How to treat oily skin
Is oily skin getting you down? Then you might be wondering how to get rid of oily skin.
Sebaceous glands under the skin’s surface produce an oily substance called sebum, which naturally moisturizes the skin. Oily skin occurs when these glands produce excess amounts of sebum.
Slightly oily skin is no big deal, but too much oil can cause blocked pores and acne. There’s not much you can do about some causes of oily skin, but it’s possible to keep oily skin in check so it doesn’t cause you problems.
Be realistic about oily skin
Excess sebum production can be caused by genetic and hormonal factors that no amount of skincare products can change. Be realistic about what you can do to get rid of oily skin. Perfecting your skincare routine can reduce the appearance of oily skin but won’t do away with oily skin altogether.
It’s also worth considering that oily skin isn’t the end of the world and is, in fact, extremely common. However, unrealistic beauty standards tell people that their skin should be a certain way. A little bit of oil on your skin is perfectly natural — there’s no need for your face to appear perfectly matte at all times. In fact, glowing skin is something that many people aspire to have, and a normal amount of facial oil adds to this natural glow.
Wash your face regularly
Washing your face removes oil from your skin and helps avoid blocked pores. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that you wash your face in the morning, at night and after exercise. This organization also recommends that you use a gentle foaming face wash rather than harsh face washes that are often thought to be beneficial for oily skin. Cleaners that contain BHAs, such as Tarte Knockout Daily Exfoliating Cleanser, are great for dissolving oil.
Pat your face dry after washing
If you dry your face too roughly after washing it, you may inadvertently stimulate the production of sebum, making your skin oilier. Instead, gently pat your face dry with a soft towel. This can make more of a difference than you’d imagine.
Use facial toner
Astringent toners can dry out the skin. This might be an issue in people with normal or dry skin, but in those with oily skin, it can be beneficial. Some people, however, find that toners irritate their faces, and this can lead to more sebum production and have the opposite desired effect.
Natural toners such as Witch Hazel are sometimes more effective and less likely to cause irritation than those that contain alcohol. You should use a toner after you’ve washed and dried your face but before a moisturizer.
Keep using moisturizer
Many individuals believe that they should avoid moisturizers because of their oily skin, but this isn’t the case. Failing to moisturize your skin can cause your skin to become dehydrated, so your sebaceous glands will overcompensate and produce even more sebum in an attempt to hydrate your skin.
The best thing to do is to keep using moisturizer (or start again if you’ve been skipping it) but to pick your moisturizer carefully. Avoid any heavy moisturizers designed for dry skin and consider an oil-free moisturizer if your skin is especially oily. Jack Black Clean Break Oil-Free Moisturizer is an excellent choice and has nourishing natural plant extracts, such as white tea and sea kelp.
Add salicylic acid to your skincare routine
Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid that is attracted to oil and helps break it down, meaning it can play an important role in reducing oily skin. It can also penetrate pores to remove clogs, plus it’s anti-inflammatory, which can calm redness or irritation. You’ll find plenty of salicylic acid skincare products to choose from, but we’re particularly fond of The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque, which you can use once or twice a week on clean, dry skin and leave on for up to 10 minutes.
Try clay face masks
On days when you have a little extra time for skincare, try a clay face mask. Cosmetic clay is extremely effective at soaking up oils on the skin, so it’s the perfect choice of face mask for anyone with oily skin. It’s best not to use them too often to avoid drying out your skin excessively and causing a boost in sebum production — once or twice a month should suffice. You should also take the time to moisturize after using a clay face mask.
Use blotting papers
Blotting papers are small absorbent sheets of paper that you can use to mop up excess oil on your skin. While blotting papers won’t reduce the amount of oil your skin produces, they can absorb oil that’s currently on your skin and reduce shine, leaving you feeling more confident about your appearance when you’re out and about. NYX Professional Makeup Blotting Papers are effective and reasonably priced.
Choose foundation carefully
If you wear foundation, choose carefully to avoid making your skin appear oilier and adding to any issues you have with clogged pores. Liquid foundations often contain oils that will only exacerbate oily skin and can block your pores. Mineral foundation, on the other hand, is non-comedogenic — meaning it doesn’t clog pores — and those with a powder formula have oil-absorbing properties. We love bareMinerals Original Mineral Foundation because it has excellent coverage, comes in a choice of 30 shades and offers SPF 15 sun protection.
Touch your face as little as possible
When you touch your face, you transfer oils, dirt and bacteria from your hands onto your face that can lead to clogged pores and acne. Although it’s hard to break out of the habit, try to touch your face as little as possible. If there’s a reason you need to touch your face, wash your hands first.
Lauren Corona is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
