People with oily skin would know the struggle of constant face blotting, breakouts, and that haggard look after an hour or so. But don’t lose hope; there is a way out of this. Continue reading as we tackle how to curb your skin’s oil production with the right skincare ingredients and self-care methods.
As an oily-skinned teenager, my face had its fair share of ups and downs. What got me through were some first-hand tips from my siblings. Listening to professionals about the do’s and don’ts for my skin type helped a lot, too. Now it’s time for me to pass on some of the things that helped lessen my oiliness to you.
Why does our skin produce sebum?
Sebum is produced as a way for the skin to naturally moisturize itself. With it, the skin is better at fighting off fine lines and wrinkles. But the benefits of sebum go way beyond just this. The lipids secreted by the sebaceous glands create an acidic film on our skin, which protects against bacteria. It’s been shown to prevent fungal infections as well.
Both internal and external factors contribute to the amount of sebum produced by our glands. These include the products we apply, diet, environment, hormones, and genetics. When all else seems uncontrollable, there are ways to manage oiliness. Check them out below.
Avoid over-cleansing
It can be tempting to wash your face every time it brims with oil. However, doing so is counter-productive as it dries your skin out, causing your skin to produce more oil. The best thing you could do is to blot your skin with an oil control film. Retouching with powder every now and then wouldn’t hurt, too.
Say no to astringents
Stay away from products loaded with astringents like alcohol. They do provide temporary relief, which make them so appealing. However, when your skin senses that there is an oil-water imbalance, it starts to compensate for it by producing more oil. The result? Oily-dehydrated skin. Instead, opt for products that deliver lightweight hydration to your skin (more on this later).
Don’t miss out on the moisturizer and sunscreen
Always remember that well-hydrated skin is the key to balanced skin. And you know what this entails — don’t skip your moisturizer and sunscreen. Trust me, your skin will love you for it!
Choose the proper products, with the right ingredients
Applying the right ingredients for oily skin is crucial to keeping that excess shine away. Some of these hardworking ingredients are salicylic acid, sulfur, and niacinamide, all of which have their own charms.
Salicylic acid, otherwise known as BHA (beta-hydroxy acid), effectively exfoliates the skin and slows down sebum secretion. Products like CosRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser and Benton Aloe BHA Skin Toner are excellent products to reach for when your pores need some unclogging. LHA, a salicylic acid derivative, is one I recommend too! You can find this new-gen exfoliant in the By Wishtrend Acid-Duo 2% Mild Gel Cleanser and Acid-Duo Hibiscus 63 Cream.
On the other hand, sulfur is known to treat a variety of skin concerns which include excess oil. People with sensitive skin would love this since it’s a gentler option compared to salicylic acid. I recommend the By Wishtrend Sulfur 3% Clean Gel which can be used as a spot treatment on blemishes, OR on areas that secrete excess sebum. Just apply a thin amount for the latter option and you’re good to go!
A superstar among ingredients, niacinamide, makes its way on the list. This well-loved ingredient visibly reduces oiliness after constant use. Not only that, but it also fades hyperpigmentation and prevents aging, too! Try out The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% or Tia’m Vita B3 Source and experience the magic for yourself.
FURTHER READING: Ingredient Focus: Why Sulfur is What Your Acne-Prone Skin Needs
The Bottomline
Oiliness doesn’t always have to be a problem — with the right methods, ingredients, and products, oil production can be managed. Be patient with your skin and trust the process.