Having oily skin is one of the most common skin concerns, and it comes with some unique challenges. Not only does it lead to a shiny complexion, but it can also cause acne breakouts.
However, you can solve these problems by following the right skincare routine for oily skin.
What Causes Oily Skin?
The sebaceous glands that every human being has in the skin produce sebum. It’s the very substance that’s responsible for keeping your skin healthy and hydrated.
Having oily skin simply means that your sebaceous glands produce more sebum than other skin types. The excess of sebum substance leads to clogged-up skin pores, and in the worst cases, it can also cause acne.
The Best Skincare Routine for Oily Skin
By using the following 5 daily skincare routines, you can keep your skin shine-free, clear, and healthy.
1. Using A Cleaner in the Morning and Evening
Using a cleaner is probably the most important skincare routine for people with oily skin. Oily skins can easily tolerate the cleansing process twice a day. Dr. Sandra Lee, the founder of SLMD skincare, says the best ingredients in a cleanser are beta hydroxy acid and salicylic acid.
Most people who are concerned about their skin usually wash their face thoroughly two times a day. However, it’s especially important for people with oily skin. You might feel that your skin is clean before going to bed, but it produces oil and sheds skin cells while you’re sleeping.
That’s why using a cleaner before going to bed and after waking up is important. Not only will it clear away excess oil, but it’ll also help prevent the buildup of dead skin in pores.
2. Using An Exfoliator Twice or Thrice A Week
The best way to keep acne at bay due to oily skin is to use an exfoliator twice or thrice a week. This process is very helpful for people with oily skin who are also prone to whiteheads and blackheads as exfoliating removes oil buildups and dirt.
It’s also believed that herbal exfoliation removes harmful amatoxins and improves your sub-cutaneous blood circulation. You should use an exfoliator that contains the following natural ingredients.
- Sugar
- Tea
- Orange peel
- Oatmeal
- Walnut
- Triphala
3. Using A Toner
Using a toner before moisturizing and after cleansing is the best way to reap its full benefits. They come with excellent oil-controlling properties. Oily skins usually develop big pores, and applying toner helps your skin tighten them up.
Not only does it remove the excess oil, but it also maintains the pH level of your skin. Consider using the toner that comes with any of the following acids.
- Lactic acid
- Glycolic acid
- Salicylic acid
Do not use a toner that contains any other acids, as they can make your skin extremely dry and cause irritation. Using a toner that contains the following natural ingredients can also help you with oily skin.
- Aloe vera
- Marigold
- Green tea
- Tea tree extracts
- Rosewater
4. Use Moisturizer in the Morning and Evening
Many people believe that if you have oily skin, you don’t need to use any moisturizer. However, it’s not true at all. Oily skins need moisturization just like other skin types.
However, you’ll need to be extra careful while choosing a moisturizer for your oily skin. The most suitable moisturizer for oily skin comes with the following properties.
- Lightweight
- Water-based
- Free of oils
Most moisturizers built for acne-prone skin types come with these properties.
5. Treating Your Skin
This skincare routine depends upon your particular skin concerns. Generally, you can use sulphur and benzoyl peroxide during the daytime if you have acne-prone skin. It will prevent breakouts and curb oil production.
You can use retinol products in the evening to keep your skin glowing and pores clear. Retinol serum and sulphur lotion are some products that Dr. Sandra Lee recommends using to treat oily skin.
It’s important to note that people with oily skin are lucky in a way as it can ward off fine lines and wrinkles for a longer period of time than people with dry skin.
Other Methods to Protect Oily Skin
Following a routine is just the first step to maintaining your oily skin and keeping it healthy. You can also incorporate the following practices into your routine to achieve optimal results.
Washing Your Face After Exercise
Other than cleansing your face in the morning and evening, you should also wash your face right after exercising, according to the AAD (American Academy of Dermatology). It’s especially true if you’re not planning to take a shower soon.
Not only will it remove dirt, oil, and sweat, but it’ll also keep your skin fresh for a longer period of time. You don’t need to follow a long process as you can simply wash your face with a regular cleanser.
You can also apply a simple moisturizer after washing your face.
Choose the Right Products
It’s also important to choose skincare products wisely. It’s not advisable to use products that contain alcohol that can lead to dry skin and irritation by increasing the amount of oil secretion dramatically.
You should also avoid using greasy or thick products, including Vaseline, shea butter, and cocoa butter.
Use Blotting Papers
The AAD also recommends using blotting papers to control excess oil if your skin usually shines all day long. All you need to do is place the blotting paper on your skin and press it gently for 10 to 15 seconds.
This process will absorb the excess oil and keep your skin fresh. You can use blotting paper whenever you think your skin is becoming too oily.
Wear Sunscreen Under Sunlight
If you have oily skin, you should also wear sunscreen while going outside under the sun. Using products with at least SPF 30 is recommended.
Experts also suggest that people with oily skin should buy sunscreen products that contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Not only do these products help you with the excess oil, but they also prevent acne breakout.
