Skincare Tips for Oily Skin
Oily skin is quite a common skin complaint and you can understand why. There’s nothing worse than that oil slick appearance on your skin — not only does it look unclean but for some people, it leads to breakouts and acne.
Despite it being a common problem, we’re often unsure how to treat oily skin. Many people try a variety of treatments that can seem like a good idea but can even make the problem worse.
Oily skin can be caused by a number of factors. Some people are predisposed to oily skin either due to their race or their genetics. For others, it could be down to some lifestyle factors including: [1]
— Living in a humid environment
— The time of year (skin is often oilier in spring and summer)
— Hormonal changes (women tend to have oilier skin during ovulation)
No matter the cause, oily skin can be a real problem. How can you get rid of oily skin and what are some oily skin care tips for dealing with oily skin?
When you’re getting started on a skincare routine, the first thing you need to do is find the right face wash for oily skin. People with oily skin often make the mistake of over-cleansing which can be the worst thing you can do for your skin. Using a harsh cleaner or cleaning your skin vigorously strips away the skin’s natural oils and can counterintuitively lead to an increase in oil production.
Instead, find a gentle daily cleanser that won’t block your pores, like Cetaphil’s Oily Skin Cleanser. This is developed for oily skin and is recommended for daily use on oily skin.
Gently wash your skin morning, night and after exercise with warm water. Resist the temptation to scrub your face or use a loofah or washcloth. This will irritate your skin and cause it to produce more oil. [2]
For some people, using a toner is a vital part of their skincare for oily skin. Some toners contain alcohol and can dry out the skin too much, however, a natural toner like witch hazel is commonly used by people with oily skin. This natural astringent toner can effectively remove makeup and other products that can clog pores.[2]
It doesn’t necessarily work for everyone though so it’s important to test any new product on a small patch of skin to see if there is any irritation.
Everyone should moisturise their skin twice a day to maintain the skin’s natural oils, even if your skin is naturally oily. You just need to make sure you choose the right moisturiser. When choosing a moisturiser for oily skin, make sure you choose one that is oil-free so it won’t block the pores.
It’s also vital that you choose a product with sunscreen in it to protect your skin from damaging UVA/UVB rays. The Cetaphil Pro Acne Prone Oil-free Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF25* is an ideal choice. It’s been developed with carefully selected ingredients that are suitable for acne and oil-prone skin.
When choosing makeup, you need to be a bit more discerning when you have oily skin. It’s important to choose makeup that is water-based and oil-free [3] as your skin already creates enough of it on its own.
You also want to make sure you don’t overdo it on the powder. Although it might seem like a good way to absorb the oil, it could make your pores push out more oil. Use the powder on the oiliest parts of your skin when you’re applying your makeup.
If you find your skin gets shiny when you’re out and about, use some blotting papers throughout the day. Simply press the paper onto your face for a few seconds so it absorbs the oil. Make sure you don’t rub the paper over the skin as this can spread oil to other areas of your face [4].
Good news! There are some benefits to having more oily skin. Oil helps preserve the skin, and people with oily skin tend to have thicker skin and fewer wrinkles.[4]
The trick is to find a balance and the right skincare so you can maintain a good amount of moisture in your skin.
*ALWAYS READ THE LABEL. FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE. Limit sun exposure and use protective clothing, hats and eye wear. Keep out of eyes. Reapply sunscreen regularly.
- Endly, D. C., & Miller, R. A. (2017). Oily Skin: A review of Treatment Options. The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology, 10(8), 49–55.
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321090#treatment
- https://www.webmd.com/beauty/features/oily-skin-how-to-make-makeup-last#2
- https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/dry/oily-skin
