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Cause of oily skin is usually due to heredity. Our genes determine how much oil our glands should produce. Aside from heredity, oil production is also determined by our bodies' hormonal changes. Fluctuation of hormones responsible for sebum production usually occurs during puberty, before a woman's menstrual periods, menopause, pregnancy, or too much stress. So you may notice more acne breakouts around those periods.
Since oily skin tends to be more prone to acne than other types, a major concern of people with this skin type is of course, to control the oil. If you belong to this group of people, it is important that you take a look at your skincare routine.
Cleansers
Skincare routine starts with facial cleansing. When cleansing the face, look for products that are gentle on the skin. Harsh ingredients will tend to over dry the skin, making the skin produce more oil in response to the dryness. Limit to washing the face twice daily to avoid over-dryness, unless after workout to wash away the sweat. If your skin is very oily and you want to cut through the grease more thoroughly, then look for cleansers with glycolic acid, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or beta-hydroxy acids. However, observe carefully how your skin responds to these products as the ingredients may be irritating.
Toners
A toner or astringent with witch hazel extract, lime, lemon, or salicylic acid works well for oily skin. According to ShareCare.com, applying toner need not to be on the entire face. Just focus on the oily part of the face so as not to over dry the rest of the skin. Many toners designed for acne usually contain alcohol which may be effective for removing oil. However, too much of it may lead to over-dryness, so I personally prefer toners without this ingredient, unless it is in small amounts within the product.
Moisturizers
Many people think that moisturizers aren't necessary for oily skin types. However, according to American Academy of Dermatology, moisturizers function to help retain water, not the oil, and every skin needs to be hydrated to stay healthy. An oil-free noncomedogenic moisturizer is what you'll need. Choose products with ingredients that trap the water such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or lactic acid. Stay away from products that add more oil to the face, such as those that contain cocoa butter or avocado oil. If you want a moisturizer that is lightweight, aim for serums or gel creams rather than heavy creams. You may also choose moisturizers with added SPF to protect yourself from the harmful UV rays.
Sunscreens
If your moisturizer doesn't include sun protection, it is mandatory that you apply a sunscreen onto your face. Most products that are formulated for oily skin types usually have acne-fighting ingredients. Some of these ingredients tend to make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, such as benzoyl peroxide. So before you leave for the outdoors, apply a sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Check if the sunscreen has broad spectrum protection, meaning it blocks both UVA and UVB, and look for the noncomedogenic label.
Cosmetics
Though makeups tend to not last long on an oily face, but there are already a wide availability of cosmetics geared to this skin type. When buying for your cosmetics, choose ones that are oil-free and noncomedogenic. Applying a primer is a must for an oily face, though some BB creams can already function as such. According to Dr. Audrey Kunin, never use products that are silicon-based. They may give your skin a matte finish, but silicon only acts as a mere cover-up, which won't do your oily skin any good. Instead, look for products with polymers, such as acrylates copolymer, which acts as a sponge that absorbs the extra grease. Use an oil control blotting paper during the midday to make your makeup last longer. Some blotting papers even have powder to absorb more grease. Remember to just press the paper for about 15-20 seconds on your skin instead of rubbing it against the face.
Facial Scubs and Exfoliators
Many skincare advice for oily skin suggests avoiding these products altogether, as rubbing and scrubbing of oily skin will only make the oiliness worse. But the American Academy of Dermatology suggest otherwise. Exfoliating removes dead skin cells that may clog the pores. Once or twice a week, depending on your skin's sensitivity, is already sufficient. Go for products that have mild composition. As with the rest of your skincare products, observe carefully how your skin responds, and act accordingly to your skin's needs.
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