Every person is different, has a unique set of DNA, a unique personality and a unique skin type that requires unique care. The type of skin you have can largely be organized into five different categories: normal, dry, oily, combination and sensitive.
Each skin type has a different skincare routine and uses different products specifically made to reduce the problems associated with that skin type. We’re going to be focusing on oily skin, to go over the best oily skincare routine, and the number one products you can use to help mattify your skin to enjoy radiant skin, without the oil.
Oily skin can be caused by genetics, diet, the climate and multiple other factors and impacts the production of sebum. The ideal skin texture has enough natural oil production to give the skin a ‘glow’, but too much sebum clogs pores and causes oily skin, acne, blackheads or enlarged pores.
Step 1 of your oily skincare routine: Cleansing
Using the right cleanser will clean deep into the pores to clear the excess sebum without over-drying the skin. Oily skin is prone to breakouts due to the increased sebum production, so you need a cleanser that cleans the pores and fights blemishes before they begin. Removing sebum on a daily basis will consistently combat oiliness and ultimately reduce the frequency of the associated skin issues.
Cleansers that are specifically formulated for oily skin are different to cleansers for other skin types. If you don’t have sensitive skin, look for ingredients such as salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, these ingredients will fight inflammation and active breakouts, while helping the skin shed dead cells on its top layer to reveal radiant skin and clear pores. Our number one recommendation is Cosrx Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser on amazon, a korean skincare brand that has all the experts swooning due to its effective, active ingredients for an extremely good price.
If you do have sensitive oily skin try cleansers that have no harsh chemicals, like Cetaphil Dermacontrol Foam Wash on amazon, that fights oil but also contains licorice root extract which is soothing for sensitive skin.
Cleanse twice a day, in the morning and the evening. Even though you skin may feel oily, don’t overwash it - it can actually make sebum production increase to overcompensate.
Step 2 of your oily skincare routine: Exfoliating
Exfoliating is a key component of your oily skincare routine because it offers a deeper clean that cleansing alone. The skin problems associated with oily skin (acne, clogged pores etc.) can cause a poor skin texture and create a dull sheen over the skin surface. Exfoliating breaks up the impurities leading to a smoother skin texture and unclogs congested pores.
However, you need to ensure you don’t over-exfoliate and strip the skin’s barrier. It can actually cause your skin to dry out and produce more oil - which you don’t want! The best physical exfoliant for oily skin provides just the right amount of grit to gently exfoliate without feeling scratchy and leaving your skin dry and tight. Try La Roche-Posay Ultra Fine Scrub on amazon, a dermatologist created skin care line that is perfect if you suffer with sensitive, oily skin.
The best chemical exfoliant and toner is Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Acid Exfoliant on amazon - a best selling product on Amazon with more than 2,600 five star reviews. Toning your skin isn’t essential, but it can be beneficial for oily skin to maintain the skin’s natural oil balance and pH balance after cleansing. If you can combine a chemical exfoliant and toner like the Paula’s Choice product - that’s perfect!
If you’re wondering how often you should exfoliate oily skin - the answer is 2-3 times weekly depending on your skin’s sensitivity, but be sure to moisturize after to restore some hydration into your skin.
Step 3 of your oily skincare routine: Antioxidant serum
Serums are a super important step in your skincare routine that shouldn’t be ignored! They are targeted, concentrated treatments aimed at unclogging and minimizing pores and balancing natural oils to keep the skin clear. The best antioxidant serum you can use is vitamin C serum, and we love the TruSkin Vitamin C Serum for Face on amazon - it’s the highest rated antioxidant serum on Amazon and it contains extra goodness like hyaluronic acid and vitamin C.
Step 4 of your oily skincare routine: Moisturizer
It may seem counterproductive to use moisturizer on oily skin but as mentioned, keeping skin well hydrated actually reduces natural oil production, but choosing the right type of moisturizer is key. Opt for oil-free, lightweight, non-comedogenic formulas. Non-comedogenic means that it doesn’t block pores, exacerbating the issues associated with this skin type. Our all time favorite is the La Roche Posay Effaclar Mattifying Oil Free Moisturizer on amazon that visibly tightens pores and reduces excess oil. But if this is a little bit too pricey for you, here’s another option: Neutrogena Oil-Free Facial Moisturizer, Sensitive Skin on amazon for less than $10 this is a steal!
Look for ingredients that include glycerin and hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin and niacinamide to help even out the skin tone. Moisturize the skin every time you wash your skin, both morning and evening and use a small amount of moisturizer and see how your skin responds.
Step 5 of your oily skincare routine: Sunscreen
Sunscreen is particularly important for individuals with oily skin. It provides sun protection, necessary to protect your skin against harmful UV rays that cause premature aging, wrinkles, pigmentation, skin cancer and a loss of natural skin radiance. The more sun exposure your skin gets, the larger your pores become which is a particular issue for oily skin, leading to more clogged pores.
Sunscreen is typically thicker and can leave skin very oily and greasy, even for those without naturally oily skin! Go for a water based product that is lightweight and non greasy, and at least factor 30. Our favorite for oily skin is the Cetaphil Cetaphil PRO Oil Absorbing Moisturizer With Spf 30 Broad Spectrum Sunscreen on amazon that will reduce oil and leave skin looking mat all day. Another amazing sunscreen for oily skin is the REN Clean Skincare Clean Screen Mineral SPF 30 Mattifying Face Sunscreen on amazon that is a cult favorite as it doesn’t leave a white cast on the skin and is a mineral rather than chemical sunscreen so won’t irritate your skin.
Now that you know the best skincare routine for oily skin, you can start implementing it into your daily life. After a couple of weeks of using the mentioned products and the specific skincare routine you will notice a decrease in oil production in your skin, leading to a better skin texture, smoother and brighter skin and ultimately less oily skin. dont forget to check more related topics on the-homegym