Introduction
Do you have oily skin? Are you frustrated with how to deal with it? We’ve got you covered, this blog talks about how to cater your skincare routine to best suit your skin type and the products needed to combat oily skin.
Oily skin is characterised by shiny and greasy skin, large pores, and a tendency to develop acne and blackheads. While having oily skin can be a hassle, it doesn't have to be a permanent problem. There are plenty of skincare products on the market that can help manage oily skin and leave you with a healthy, balanced complexion.
What is Oily skin?
Oily skin is a skin type that produces an excess amount of sebum, which is a natural oilproduced by the sebaceous glands in the skin. This excess oil production can make the skin appear shiny or greasy and contribute to clogged pores, blackheads, and acne. Oily skin is often genetic, but can also be influenced by hormonal changes, diet, and skincare products.
Managing oily skin often involves using oil-free or non-comedogenic skincare products, using a gentle cleanser to avoid over-drying the skin, and avoiding harsh or abrasive exfoliants that can irritate the skin and cause further oil production.
Types of Oily skin
There are different types of oily skin, which can vary in their characteristics and underlying causes. Here are some common types of oily skin:
- Combination skin: This is a common type of oily skin, where some areas of the face, such as the forehead, nose, and chin (also known as the T-zone), are oilier than others, such as the cheeks.
- Acne-prone skin: This type of oily skin is prone to breakouts and acne, often due to excess sebum production and clogged pores.
- Sensitive oily skin: Some people with oily skin may also have sensitive skin, which can be prone to irritation and redness.
- Ageing oily skin: As we age, our skin may produce less oil, but some people may still have oily skin even in their later years.
- Dehydrated oily skin: This occurs when the skin is lacking in water, which can lead to an overproduction of oil as the skin tries to compensate for the dehydration.
It's essential to identify your skin type and use products that are appropriate for your specific needs, as using the wrong products can exacerbate oily skin issues.
The Best Skincare Routine for Oily skin
A skincare routine for oily skin typically involves the following steps and additionally, there are many skincare products available that are specifically designed for oily skin. Here are some of the best products to include in a skincare routine for oily skin:
Cleansing:
The first step in any skincare routine is cleansing. A gentle, oil-free cleanser is an essential part of any skincare routine for oily skin. If you have oily skin, you'll want to use a cleanser that is designed to remove excess oil without stripping your skin of its natural moisture. Look for a gel or foaming cleanser that contains salicylic acid or glycolic acid, which is a beta-hydroxy acid that helps exfoliate the skin and unclog pores.
It is important to cleanse your face twice a day, in the morning and before bed, to ensure that your skin stays clean and clear. Avoid using hot water as this can cause further oil production. Try SkinQ’s Daily Gentle Cleanser, the best face wash for men & women. It is pH balanced and gives a moisturising effect to the skin with cleansing.
Toning:
After cleansing, it's important to use an alcohol-free toner as it can help to remove any residual dirt and oil from the skin, as well as balance the pH level. Look for a toner that contains witch hazel or tea tree oil or rosewater, which are natural astringents that help tighten pores, control oil production and soothe and calm the skin while also providing antibacterial benefits. Using a toner regularly can help to minimise the appearance of pores and prevent breakouts. Did you know that SkinQ’s Daily Gentle Cleanser is a pH-balanced cleanser which negates the need for a toner and simplifies 2 steps with one? This multi-active cleanser, cleans, hydrates and revitalises your skin at the same time!
Moisturising:
Moisturising is an important step in any skincare routine, even for those with oily skin as it keeps your skin healthy. Look for a lightweight, oil-free or non-comedogenic moisturiser that is specifically formulated for oily or combination skin. A good moisturiser will help to hydrate the skin without leaving a greasy residue, and it can also help to regulate oil production and minimise the appearance of pores.
Sun protection:
Sunscreen is a must for everyone, a crucial step in any skincare routine regardless of skin type. However, if you have oily skin, you may be hesitant to use sunscreen which will make your skin feel even greasier. Look for a lightweight, oil-free sunscreen that won't clog your pores or leave a white cast on your skin. Sunscreen not only helps to protect the skin from harmful UV rays, but it can also help to prevent dark spots and other signs of ageing.
Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to protect your skin well. Try SkinQ’s Sun Protect Ultra Light Non-Sticky Sunscreen Gel, it’s a broad-spectrum sunscreen gel with the goodness of sun protection (SPF 40) and Vitamin C and voted the Top 5 sunscreens of India by Vogue Beauty Festival 2022!
Skincare Routine for Acne-prone Oily skin:
Oily skin is often prone to acne and breakouts. If you're dealing with acne, look for a spot treatment that contains benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, which are both effective ingredients for treating acne. If you have acne-prone skin, you may want to use an acne spot treatment or serum to help prevent breakouts. We suggest you look for certain ingredients in products such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or tea tree oil.
Show some more love to your Oily Skin:
Once you have completed the C-T-M with Sunscreen protection routine, here are a couple more additions steps you can add to your routine to pamper your skin and show it the love it needs:
Exfoliating:
Use an exfoliating product once or twice a week to help remove dead skin cells and unclog pores. Look for gentle exfoliators that contain alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs), which can help control oil production and prevent breakouts.
Serum:
Face serums for oily skin can help with oil production, yes, even if the serum contains oil. This is because your skin can produce excess oil as a result of trying to overcompensate for the dryness. Serums are lightweight, fast-absorbing formulas that contain a high concentration of active ingredients. For oily skin, look for a serum that contains ingredients like niacinamide or vitamin C, which can help to regulate oil production and brighten the skin.
A Vitamin C serum for oily skin is a great ingredient as it helps with acne treatment and damaged skin because of Vitamin C’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Serums can be applied after cleansing and toning, before moisturiser, to help boost the effectiveness of the other products in your routine.
Clay Mask:
An acne-control clay mask can be a great addition to a weekly skincare routine for oily skin. Clay masks can help to absorb excess oil and unclog pores, while also providing a deep cleanse to the skin. Look for a mask that contains ingredients like kaolin or bentonite clay, which is a gentle yet effective ingredient that helps purify and mattify the skin and draw out impurities from the skin. Try SkinQ’s Acne Control Mask, it’s gentle on the skin with naturally derived inflammation.
Blotting Papers:
If you struggle with excess oil throughout the day, carrying blotting papers in your purse or bag can be a lifesaver. Blotting papers are designed to absorb excess oil from the skin without disrupting your makeup or skincare products. Simply press a sheet onto your skin wherever you feel oily, and it will help to mattify your complexion and reduce shine.
Oil Absorbing Sheets:
If you find it frustrating to constantly blot away excess oil throughout the day. Oil-absorbing sheets are a great solution to this problem. These thin, absorbent sheets can be used to quickly remove excess oil from your skin without disturbing your makeup.
With any skincare routine, consistency is crucial and allows time for the products to take effect. If you have severe or persistent oily skin issues, consider consulting a dermatologist for personalised advice and treatment. Remember to patch-test new products before incorporating them into your routine, and when trying new products be patient, as it may take a few weeks to take effect on your skin, so stick with it as it can take time to see results.
Conclusion
Managing oily skin requires a consistent skincare routine that incorporates products designed specifically for oily skin. A gentle cleanser, toner, serum, moisturizer, sunscreen, and clay mask can all work together to regulate oil production, minimize the appearance of pores, and leave you with a healthy, radiant glow. Remember, everyone's skin is different, so it may take some trial and error to find the perfect products for your individual needs. However, with a little patience and perseverance, you can achieve clear, healthy-looking skin that you can be proud of.