Who doesn’t love some extra shine on their lids, lips and cheekbones? But some extra shininess all over your face can double up as a problem. There are a number of culprits that lead to oily skin–think pollution, genetics, diet, stress, weather change, using products not suited to your skin type and more. Oily skin is caused by the over secretions of the sebaceous glands on the face. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to control the slickness of your skin and the best place to start is your skincare routine.
Causes of oily skin
Genetics: If your parents have sebaceous glands that get in a frenzy, leading to oily skin, you’re more likely to have them too. (support with study or research)
Environment: Where you live matters. If you live in a place where the weather is hot and humid, your skin may be oilier.
Incorrect skincare routine: If you skip moisturiser or over exfoliate skin, you will end up with more problems than you began with. Cue oiliness, blackheads and a compromised skin barrier.
What to keep in mind
• Look for lightweight, hydrating skincare products that contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid.
• Stay away from harsh cleansers that leave skin feeling squeaky clean or tight.
• Try using oil-based cleansers as these break down the oil that may clog pores.
Morning routine for oily skin
To up your skin health, make sure you at least stick to cleansing, exfoliating, moisturising, and applying SPF regularly. These steps are non-negotiable. A common myth that people often believe is that if they have oily skin, they don’t need to moisturise. This is far from the truth as by not applying moisturiser, your making your skin produce excess oil to compensate for the lack of hydration.
Cleanser: For oily skin, it is recommended you use a salicylic acid-based cleanser. Not only will this gently get rid of any excess oil from the skin but it’ll also keep acne at bay.
Exfoliator: Too much exfoliation can cause oily skin to get red and irritated. Make sure you use an exfoliator twice a week and see how your skin fares. Look for acids such as salicylic acid or glycolic acid as these are an excellent skincare ingredient for oily skin.
Moisturiser: When picking a moisturiser, make sure the formula is non-comedogenic and oil-free and contains ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin.
SPF: Using sunscreen every day is important for all skin types. The trick lies in picking a formula you like wearing every single day. Find a texture that works for oily skin and look for words like ‘matte’, ‘lightweight’, ‘non-comedogenic’ and ‘oil-absorbing’ on the packaging.