We understand the struggles of having oily skin. You’ll constantly feel conscious about how greasy or shiny you look throughout the day, plus you might experience enlarged pores and deal with frequent acne breakouts.
If your skin produces too much sebum (a.k.a natural oils), it means it will remain oily no matter what you do. And while some people are born with oily skin, excess oiliness can also kick in around your teen years or as you age (due to hormonal changes). Additionally, it can also be the result of dehydrated skin; when your skin is dehydrated, your oil glands go into overdrive and compensate for the lack of moisture by over-producing oils.
But with so many different types of products on the market claiming to control oiliness or keep it at bay, it can often be confusing as to what types of products can actually help your skin. More often than not, it's best to stick to a simple skincare routine, and stick to it consistently. Below we round up the top 5 essential skincare steps to go for if you have oily skin (trust us, these are all you need!).
Step 1: A purifying cleanser
With oily skin, it is a particularly important to cleanse thoroughly because the excess oils you naturally produce can build up on the surface of your skin and clog your pores. Go for a gentle oil-free cleanser that will cleanse your skin thoroughly without stripping it dry.
Step 2: A balancing toner
Don’t skip this step—especially if you have oily skin! A toner is designed to re-balance your skin’s natural pH, which can become disrupted when you cleanse. Balanced pH levels means your skin will remain strong enough to keep moisture in, and germs and toxins out. Opt for a toner with ingredients like aloe vera or chamomile that are naturally anti-bacterial, and will help to hydrate, heal, and calm inflammation.
Step 3: A chemical exfoliant (just once or twice a week)
This is arguably the most important step. Exfoliating buffs away dead skin cells that build up on the surface of your skin and deeply cleanse dirt and oil that clogs your pores. Go for a chemical exfoliant with salicylic acid (like our Clean Slate Exfoliating Pads), as it will gently dissolve impurities and minimise your risk of breakouts. A physical exfoliant (like walnut or sugar scrubs) will cause micro-tears in your skin!
Note: only exfoliate before bed so your skin can recover while you sleep. The next day, don’t forget your SPF. Additionally, limit exfoliating to just once or twice a week––overdoing it could strip and damage your skin.
Step 4: A nourishing face serum
All skin types need hydration. Period. Face serums have a high concentration of nourishing active ingredients that will sink quickly into the deeper layers of your skin and target specific skin concerns, such as dryness, oiliness, or acne.
Hyaluronic acid is a great ingredient to look for, as it actually helps your over-producing oil glands switch off and it's a great skin hydrator.
Step 5: A lightweight, hydrating moisturiser
The truth is, you’re more likely to keep oiliness at bay if you’re hydrating your skin correctly. While a serum works to deeply hydrate from within, a moisturiser will help seal in moisture and create a barrier over your skin to protect it from dirt and pollutants.
Opt for a lightweight moisturiser with a gel formula that will give you the hydration you need without feeling heavy or uncomfortable on your skin.
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