Greasy, sticky, oily skin can be a challenge to deal with all year round. It gives your face an unwanted glossy look and makes applying makeup a nightmare. And the worst part is it can lead to acne, enlarged pores, and more blackheads and whiteheads. This is why it is essential to have a proper skin care routine for oily skin.
What Causes Oily Skin?
Most cases we have seen relate to just one aspect- that a skin’s texture is usually fixed and may not be changed. But they also help us appreciate the presence of some other factors that can make the skin oilier. Some of these factors are:
- Genetics - Overactive sebaceous glands tend to run in families and can be an inherited trait. It relates the DNA and may be transferred from a mother to her child during pregnancy.
- Hormonal imbalances - Thyroid issues, menstruation, and menopause can cause these, and even high-stress levels affect the skin, triggering excessive sebum production.
- Using chemically-enriched beauty care products and overdoing your skincare regime. Habits like over-cleansing worsen the problem.
- Not using a good moisturizer may cause your skin cells to dry up. This could make the skin produce more oil, thus making it greasy.
Doing the Oily Skin Test
How do you tell if you have oily skin? Here is a little test you can do in the comfort of your home and know your skin type. First, cleanse your face with a gentle chemical-free face wash or oily skin face wash, or cleanser, then pat dry and leave it for 30 minutes at least.
If the skin appears shiny, especially in the nose, forehead, and cheek area, chances are you have oily skin. An increase in blackheads and whiteheads and vulnerability to breakouts are also signs that you have an oily skin type.
Skincare Routine for Oily Skin
Oily skin is characterized by excessive sebum production. The latter forms a thin layer of oil on the skin and attracts dust and pollution that stick to the face. It may also clog the pores and thus lead to breakouts and other skin problems.
Simply cleansing is not enough to prevent oil buildup, and that's where a daily skincare routine comes into play. It may also serve you well to opt for a personalized treatment plan, if you think your skincare issues are unmanageable.
Morning Skin Care Routine for Oily Skin
It is advisable to start your day by removing the excess oils that may have piled up during the night. We recommend opting for the following seven-step AM skincare schedule:
Step 1: Cleanse
Avoid harsh soaps or cleansers. Instead, start cleaning your face with a gentle chemical-free cleanser to remove impurities and excess oil. You can also use foam-based cleansers that come with an inbuilt silicone brush. They contain soft bristles that cleanse your skin without disrupting the normal pH balance of your skin.
Step 2: Exfoliate
Incorporate a mild exfoliator into your routine twice a week to remove dead skin cells and reduce excess oil production. In addition, you can use a charcoal-based face scrub to remove all traces of impurities.
Step 3: Tone
Use a non-drying toner to remove any traces of dirt or impurities left behind and restore the skin's pH balance. (A non-drying skin toner does not contain alcohol and other drying agents).
Step 4: Serum
Apply niacinamide or salicylic acid serum to promote clearer skin or counteract breakouts. It will help provide deep moisturization to the skin cells and make them resilient to seasonal changes.
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Step 5: Moisturize
Use a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer that gets easily absorbed into the skin. This will help ensure that the skin cells get adequate hydration.
Step 6: Eye Cream
Apply lightweight eye cream around the sensitive area around the eyes. Mamaearth's eye cream comes with an in-built massager that reduces puffiness around the eyes.
Step 7: Sunscreen
Add broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and a matte finish to your routine when stepping out. You can use an ultra-light gel sunscreen for oily skin.
Night Skin Care Routine for Oily Skin
Wrap up your day by relieving your skin of all the impurities it has to face throughout the day. We recommend opting for the following PM schedule for your skincare regimen:
Step 1: Cleanse
Use a gentle makeup remover followed by a cleanser to remove all traces of makeup, sunscreen, dirt, and impurities.
Step 2: Tone
Follow up with a non-drying toner to absorb excess oil. Again, check that it does not contain alcohol or harmful chemicals.
Step 3: Mask it up
Use a clay-based mask two-three times a week to deep clean the pores. It absorbs excess oil and treats blemishes.
Step 4: Serum
Apply a retinol-based serum to treat acne and fight signs of aging.
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Step 5: Night Cream
Hydrate the skin with a nourishing night cream to help restore the skin barrier. You can also use a sleeping mask to keep your skin hydrated throughout the night as you sleep.
Step 6: Eye Cream
Finish up by applying eye cream on the sensitive area around the eyes to combat dark circles and hydrate the skin. Such creams are available as under-eye creams.
The right stuff
You may have the best skincare routine for oily skin, but that means little if you don't have the right products. Ensuring you know the ingredients that go into your products is extremely important. Some of the most beneficial ingredients to look out for when you have oily skin include:
- Rosemary extract
- Apple cider vinegar
- Activated charcoal
- Niacinamide
- Ceramides
- Hyaluronic acid
- Salicylic acid
- Neem extracts
- Retinol
- Tea tree oil
Here are some ingredients that you should not use in your daily routine for oily skin:
- Petroleum
- Coconut oil
- Sodium lauryl sulfate
- Lanolin
- Beeswax
Dos and Don'ts for Oily Skin Care
In addition to your daily skincare routine, here are a few oily skin care tips to keep in mind.
- Do use skincare products and makeup that are compatible with your skin type.
- Don't use petroleum-based beauty care products or alcohol-based toners.
- Do clean your makeup brushes regularly.
- Don't scrub your face vigorously.
- Do exercise regularly to improve blood circulation.
- Do use blotting paper to absorb excess oil.
- Don't skip cleansing post-workout.
- Avoid touching your face, as it can transfer dirt and impurities.
The takeaway
Are you looking for a solution for your oily skin? Well, it starts with using the right products and following a routine. It can always be bettered by consulting a dermatologist to find the underlying cause and work out an oily skin care routine.
There is no sure-shot solution to get rid of typical troubles associated with oily skin because one cannot change one’s skin texture. It is entirely normal. All it takes to reduce their effect is to be mindful and follow a simple but strict routine.
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