Oily Skin Care Tips

Oily skin can be frustrating to deal with, but with the right knowledge and skincare routine, you can achieve a healthy, balanced complexion. It’s characterised by excess sebum (oil) production, which can lead to shine, enlarged pores, and breakouts.

What Causes Oily Skin?

Several factors contribute to oily skin:

• Genetics: If your parents have oily skin, you’re more likely to have it too.

• Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations in hormones during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause can increase sebum production.

• Skincare Products: Heavy creams or products with comedogenic (pore-clogging) ingredients can worsen oiliness.

• Environmental Factors: Hot, humid weather can stimulate oil glands.

• Lifestyle Habits: Poor diet, stress, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption can also contribute to oily skin.

Characteristics of Oily Skin

• Shine: Skin appears shiny or greasy, especially in the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin).

• Enlarged Pores: Pores are visibly enlarged due to excess oil.

• Breakouts: Oily skin is prone to acne, blackheads, and whiteheads.

• Thick Texture: Skin may feel thick or coarse.

• Makeup Meltdown: Makeup tends to slide off or break down quickly on oily skin.

How to Care for Oily Skin

The goal of an oily skincare routine is to balance oil production and prevent clogged pores:

• Gentle Cleansing: Cleanse twice daily with a gentle, foaming or gel cleanser to remove excess oil and impurities. Look for oil-free and non-comedogenic formulas.

• Toning: Use an alcohol-free toner with ingredients like aloe vera or neroli to control oil and minimise pores.

• Oil-Free Moisturiser: Yes, oily skin needs moisture! Choose a lightweight, oil-free moisturiser to hydrate without clogging pores.

• Exfoliation: Exfoliate 2-3 times a week with a gentle scrub or chemical exfoliant containing salicylic acid or finely ground coffee beans to unclog pores and prevent breakouts.

• Oil-Control Masks: Use clay masks or oil-absorbing sheets once or twice a week to absorb excess oil and mattify the skin.

• Sun Protection: Always wear a broad-spectrum, oil-free sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.

• Blotting Papers: Keep blotting papers handy to absorb excess oil throughout the day.