What causes oily skin? 12 tips for oily skin

WHAT CAUSES OILY SKIN?

The oil on your skin is called sebum. It is produced by the sebaceous gland in the hair follicles. 

The main functions of sebum are to lubricate the skin, limit bacterial growth, and prevent dryness and dehydration. 

Oily skin is categorized by excessive sebum production. People with oily skin tend to have a shiny T-zone (chin, nose, forehead). If you are prone to acne, have enlarged pores, and have trouble applying makeup on your face , you probably have oily skin.

While genetics plays an important role in determining your skin type, your lifestyle, environment, and hormones can all contribute to oily skin. 

A good skincare routine is the first step to balancing the oil in your skin.

To find the best routine for you,How to take care of skin at any age?You can check our news.

Combined with a good skincare routine, the following 12 tips will help you keep oily skin under control.

KNOW THE COMPONENTS 

Choosing the right cosmetic materials is very important. Check the skin type of all your products. Do not use products that are not suitable for your skin type.

If you prefer natural ingredients, choose non-drying ingredients that are suitable for oily skin types.

Denatured alcohol, witch hazel, menthols, peppermint, eucalyptus, and camphor are common skin irritants that shouldn’t go into the first few ingredients of your products.

Use light serums and essences instead , and use coconut, olive, avocado, and almond oils, jojoba, grapeseed, and rosehip oils instead .

DO NOT OVERWASH

Overwashing your face is just as bad as not washing your face enough. Washing your face too often can dry out your skin and trigger it to produce more oil. 

Washing is key to tackling excess oil, but it’s important to maintain your regular washing schedule.

USE TONIC

Toners are incredibly beneficial for cleansing oily skin and minimizing pores. 

Toner is a fast penetrating liquid that helps remove dead skin cells and surface debris.

Toners balance oil production and deeply clean pores, dirt, makeup and environmental pollution. They prepare your skin to absorb the treatments you apply afterward quickly and more effectively.

Use immediately after cleansing your toner, while your skin is still damp.  The molecules penetrate the skin better when wet, so applying the active ingredients immediately after cleansing gives better results.

PEELING BUT NOT MUCH…

Oily skin is more susceptible to acne because oil causes your skin to shed more slowly than other skin types. Peeling removes this skin cell buildup so oil is not trapped and pores are not clogged. But just like overwashing, exfoliating too much can be just as bad as not doing it at all.

For oily skin, peeling 2-3 times a week is sufficient.

Look for ingredients like beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) to control oil production while minimizing the development of blackheads and blemishes.

Salicylic acid may be ideal for peeling oily skin. Salicylic acid is lipophilic, meaning it helps break down excess fat and is anti-inflammatory.

These properties make salicylic acid a great ingredient to combat the congestion that comes with oily skin.

START USING RETINOL

Retinol is a vitamin A derivative that has been well researched and proven to improve almost all skin problems. And it works extremely well to treat oily skin.

Retinol builds collagen, tightens the skin, and reshapes the lining of your pores.

This means less oil is produced and any oil comes out easily as opposed to getting trapped and causing a clogged pore, blackhead or acne.

NOT WITH HUMIDIFIER!

Moisturizing oily skin may seem counterintuitive, but it’s actually a must to keep oil production under control.

A common misconception is that oily skin doesn’t need a moisturizer. Moisturizing products are necessary to maintain the moisture level of our skin.

If your skin is lacking in moisture, oil production can overheat to make up for it.

• If you have oily skin, use a light moisturizer that won’t clog pores.
• After washing, toning and conditioning your face, apply your moisturizer to drier areas, just tapping over the t-zone.
• Lightweight hyaluronic serums and gels are also helpful for complete hydration, especially for oily areas.

ATTENTION WHEN SELECTING SUN CREAM

Sunscreen is a daily must for all skin types . 

Look for a non-comedogenic formula that contains oil-absorbing zinc . Studies have found that zinc can help reduce acne. 

CLAY MASK EVERY WEEK

As a skin care ingredient, clay acts like a sponge, absorbing excess oil. A deep cleansing clay face mask can absorb excess oil and reduce shine for days. Look for one that contains French green, kaolin or bentonite clay, as these are usually the most absorbent.

REVIEW YOUR MAKEUP ROUTINE 

Makeup melts into your pores, clogging them and leading to more oil. Try switching from foundation to tinted moisturizer. This creates a shield over your skin, keeping makeup where it belongs.

But if you’re not willing to part with your foundation, make sure it’s non-comedogenic. And always prime your skin first. A primer acts as a shield, much like a tinted moisturizer does.

While face powder may seem ideal for keeping excess oil at bay, too much makeup can cause your pores to pull more oil out. Apply a non-comedogenic matte translucent powder to only the shiny areas of your face.

USE BREAKING PAPER ON YOUR SKIN DURING THE DAY

Blotters are an affordable and portable way to get rid of excess shine instantly. These sheets are made of extra absorbent materials such as rice and cotton. 

Blotting papers absorb excess oil from your skin without ruining your make-up. Keep a pack of blotters in every purse or bag for an on-the-go remedy. 

MANAGE YOUR DIET

The root of your oily skin may actually be lying in your gut. If you have oily skin, reduce your intake of sugar, trans fat and saturated fat.

These ingredients nourish and increase oil production.

Include lots of fruits and vegetables in your diet and eat foods rich in zinc.

Zinc helps regulate oil-producing glands. Some foods that contain zinc include shellfish, legumes, and nuts.

MANAGE YOUR HORMONES

Hormone fluctuations are one of the main causes of oily skin. Hormones called androgens drive sebum production into overdrive.

Androgens can be released during times of stress or through hormonal changes such as the menstrual cycle, birth control, PCOS, puberty, pregnancy and postpartum, and menopause.

Studies show a positive correlation between stress levels and sebum production in people with acne-prone skin.

By paying attention to your sleep habits and stress level, you can make your hormones work more balanced.