Skin Care Products for Oily Skin: Routines, Tips, Cleansers

What is Oily Skin?

Oily skin is characterized by an overproduction of sebum, a natural moisturizer produced by the sebaceous glands located right under the skin’s surface. These glands and the pores that sebum is secreted through tend to be larger for people with oily skin. Since oil also serves to preserve and protect the skin, there are advantages to having oily skin: it tends to be softer, smoother, and less wrinkly. But excess oil creates shine, and wider pores can let in more impurities, so it’s best to apply specialized skin care for oily skin.

What Causes Oily Skin?

Like all skin types, there’s a genetic component to what causes oily skin. While this may make you more prone, you should learn how to reduce oily skin to not exacerbate it. Additional factors include environmental triggers like heat and humidity, hormonal shifts during pregnancy or certain courses of medication, and using the wrong products for oily skin.

Tips for Oily Skin

Go easy: Do not over-wash oily skin; it strips away natural oils and winds up producing more sebum.
Focus: Find an effective skin care routine for oily skin and be diligent about using it regularly.
Be prepared: Toss a small pouch of blotting wipes in your bag to remove excess oil during the day.
Keep it clean: Prevent clogged pores with noncomedogenic cosmetics and clean makeup brushes.

Oily Skin Tips & How-Tos

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Can oily skin types only use oil-free products?

Contrary to popular belief, not all products for oily skin need to be oil-free. In fact, part of learning how to care for oily skin is knowing that some oils are actually helpful! The goal is to find products that contain lightweight oils that your skin can quickly absorb. Two of your best options are jojoba oil and grapeseed oil, which are both plant-based and nourishing. Stay away from face products and cosmetics that contain heavier oils like olive oil and even coconut oil.

Can makeup block pores and make oily skin worse?

In a nutshell: sometimes. It’s all about using the right makeup products for oily skin. Rule number one is to find products marked “noncomedogenic.” Try not to use heavy cream foundations or apply a thick layer of powder foundation. They can introduce impurities and clog pores. Choose and use your makeup well, and always remove all traces at the end of the day with Micellar Cleansing Water.

Why is my skin so oily?

There is a number of factors that explain what causes oily skin. Genetic makeup is the main reason, but there are other culprits that can be controlled. For example, you might experience bouts of oily skin in the summer when the weather gets hot and humid. You may be using the wrong products for oily skin or pore-clogging cosmetics that are comedogenic.

But one of the most common reasons why your skin is so oily is over-washing. While it might seem counterintuitive, the more you try to wash away the shine, the worse it gets. This is because you’re removing too much sebum, which tells the body the create even more. Always remember to use skin care for oily skin that is formulated to manage shine while maintaining a healthy balance of the skin’s natural oils.

Skin Care for Oily Skin

What is Oily Skin?

What Causes Oily Skin?