Collection: OILY SKIN
HOW TO CONTROL OILY SKIN
If you have oily skin, a proper skincare routine can help reduce shine and breakouts. Follow these tips from board-certified dermatologists to control oily skin.
Dos and Don’ts According to Dermatologists
While oily skin can clog pores and lead to increased acne breakouts, oily skin also has many benefits. Sebum helps preserve skin, and people with oily skin tend to have thicker skin and fewer wrinkles. The key is to find a balance between having too much sebum and maintaining your skin’s natural moisture.
To help control oily skin, dermatologists recommend the following tips:
- Cleanse your face up to twice a day and after sweating. While washing, resist the temptation to scrub your skin, even to remove makeup. Exfoliating irritates your skin, which can make it more visible.
- Choose skin care products that are labeled “oil-free” and “noncomedogenic.” This means that products with these labels, including cleansers, moisturizers, and makeup, won’t clog your pores or cause acne. Ingredients like salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and lactic acid can help reduce oil, but they may be too harsh for your skin. Stop using the product or use it less often if your skin becomes irritated.
- Use a gentle, foaming facial cleanser. Many people think they need to use a harsh facial cleanser for oily skin to dry out their skin. However, using a harsh facial cleanser can irritate your skin and trigger an increase in oil production. Instead, opt for a mild, gentle facial cleanser.
- DO NOT use oil-based or alcohol-based cleansers. These can irritate your skin.
- Apply moisturizer after cleansing. Even if you have oily skin, it’s still important to apply moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated. To save time and protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays, look for a moisturizer that also contains a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
- Wear sunscreen when outdoors. Sunscreen helps prevent sun damage that can lead to wrinkles, age spots, and even skin cancer. To prevent acne breakouts, look for sunscreens that contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, and don’t use sunscreens that contain fragrance or oils. Seek shade and wear sun-protective clothing, such as a wide-brimmed hat, for added protection.
- Choose oil-free and water-based makeup. If you wear makeup, products labeled “matte” can help reduce shine on oily skin.
- Don’t sleep with your makeup on. Always remove all makeup before bed.
- Use blotting paper throughout the day. Gently press the paper against your face and let it sit for a few seconds to absorb the oil. Don’t rub the paper over your face, as this will spread the oil to other areas.
- Don’t touch your face throughout the day. While it’s tempting to touch your face, it can spread dirt, oil, and bacteria from your hands to your face. Only touch your face when you’re cleansing, moisturizing, or applying sunscreen or makeup, and make sure your hands are clean first.
Every person’s skin is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to skin care. If you are concerned about the amount of sebum your skin produces or if you suffer from blackheads or acne, cleanse your face with our gentle CLERACTIV all-in-one facial treatment morning and evening.
