Luminosity! Many of us are constantly on the hunt for ways to shine from the inside out. We desire soft, shiny hair, lustrous lips and nails and that natural glow…but on your T-zone? Not so much!
Those of us who have oily skin know the drill - regular (and untimely!) breakouts, larger, more noticeable pores, and a shiny layer of unwanted face gloss that accumulates throughout the day...everyday. What the heck, universe!?
Before we talk about how to get this shine under control and take care of oily skin, it’s important for everyone with an oilier skin type to understand the underlying cause of this predisposition.
Our body generates a natural oil called sebum – the substance that helps keep our skin soft and supple. Although beneficial, too much of this natural oil can cause blockage of pores, resulting in an accumulation of dead cells, leading to the formation of pimples/acne.
The basic goal of “oily skin care” is to rid ourselves of excess sebum. Controlling oily skin takes dedication, consistency, and patience. In adopting a few habits like maintaining regularity in your skin care routine and integrating the use of weekly masks and exfoliating products, significant improvements in your skin’s clarity and complexion are possible!
Consistent Cleansing
Proper cleansing, with a product that harnesses the powers of effective oily/acneic skin treatment ingredients, is vital to maintain skin’s health. Throughout the day, the buildup of oil, dirt, makeup, and pollution causes blockage of pores that can lead to unwanted breakouts. Cleansing your face once in the morning and once before bed is the simplest way to ensure all debris and dead skin cells are removed from your beautiful face. Also note: we are not constrained to cleansing only twice a day – this is a suggested minimum! Gently cleanse your face as many times as necessary, especially during humid days and after exercising. Cleansing the skin also leads to better absorption of the targeted products to follow.
While consistent cleansing can yield amazing results, waiting for those results can become grueling. We recommend sticking with a constant schedule and regimen. Be patient! Rome wasn’t built in a day! It may help to remember that the average lifecycle of a skin cell is about 28 days. Give your products a chance to do their job. In our humble opinion, the results are worth the wait!
Moisturizing
Moisturizing may seem counterintuitive for someone with oily skin, but this simply isn’t true! Regular use of an effective moisturizer is crucial for oily skin care because avoiding a moisturizer may dry out your skin and cause your sebaceous glands to produce more sebum, leading to even more oil. For oily and combination skin types, stick to oil-free and non-comedogenic moisturizers to keep your pores blockage-free!
Clay Masks
The topical use of clay has been used for centuries to treat and heal skin. Of course, it continues to be widely celebrated and trusted today! Perhaps the most notable benefit of clay is its ability to draw out toxins and pollutants from the skin’s delicate surface. Clay can also mattify the skin – keeping that layer of oily gloss at bay. With its exfoliating, detoxifying and purifying abilities, using a clay mask a few times a week can significantly improve skin’s texture and appearance.
Oil Absorbing Sheets
A convenient ‘quick-fix’ method to reduce excess oil on your skin throughout the day is by carrying oil absorbing sheets. For the days where the sheen just won’t go away, blotting skin lightly will help to keep the shine under control. If using blotting sheets, try to avoid fragrances and aggressive wiping. This can irritate skin and exacerbate symptoms. Blot responsibly!
With all this being said, oily skin doesn’t come without its benefits. Oil traps moisture in the skin, so you’re less likely to look dry and flaky throughout the dry, winter months. Additionally, an oilier complexion helps to protect skin from premature signs of aging. With a bit of control, a little glow goes a long way!
To help control oil, we’ve compiled a list of ingredients to look for when purchasing products to make a part of your oily skin care routine:
- Hyaluronic Acid
- Retinol
- Clay
- Salicylic Acid
- Glycolic Acid
- Dimethicone
- Plant-based Glycerin
!)