Oily skin is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, those with naturally hydrated complexions are fortunate because oil, or sebum, can keep the skin looking more youthful over time; on the other hand, oily skin can be difficult to control, and it can lead to breakouts and more visible pores—not to mention a shiny appearance even after washing. While having this common skin type can seem like an impossible challenge, there are a number of solutions to help your oily skin become less of a problem and more of a blessing.
First, determine if you do, in fact, have oily skin. This skin type is characterized by large pores and an excess amount of oil. To do an at-home test, wash your face and do not apply any product to the skin’s surface. Wait three hours, and look in the mirror. If your skin appears rough or tight, then you most likely do not have oily skin. If your skin appears shiny and moist with visible oil on the surface, then you do have oily skin.
Once you’ve uncovered whether or not this is your skin type, incorporate the following tips into your skincare regimen to keep your skin on its best behavior:
Use appropriate products
Just because your complexion is oily doesn’t mean you should grab a bar of soap and eradicate all traces of moisture. In fact, that will only dehydrate the surface and cause your skin to produce even more oil, and oily skin and acne frequently go hand in hand.
As with any other skin type, oily skin needs a specialized approach with certain ingredients. While it may be tempting to wash your face with strong formulations fit for the body, it’s best to exercise caution and awareness when picking products. Choose oil-free cleansers and moisturizers for necessary hydration without the heavy, greasy feeling. Products containing Salicylic Acid, Thyme Extract and Colloidal Sulfur can be beneficial for those who have breakouts in addition to oily skin.
Create a customized regimen
Have a plan of action, and stick to it to keep your skin looking its best. Include in your skincare regimen a cleanser, toner, moisturizer, exfoliant and treatment mask. Cleanse, tone and moisturize the face twice daily, once in the morning and once at night, despite the temptation to do it more often. With the right products, you shouldn’t feel the need to wash more than the recommended number of times.
In addition to your skincare staples, treat your complexion two to three times per week with a mask for oily skin. Look for formulations that contain Kaolin Clay and Colloidal Sulfur for acne prone skin.
On the quest to having balanced skin, remember to avoid:
- Harsh products
- Over-washing
- Using hot water
- Skipping moisturizer
As with any skin type, oily skin has its pros and cons. At the end of the day, what’s most important is knowing how to keep your skin under control.
Do you have oily skin? How has following a regimen helped your complexion?
About the Author
Sara Kosmyna is a freelance writer and licensed cosmetologist with over five years of professional experience. She has written a number of essays and articles on love, beauty, career, happiness, family and self-improvement. She works for Mario Badescu.
