Solutions for Oily Skin

Let’s face it, having oily skin can be challenging.  It can be a daily battle trying to control the constant shine, and to deal with enlarged pores, blackheads, whiteheads, pimples and the greasy texture.  And, as if all that wasn’t hard enough, blemishes can trigger inflammation which causes redness and dark spots.  Yikes!

The good news is that you won’t be dealing with the worst of it forever.  As you age, the composition of skin changes.  It starts to lose collagen and the sebaceous glands, which produce sebum or oil, start to slow down which helps keep skin clearer.  Another benefit to having oily skin is, that in later years, you may not show the signs of aging as quickly as other skin types.

While it is a relief to know the battle won’t last forever, there are measures you can take now that will go a long way toward solving oily skin problems:

Oily Skin Solution #1 – Cleanse

Finding a cleanser that works for your skin is one of the single most important steps you can take to managing excess oil.  This can be trickier than you think. Too often, people with oilier skin strip all the natural oils from their skin leaving it feeling tight and dry.  Unfortunately, the dryness triggers the sebaceous glands to actually increase oil production.  Using a harsh cleanser creates an unhealthy cycle of drying out the skin followed by a flow of excess oil.  It is much healthier to use a cleanser that washes away the oil but leaves the skin feeling soft and subtle. Depending on how much oil you have, you may want to switch from using a gel-based cleanser to a lightweight lotion. Also, look for cleansers that have gentle exfoliating ingredients like glycolic acid or salicylic acid to prevent build up in the pores and pH balance the skin. Cleansing the skin should be done routinely day and night.

Oily Skin Solution #2 – Tone

If any skin type needs to incorporate a toner into their daily routine, it is the oily skin. Specifically, oily skin needs to use a toner with salicylic, glycolic or lactic acid after cleansing.  These ingredients not only will ensure that the skin is clean but they provide mild exfoliation too.  Since oil build up contributes to enlarged pores and acne, using a toner regularly with a BHA like salicylic acid or an AHA will help keep blemishes in check and minimize the size of pores by keeping them clear.  

Oily Skin Solution #3 – Treat

Retinol is a must have ingredient for oily skins.  A form of vitamin A, retinol has been shown to boost collagen and elastin production, increase cell turnover and improve the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Niacinamide is another go-to ingredient for oily skins.  Also known as Vitamin B3, niacinamide is key to helping regulate oil production, diminishing the appearance of  dark spots and helping to reduce inflammation in the skin to ease redness. Each of these ingredients can be found in serums, creams or face masks.  

Oily Skin Solution #4 – Moisturize

To help oily skin achieve a balance of oil and moisture in the skin, it is important to use a lightweight, oil free moisturizer.  Look for moisturizers that contain hyaluronic acid, aloe vera or sodium PCA to help soothe the skin and lock in hydration without feeling heavy.  To protect skin and prevent future sun damage, find a moisturizer that combines the right level of hydration with an SPF.  Make sure it is free of oil, and fragrance to prevent any irritation. 

Oily Skin Solution #5 – Mask

Make time to use a mask with kaolin or bentonite clay at least once a week. Both of these clays work to keep skin clear by absorbing excess sebum and by drawing out impurities.  Additionally, some masks include beneficial antibacterial and antifungal ingredients like camphor oil and sulfur to help lessen and prevent future blemishes. 

Lastly, it should go without saying but the best thing an oily skin can do is to resist the urge to pick at your skin.  Not only does touching your face spread bacteria, picking at pimples can cause long term damage to the skin and scarring.  It is far better and healthier to follow a daily skin care routine that helps manage oil and blemishes without irritating the skin.