Skincare Tips for Oily Skin: Maintaining that healthy glow without the greasy shine

Oily skin is one of the most common skincare concerns, which can present some unwanted challenges, such as greasy skin, clogged pores, and acne. Caring for oily skin can feel more difficult than other skin issues, with the difficult task of minimizing oil production without dehydrating skin. To boot, there isn’t a one size-fits-all when it comes to oily skin; what works for some but might not work for others. However, here are our top 5 skincare tips for oily skin that are some of the best ways that should help most find the clear sweet spot between that natural glow and skin greasy shine.

What is Oily Skin?

Oily skin is when the sebaceous glands are producing large amounts or too much sebum, leaving skin with a persistent shine or greasiness. Pores can become clogged, causing blackheads and acne.

Although there are some definite disadvantages, oily skin does have some advantages. Sebum (oil) creates an occlusive layer of moisture, protecting skin from water loss and infection so oily skin tends to look more youthful longer, with thicker skin and fewer wrinkles.

5 Skincare Tips for Oily Skin

1. Wash your face twice a Day

Having oily skin sure makes skipping a face wash much more difficult! One of the most efficient ways to control oily skin is to make sure you are cleansing your face twice a day. Look for oil-free cleansers that are not abrasive, too dry or strip skin of its natural oils. Finding a cleanser that contains BHAs (Salicylic acid in particular) can help get rid of dead skin and reduce pore blockages. They are oil soluble so they can effectively penetrate the pores for exfoliation.

May we suggest:

Blush – AHA + BHA FruitBurst Exfoliating Cleanser

Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid + Salicylic Acid help improve skin texture, fade dark pigmentation and soften skin while gently encouraging cell turnover.

Sayonara – Clarifying + Purifying Cleanser

Start your blemish-prone skincare regimen with this clarifying, plant-based acne cleanser, infused with Green Tea, Pyrus Malus (Apple) and Grapefruit.

2. Exfoliate

Exfoliating skin twice a week will help keep pores free of dirt, debris and sebum. Skin-exfoliating chemicals such as alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) help break down bonds that hold cells together to more easily remove dead skin cells from the top layer of skin. Looking for gentle exfoliators that dissolve dead skin, even skin tone and detoxify skin help keep skin looking bright, clear and glowing. The goal is to remove excess sebum without stripping away too much of natural, beneficial oil.

May we suggest:

Cherry WiiLD – Glycolic Acid Treatment

3. Hydration

There is a common misconception that if you have oily skin, you do not need to hydrate it.  Oily skin requires a moisturizer to help regulate oil production. By skipping a moisturizer, the skin will only produce more oil to compensate. Moisturizers help skin hold moisture in, while providing a defensive layer between your skin and external debris, such as makeup and dirt.

It might take a little experimenting and trial and error before you find your perfect moisturizer.  We suggest a lightweight and/or a mattifying moisturizer to help control shine.  If your skin is very prone to acne, we suggest looking for oil-free products, which are less likely to clog your pores. Products formulated with Vitamin C are beneficial for helping nourish skin while reducing acne scarring.

May we suggest:

Klear – Salicylic Moisture Balance Gel

A lightweight, water-based gel that soothes and clears adult acne-prone skin by supporting skin balance while allowing skin to breathe and without clogging pores.

Rejuve – Hydra-Matte Moisturizer

Mattifying moisturizer delivers superior hydration without the greasy residue, specifically formulated with oily, acne-prone and congested skin in mind.

Drench – Vitamin C+E Hydrating Moisturizer

Lightweight daily moisturizer boosts radiance and drenches skin with its multi-layered moisture blend of Vitamins C, E, and B.

4. Masks!

Applying a mask weekly will help gently absorb excess oil, detoxify skin and help keep pores clear while smoothing out imperfections. Clay masks are an ideal choice for oily skin as they help absorb excess oil.

Ochre Earth – Pore & Blackhead Detox Clay Mask

Oil-absorbing clay mask formulated with in anti-acne ingredients to draw out impurities and decongest pores while protecting skin’s moisture barrier. High-grade earth clay, minerals and enzymes help calm skin and salicylic acid to gently exfoliate.

 5.  Natural ingredients for oily skin

The term “natural” means different things to different people and is unfortunately not a regulated term when it comes to product labels. When purchasing products, it is a good idea to know what ingredients are actually in the product and how they will react to your skin.

Although you might want to reach for products that give skin that squeaky-clean feel, try to fight the urge, as you can strip skin of its natural oils. This can actually stimulate oil production. Avoid products with SLS, toxic or harsh ingredients.

Some of the best ingredients for oily skin:

• Salicylic acid
• Green Tea
• Citrus extracts
• Sunflower
• Hyaluronic acid
• Niacinamide
• Retinol

Patience, Darlin, Patience

Unfortunately, there is not going to be a quick, easy treatment for acne resulting from oily skin. Remember that patience is key as it will take time and consistency, and it could take a good month or two before you see the desired results.

 Things to avoid when you have oily skin:

• Skipping cleansing after exercise
• Harsh scrubbing and over stripping skin’s natural sebum oils
• Skipping sunscreen
• Don’t touch your face – you can pass on bacteria from your hands
• Don’t go to bed without washing your makeup away
• Avoid thick butters, such as shea & cocoa