How to Manage and Care for Oily Skin

Having oily skin can feel like having the best of both worlds—but also the worst. Oily skin ages more slowly, keeps skin moisturized without added product, and provides a great barrier to skin damage, but oily skin also means more frequent breakouts, blocked pores, and a shiny complexion. The best way to handle oily skin is to understand when to care for it and what oily skin really needs. In this article, we are going to walk you through some daily behaviour and tips you can utilize to properly handle oily skin! Whether you’re constantly shining, cant get control of your acne, or anything in between. Use these oily skin tips to balance oil, achieve a clearer complexion!

What causes oily skin?

But before we get into tips, you need to understand what makes your skin oily! Oily skin is caused when sebaceous glands in skin are overly active producing too much sebum-oil that is naturally produced to protect your skin and add hydration. Naturally, sebum is vital for skin health; however when it is produced in excess it blocks pores and results in either acne or blackheads.

Some common causes of oily skin include:

• Genetics – if one or both of your parents have oily skin, you will likely have it too.

 • Hormonal fluctuations – such as during puberty, your menstrual cycle or during pregnancy.

•Climate – hot and humid weather is a trigger for increased oil production.

• Bad habits when it comes to your skincare – over-washing, using very harsh products, and layering on products or skipping moisturizer altogether.

Now let’s take a look at some clever and tried and tested ways to manage having oily skin.

1. Choose the Right Cleanser

THE FIRST STEP IS TO FIND AN EFFECTIVE GENTLE FOAMING FACIAL CLEANER DESIGNED FOR OILY OR ACNE PRONE SKIN. Cleansing will remove excess oil, dirt, and impurities that can clog the pores. What to look for:

• Salicylic acid – an exfoliant that helps dissolve excess oil.

 • Tee tree oil – a natural antiseptic that will help kill off the bacteria.

• Niacinamide – reduces oil production and calms down inflammation. What to avoid: harsh soaps or alcohol-based cleansers which will strip your skin and lead to rebound oiliness.

2. Don’t Skip the Moisturizer

 It may seem counterintuitive to moisturize oily skin, but hydration is the key to success! When you do not moisturize, your skin might actually produce even more oil to compensate for the dry skin!

Choose a lightweight, oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizer, and gel-based or water-based moisturizers are the best for oily skin.

 As a bonus, make sure to look for a moisturizer with hyaluronic acid to keep it hydrated without adding oil.

3. Use a Toner—Carefully

Toners can help balance your skin’s pH after cleansing and remove any leftover oil or dirt. Choose alcohol-free formulas to avoid drying out your skin.

Best ingredients include:

• Witch hazel – an astringent that is natural

•Niacinamide – balances oil and minimizes pore size

• Green tea extract that soothes inflammation and controls excess sebum production.

Use while skin is still damp, after cleansing, but before applying serums or moisturizers. Exfoliate Regularly, but Not Too Often!

4. Exfoliation is important for removing dry, dead skin cells,

unclogging pores, and keeping breakouts away. However, too much exfoliation will irritate your skin, making your skin oily.

 How many times? 1 -3 times weekly, depending on your skin’s sensitivity level.

Tip: face wash in the morning and before bed. Over-washing can irritate your skin causing it to produce even more oil.

Try:

 • Chemical exfoliants like AHAs (glycolic acid) or BHAs (salicylic acid).

 • You should not choose rough scrubs with large gritty particles.

5. Always Wear Sunscreen

While sunscreen protects from UV damage, many people with oily skin ignore it – often due to fears of looking greasy. Fortunately, sunscreen is available in oil free and mattifying versions. Suggestions:

• Look for at least SPF 30.

• Choose non-comedogenic products with a “matte finish” or “oil free” label.

• Gel-based sunscreen is ideal for oily skin types.

6. Use Blotting Papers Throughout the Day

 If you’re looking for a quick fix for that midday shine, try blotting papers. They’ll soak up excess oil without smudging your makeup or irritating your skin.

Keep a small pack in your bag or at your desk for easy mid-day touch-ups.

and remember: Blot, don’t rub! Just press gently where you see oil, so you don’t create more mess spreading it around your whole face.

7. Use Non-Comedogenic Products

Regardless if products are skincare or makeup, always check for non-comedogenic labels – meaning that the products will not clog pores. This includes:

• Foundation

• Primer

• Moisturizer

• Sunscreen

 • Serums

Also avoid products that contain mineral oil, lanolin, and cocoa butter, as they are too heavy for oily skin.

8. Clay Masks Are Your Best Friend

Clay masks help absorb oil, deep clean pores, and reduce shine.

 Best types for oily skin:

• Kaolin clay – Gentle and perfect for sensitive oily skin.

• Bentonite clay – Has excellent oil absorbing qualities. Use 1 – 2 times per week and absolutely do not forget to apply a light moisturizer afterwards.

9. Watch What You Eat

What you eat can also have an effect on your skin. Although it isn’t a black and white scenario, many people have reported they see clearer skin with better eating habits. Decrease:

• Greasy, fried foods

 • Sugary and processed snack foods

 • Dairy (especially milk) Increase:

• Leafy greens • Omega-3s (salmon, flaxseeds)

 • Water content fruits and vegetables

10. Stick To A Routine

 One of the worst things people do when trying to manage oily skin is switching products too frequently. Your skin needs time to adjust to a new product.

 Stick with a routine long enough to judge its effectiveness (4 – 6 weeks) – unless of course you notice irritation or breakouts

Extra Tips

• Always sleep on clean pillowcases, so the oil and bacteria doesn’t transfer onto your face

 • Avoid touching your face to reduce acne breakouts.

• Don’t use heavy or multilayered makeup – only breathable, mattifying products

When to See a Dermatologist

If your oily skin is causing acne that will not go away, large cystic-type acne, or over-the-counter products are not making any difference, then it will be recommended to see a dermatologist. Here they could be able to offer:

• Prescription retinoids

• Chemical peels in an office setting

 • Hormonal treatments only if acne is hormonal

 • Laser & light

Conclusion

Oily skin can be challenging to manage, however with a little bit of effort it can also be manageable. If you use gentler oil-controlling products, don’t use non-comedogenic products, and stick to a consistent routine, you can control oil and still have healthy skin. Oily skin is a skin type, not a flaw. Patience for results, and care of your skin will reduce the shine and breakouts so you can love the skin you are in!