To create a perfect anti-aging skincare routine, being able to decode your skin type is essential. Even as we age, naturally dry skin won’t need the same care as oily skin. Here’s everything you need to know about skincare for oily skin.
What Causes Oily Skin?
Several factors contribute to oily skin. Some are external, and you may not be able to control them, while others are related to habits or products that aren’t ideal for oily skin types and could make your skin oilier than it naturally is.
Genetics, age, and your environment will all play a role. If your parents had oily skin, you are more likely to have this skin type. As we age, the skin tends to become less oily, but your skin may still produce more oil than others. Pollution and weather conditions can also affect your skin.
Diet and stress can influence the appearance of your skin, so make sure to manage stress, eat a healthy diet, and get enough sleep.
Your choices in skincare can encourage your skin to produce more oil. For example, if you use a product that is too harsh or scrubbing your face intensely trying to remove all the oil, you’re ironically irritating your skin, which will result in more oil.
Avoiding sunscreen is a bad habit because the sun won’t actually dry the oil. On the contrary, it will dehydrate the skin, causing it to create more oil to protect itself. You’ll also increase the risk of sunburn and developing skin cancer.
Skipping a proper moisturizer can lead to excess oil, as all skin types need hydration. Ideally, choose a moisturizer for oily skin that is lightweight and water-based.
How Do I Stop My Face From Being So Oily?
Several tips can aid in reducing the shine caused by oily skin, and having a solid skincare routine is key. There is a wide selection of oily skin products for daily use to choose from. Avoid products containing oil, but also steer clear of ones that are too harsh and over-dry your skin.
First, wash your face twice a day, morning and night. After a workout, be sure to cleanse your face to remove any excess sebum or sweat. Use a cleanser suited to your skin type, but don’t overdo it to avoid irritating your skin.
You can use a toner between washing and moisturizing to deep clean your pores.
Don’t skip the moisturizer. Instead, opt for one that is lightweight or gel-based. Keeping your skin hydrated is essential to avoiding excess oil.
Finally, mattifying papers can help absorb excess oil throughout the day.
What Do Dermatologists Recommend for Oily Skin?
Oily skin can be distressing, but with the proper products and habits, it can be managed. A dermatologist-recommended skincare routine for oily skin will focus on using the right products. What works for normal or dry skin might cause problems with oily skin, so choosing the ones specifically designed for oily skin types is crucial.
Dermatologists usually recommend using products that are oil-free and non-comedogenic. Those containing alcohol can be helpful in certain cases but are often too harsh, so it’s best to ask your doctor before using them.
Among the ingredients to look for in a moisturizer is hyaluronic acid, which is an effective way to hydrate oily skin without clogging pores. Another beneficial ingredient is acyclic acid, often found in cleansers and other products targeting acne.
Even if applying another layer of product feels unnecessary, using sunscreen is fundamental. You can look for one with a drier finish, but don’t be tempted to avoid it altogether. Sun exposure is dangerous for your skin, and you risk drying it, which will cause more oil production.
Avoid touching your face throughout the day. Fingers naturally carry oil, bacteria, and dirt, which can lead to breakouts.
What Is the Best Skincare Routine for Oily Skin?
Am and pm skincare routines for oily skin are similar. First, you must clean your skin in the morning and at night. Since we shed dead skin and produce oil at night, it’s important to use cleanser in the morning. If you have a workout during the day, take the time to wash your face.
An exfoliating cleanser with salicylic acid is often the right choice for oily skin, as it deep cleans the pores.
Next, use a toner. Exfoliating toners with alpha hydroxy acids are often recommended for oily skin. This will purify your skin by removing dead skin or any remaining makeup.
Finish with a moisturizer. Even though it can be tempting to omit the moisturizer when your skin tends to be oily, don’t do this! It will create more harm than good by pushing your skin to produce more oil.
Finally, in the morning, remember to apply sunscreen before heading out.
Create the Perfect Routine for Oily Skin
Having clear, glowing skin is easier than you think when you use the correct oily skincare products and embrace a healthy lifestyle. Sometimes, life and hormonal changes can cause oilier skin, so don’t hesitate to talk to your dermatologist if you notice any changes.
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