Where are all the oily-faced peeps at! We need to band together now and start taking care of our faces. Do you know why our skin is oily? Yeah, it is absolutely not because you have too much “moisture” in your skin. Oily skin can actually be caused when your skin is dehydrated. That’s right. Didn’t see that one coming, did you? Well, Beauty Insider is here to tell you that no, your face is not overly hydrated. It’s not receiving enough. That could be the reason your skin transitioned from dry or normal skin to oily skin. Besides the weather and your environment having an impact on your skin, how you take care of your skin plays an important role too. So, here is how you can take care of your oily face with the perfect skincare routine. 

What Exactly Is Oily Skin?

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Oily skin occurs when the sebaceous glands produce excessive amounts of sebum, which can lead to several skin issues, including clogged pores and blemishes. Typically, the T-zone areas on the face, such as the forehead, nose, chin, and cheeks, are prone to the overproduction of sebum. However, this oil, which is derived from an oily substance comprising fats, is essential for the skin’s health, as it helps to protect and moisturise, ensuring a healthy-looking complexion.

Why is My Face Oily?

Have you ever wondered why your face is oily? Or did you just accept the fact that you were born with oily skin and decided to roll with it. Well, oily skin can be from genetics, but there are times when it is your surroundings, environment, weather and your diet that causes your skin to be oily. It is totally normal for your skin to change as you age and move to a different country. Depending on your diet, it could cause your skin to break out, become dry or oily as well. So, what are the causes of oily skin?

1. Ageing

Yes, not surprisingly, your skin will start to dry out as you age. So, consider this a blessing that you have oily skin now in your teens and early twenties. As you age, your skin will produce less sebum. Your sebaceous glands start slowing down, along with the production of collagen and protein. So for now, be glad that you have oilier skin as it doesn’t show signs of ageing as quickly as those with already dry skin. It’s a fun fact, right?

2. You Cleanse Too Often

How often do you cleanse your face? More than twice a day? Well, that is not great at all. No, you need to stop! Just because you are cleansing it more, doesn’t mean that it will be cleaner! The same goes for dishes, right? You stop when it’s all sparkly, shiny and clean. So for oily skin people out there, stop cleansing your face every time you see an oil spot on your forehead or nose. When you cleanse your face, you are actually signalling to your skin that the oils are being stripped from your skin. 

So in response, your skin is going to produce more oil to replace what it has lost. This can cause an overproduction of oils in your skin. So, stick to just washing your face twice a day. In the morning, and in the evening. If you see any oily spots, use an oil blotting sheet instead! 

3. You’re Using Pore-cloggers

Get this, the products you’re using? They might just be the culprit behind why your face is so oily. When shopping for skincare products, be sure to look out for ingredients that benefit your skin, and not harm it. It is best for oily skin to stay away from products that block your pores, oil glands and hair follicles. Trial and error is the best way to figure out which products are the best for you. Steer clear of those that cause more breakouts than none. 

4. You Skip Moisturisers

This is probably something most people with oily skin do. Skipping the moisturising step! Again, we have to mention that just because your skin is oily, doesn’t mean that it is moisturised or hydrated! Get that idea out of your mind, and start adding moisturisers into your skincare routine. Not applying moisturiser can actually make your skin appear more oily than it already was. This is because when you apply moisturiser, it moisturises your skin and minimises the perception that your skin is too dry. This way, your skin will not produce any excess oils to compensate for the lack of moisturisation. Using a moisturiser can also help slow down the production of sebum in your skin. 

5. Too Much Salicylic Acid

Everyone with oily skin and acne-prone skin knows that salicylic acid is our life saver. We love it to bits, and sometimes put on way too much for our own good. That is exactly what is causing your skin to become oily. Even though salicylic acid is wonderful at helping to exfoliate your skin, it can also end up drying out your skin if you go overboard with it! As salicylic acid helps get rid of dead skin cells and unclog pores, it is a quite powerful ingredient. So, if you use too much, your skin can end up looking dry and cause flaking. When your oily skin turns dry, your skin will make up for it by producing more oil! Something you don’t want. So, maybe try using salicylic acid as a spot treatment instead of as a cleanser. 

6. Oily Makeup

For all the girls and guys that just love makeup so much, have you checked if they are behind your oily skin? You may be using makeup products that are oily, so it is actually disrupting your skin’s barrier. For oily skin, it is best to look for makeup that is oil-free. There are a ton out there, especially in drugstores. Anything that says oil-free on the packaging is bound to be your new best friend. What’s more, is that you won’t be adding another layer of oil onto your skin! 

