually helps to balance oil production. 

With that said, it is important to opt for moisturisers specifically formulated for oily skin, such as lightweight oil free water-based products. Any moisturiser that’s formulated for acne-prone skin should meet these criteria.

The Key is Consistency

When it comes to oily, blemish-prone skin, skincare efficacy often comes down to patience and consistency. Chances are you won’t see results overnight and sometimes it can take a month or two until you see any major improvements. But with a bit of time and a good oily skin routine, you most likely will start to notice a difference in your complexion.

In some cases, you may need to explore other factors, like diet and lifestyle. If you’re still concerned about your skin or your breakouts persist, you may want to see a dermatologist.