Nobody likes their face to feel oily or borderline greasy after they touch it. The main reason why this happens is that the sebaceous glands in the skin start making way too much sebum.
Sebum refers to the oily, wax-like substance that helps to protect and hydrate the skin which is why it’s important to keep our skin healthy. But, when the production of sebum goes into overdrive, it can clog the pores of our skin. In such cases, not only will you suffer from oily skin but you will also be more prone to acne breakouts. Often, people turn to private label skin care brands to assist with their skin and get it back to how they like it.
The best way in which you can manage oily skin is to make regular skincare a habit. Come day or night, you need to always be diligent to take care of your skin.
What is Oily Skin and Its Causes?
It’s often easy to mistake oily skin with combination skin. However, oily skin refers to the skin type which is shiny and greasy everywhere to touch and sight. Oily skin owners have enlarged pores that appear thick and coarse. There might also be the occasional splattering of breakouts due to excess oil.
The best way to find out whether or not you have oily skin is to use a gentle cleanser to wash your face in the morning and pat it dry. Leave your face bare and wait for an hour or two. Afterward, if you see that your face is shiny and covered in oil, you are dealing with oily skin.
When we talk about the causes of oily skin, it is mostly the overactive sebaceous gland. Usually, oily skin is hereditary which means if your parents have oily skin, you might have it as well. In addition to genetics, too much exposure to various products can also upset the natural balance of your skin’s pH levels that can trigger the overproduction of oil.
The Gentle Way to Care for Oily Skin
Oily skin maintenance can be a bit tricky but not impossible. Here are a few ways in which you can reduce excess oil without using any harsh ingredients.
Formulate a daily cleaning routine to combat excess oil
The first step to any skincare routine is to clean and moisturize it properly-oily skin or otherwise.
Limit using a face wash for oily skin to only twice a day. There might be times when you feel that your face has become oily but you must resist the urge to wash again. Over-washing your face can mess with the pH levels of your skin. You could always wash your skin with water but do not use any cleansing products.
Use a toner that is specially designed for oily skin to help keep your skin squeaky clean while giving it a balanced appearance. End the routine by using an oil-free moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated and shiny.
Make exfoliation a part of your weekly skin regime
It’s important to exfoliate your skin to prevent the buildup of dead skin cells, sebum, and oil. Facial exfoliators contain ingredients that can help to dissolve dirt and grime without being too harsh on your face. This will help to keep your skin supple and make it look and feel smooth.
Having said this, it is also important that you do not over-exfoliate as it can lead to oil production and skin damage. Stick to scrubbing your face twice or thrice a week but not more.
Pamper your skin with face masks
Often, due to our tight schedules, face masks become a luxury that many people end up not indulging in. It need not be the case since you can simply apply the face mask twice or thrice a week and continue with your usual routine. It really can be that simple!
Beauty companies have launched face masks that are specially created for oily skin. They contain mineral-rich clays, soothing ingredients, and so on that can help to reduce oil accumulation while lending a tighter appearance to the skin.
Make changes to your diet
Having a balanced diet can also play a crucial role to reduce the oiliness on your face. You should incorporate fruits and vegetables into your diet that can help to keep your skin healthy from within. Even lean proteins are an important addition.
Try to avoid foods that have a high content of fats, sugars, and other unhealthy oils. Sugar-sweetened beverages like colas and sodas need to be done away with as well. In addition to all this, make a point to drink an adequate amount of water to keep your skin cells hydrated and supple.
Research indicates consuming probiotics for skin health can be a great addition to your skincare routine. Probiotics could positively improve skin health. Probiotics may reduce inflammation, improve the composition of the gut microbiome, reduce oxidative stress, maintain a healthy gut environment, and reduce the effects of stress on the face.
Pay attention to the cosmetics that you apply to your face
Whenever you buy makeup, you need to find products that are oil-free or non-comedogenic. Pay careful attention to the labels of the products and ensure that the labels contain the above terms. This way, you won’t have to deal with clogged pores, breakouts, and excessive oil production.
You can also take the help of sales executives to find products that would be suitable for oily skin. There are abundant makeup formulas that can help to improve your skin in the best possible way.
Protect your skin from too much sun exposure
Spending hours at a stretch under the sun is never a good idea for your skin no matter whether you have dry skin, combination skin, or oily skin. Sun is your number one enemy that can promote premature aging and other skin issues.
Before you step out of your house, don’t forget to slather on sunscreen that has SPF of at least 30. After you apply the product to your skin, wait for about 20 to 30 minutes to let the goodness of the product absorb into your skin.
Try to wear clothing and accessories to protect your skin from harmful UV rays of the sun. You can wear full sleeve clothing, broad sunglasses, and wide-brimmed hats to keep sun exposure at a minimum.
Resources- Medical News Today, Ann Marie