7. Hormones

Sadly, hormones are something we cannot avoid or get rid of. They are usually the root cause of breakouts, acne and even oily skin. Androgens, which are the male hormones present in both males and females are what causes our glands to produce more oil. The more androgens present, the oilier your skin will be. So, oily skin is most common during times of puberty. 

At-Home Treatments for Oily Skin

oily skin

1. Blotting papers

Blotting papers are literally a lifesaver for anyone with oily skin. Stock up on these by dropping by your local Watsons or Guardian. You can bring these anywhere with you and just whip them out whenever you feel that your face is getting oily. Although it won’t prevent oiliness, it does get rid of any oily sheen present on your face temporarily. 

2. Honey

Honey is a great natural remedy for oily skin. It has properties that are antiseptic and antibacterial. So, it benefits those with oily and acne-prone skin. Since honey is also a natural humectant, it has the benefit to keep your skin moist, not oily. All you need to do is spread a thin layer of honey all over your oily face and let it dry for 10 minutes. After that, you can rinse it off with lukewarm water. 

3. Oatmeal

Oatmeal has the benefit to help calm down your inflamed skin and absorb any excess oil as well. What’s more, is that it has the benefit to help exfoliate dead skin cells. Combine it with honey, yoghurt or mashed fruits and you’ll have a homemade mask to lather onto your oily face. 

4. Egg whites and lemons

Combine egg whites and lemons, and you’ll have a concoction to help tighten your pores! The acid present in lemons helps absorb any oils. Although, we would suggest those with egg allergies to steer clear of this one. 

5. Almonds

Almonds are tasty, but ground almonds can help exfoliate your skin and soak up any impurity along with excess oils. Mix it with honey, and you have yourself an almond face scrub. But again, we hope that those with nut allergies, stay away from putting almonds on their faces as well. 

6. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is the best treatment you could have when it comes to skincare. It is known for helping to soothe burns, and heal scars. Just apply a thin layer of aloe vera onto your skin before bed, and let it sit overnight. Aloe vera has been known to help with flaky skin and oily patches. But, if you have sensitive skin, do a patch test on a small area of your skin before applying aloe vera all over your face. 

7. Gentle Cleanser  

The secret to whisking away excess oiliness is simply cleansing your face twice a day with a gentle, non-stripping cleanser. While you may be tempted to use a product that gives you a squeaky-clean feeling, it’s important to avoid such products, as they can irritate your skin and cause dryness, which may subsequently lead to an increase in oil production. Additionally, it is recommended to use a cleanser with a pH-balanced formula between 4.1 and 5.8, as this matches the skin’s natural acidity level, according to a published journal. Most importantly, refrain from using face cleansers that contain harsh chemicals such as sodium lauryl sulphate and alcohol.

8. Moisturise, Moisturise and Moisturise 

A common mistake people with oily skin make is skipping moisturiser, due to the misconception that it will make the skin greasier. Unfortunately, this notion is untrue. When the skin lacks moisture, it compensates by overproducing sebum, creating an endless cycle of oiliness. The rule of thumb is to choose a moisturiser specifically formulated for oily skin, with a lightweight, non-greasy texture and non-comedogenic ingredients. Curious about the best skincare routine for oily skin? We recommend using a moisturiser that contains niacinamide, humectants such as hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and glycerin, as well as lightweight emollients like ceramides. If you’re looking for the best moisturiser for oily skin, check out our top picks here.

9. Can’t Touch That

If you’re someone who unconsciously touches your face throughout the day, we hate to break it to you, but that’s a bad habit that can worsen your skin condition. Think about it — your hands carry germs, dirt, bacteria, and oil, all of which can transfer to your skin. If you need to touch your face during your skincare routine, make sure to wash your hands first to ensure they’re clean.

10. Topical Acne Medication 

When it comes to oily skin, the primary concern is often acne breakouts. If it feels like no amount of skincare products, tricks, or treatments can reduce acne formation, it’s best to consult a dermatologist. They can prescribe an acne treatment product tailored to your needs, which can easily be incorporated into your at-home routine. These targeted acne products are typically formulated with ingredients like tretinoin and clindamycin.

Oily Skin Skincare Routine

oily skin

So, what do you need in an oily skin care routine? First of all, you need a cleanser that can help remove any dead skin cells without stripping your face. Then, get a simple toner that is free from any harmful ingredients. Next, make sure to moisturise your skin! Apply any spot treatments you have and remember that a little goes a long way. If it’s daylight hours, it’s best if you put on some sunscreen as well before leaving the house. 

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