WHAT IS OILY SKIN?

HOW TO CARE FOR OILY SKIN?

What do you feel when you hear the word shine? Thinking about a shiny mane of hair, or a particularly juiced-up lip gloss, it’s all good. But your complexion? Most of us would like to save the sheen for elsewhere. With so many factors contributing to oily skin, it can be tricky to ride the waves of overzealous sebum. But don’t fret, we’ve thought long and hard about skincare for oily skin and are here to share.

A skincare routine for oily skin, like all other skin types, should only include a cleanse no more than twice a day. Over-cleansing is a big no-no because yes, it is possible to get too much of a good thing.

Similarly, using alcohol-based toners can create a dried-out, tight feeling on your skin, which should be considered a warning sign. Though it might seem counterintuitive, you should be wary of stripping moisture completely from your face. You don’t want to feel like all of your natural oils are completely gone, rather helped to find balance. Otherwise, oily skin is likely to counteract the lack of moisture by kicking sebum production up a gear and flooding your face with oil to compensate, leaving you right back where you started.

Make sure you include an oily skin-appropriate moisturiser as a part of your daily routine. If you skip this face care step, you might be causing your skin to dry out, which will, again, kick sebum production into overdrive. In a cruel twist of fate, dehydration can also worsen oily skin in this way too, so ensure you’re helping to restore the right kind of moisture to your face with one of our targeted skincare products for oily skin. Find a lightweight, gel-like moisturiser and you’ll help to balance things out.

Plus, in the wise words of Baz Luhrmann, everyone should wear sunscreen daily, regardless of what the weather’s doing. UV rays are said to stimulate sebum production, so making SPF an everyday essential will help to steer shininess in the right direction (not to mention, help protect your skin from sun damage.)

It’s a common misconception that oily skin is worsened by oily food. That said, your general wellbeing will always benefit from a well-rounded diet rich in veggies and fruit, alongside balanced portions of protein and carbs. Equally, on the wellness front, make sure you’re living your best, stress-free life. Winding down before your requisite 8 hours of sleep with some gentle yoga or your favourite soothing bedtime regime will help to regulate your androgen levels and avoid extra sebum washing over your face.

Don’t go overboard on makeup, particularly oil-based products and consider removing your makeup as soon as you get home, rather than right before bed. And in both the skincare and makeup departments, look for oil-free and non-comedogenic products (those that help to prevent pore-blocking). When you find what works, stick to it. Your face will thank you for your consistency, allowing it to, essentially, settle into a balanced diet.

Lastly, don’t forget – we’re all about celebrating the beauty of realness, and think you should also celebrate your oily skin. After all, having high oil production can also be a good thing. Sebum contains vitamin E (a beloved skincare ingredient in its own right) and can strengthen your natural skin’s barrier. You also seem to age more slowly when you have oily skin, as your skin is naturally more moisturised, reducing the likelihood of deep-set wrinkles. Since elasticity reduces and sebum production slows as we age, you might even find that your skin becomes less oily as you mature. Keep checking in with yourself, as you might find you need to switch out your oily skincare products over time.