Everything You Need to Know to Care for Oily Skin
Having an abundance of oil production may feel like a bad thing. With that comes large pores, constant reach for oil blotting sheets, and prone to breakouts.
But having oily skin doesn't have to be difficult - the key is to strike a balance between having too much oil and maintaining your skin's natural moisture.
We are saying buh-bye to excess oil because I'm breaking down how to care for your oily skin to effectively tackle your oily skin with confidence.
How do you know if your skin is oily?
There's a good chance that you already know your skin is oily, but in case you aren't sure and need some help figuring it out, here's how you can tell:
- The most obvious sign is your skin is always shiny.
- Your pores are visibly enlarged.
- Breakouts occur often.
- A couple of hours after cleansing your face, it is shiny and/or feels greasy.
Why do some have oily skin and others don't?
Your skin produces sebum, the skin's natural moisturizer. It's what keeps your skin hydrated, smooth, and responsible for slowing the aging process (fewer wrinkles) compared to your dry-skin friends. As you can see, in moderation, sebum is a beautiful thing. On the other end of the spectrum, excessive sebum production is when there is a problem. Your pores are unable to process high levels of sebum, so they begin to widen. Additionally, the sebum finds it difficult to secret from the pores, resulting in breakouts.
So why are you having this problem, compared to others?
Simply put, a combination of hormones and genetics. The hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) controls the production of sebum. Unfortunately, the levels of sebum are controlled by genetics.
How do you take care of oily skin?
It may feel like the best approach to caring for your oily skin is to use products that aid in drying out the skin. This is never a good idea as this activates production of more sebum. A general rule of thumb is to use light liquids, serums, and gels. Here's how to gain balance and provide your oily skin with optimal care:
1. Cleanse daily. Use a mild, water-soluble facial cleanser twice a day.
2. Use a toner. Include an alcohol-free toner to your regimen that contains antioxidants an cell-communicating ingredients. Toners help with skin recovery and to remove remaining dirt and debris.
3. Exfoliate. Exfoliating is one of the best ways to remove dead skin cells, reduce blocked pores and make the skin smoother. The best exfoliating ingredient for oily skin is salicylic acid (BHA).
4. Sun Protection. Sun protection is key for preventing wrinkles, reducing inflammation and dark spots. Choose a lightweight sunscreen to be used daily and applied after your moisturizer.
5. Lightweight Moisturizer. Use a light, hydrating moisturizer that doesn't contain ingredients that are pore-clogging and are packed with antioxidants to help strengthen the skin's protective barrier.
6. Excess Sebum Removal. Clay masks are beneficial for oily skin due to it's ability to absorbing excess sebum.
I hope you found this post helpful in caring for your oily skin. Your oily skin isn't going anywhere, the key is to balance your oil production and maintaining healthy skin.
xo Frankie
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