Skin Guides: How To Care For Oily Skin

January 27, 2022

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When it comes to skin, choosing which products to use can be a challenge. But with our range of incredible products to suit every skin type, you can quickly come to love the skin you’re in. If you think you may have oily skin and are looking to treat it with a little more TLC this year, or simply hoping to deal with those annoying blemishes, then read on for our 101 guide on what skincare to use.

What is oily skin?

Oily skin is when the sebaceous glands in the skin create too much sebum. Produced by a gland in the hair follicle, it’s a substance that the skin creates to keep itself moisturised and protected. Too much, however, can lead to clogged pores, oily skin and in some cases acne.

You will know if you have oily skin if you have a slight shine, especially around the forehead and nose (the T-zone), that has you reaching for the blotting papers. Breakouts, spots, and enlarged pores are also all signs you may have oily skin.

So what causes oily skin?

It can be a whole range of factors including diet, lifestyle, age and even the products you use. Oily skin can also be caused by genetics so if it’s something members of your family have it’s likely you could too.

Knowing what to use for oily skin can be a challenge, meaning it’s important to research the correct products and know exactly how to use them. It can be especially important if you have combination skin, with both oily and dry patches, as different areas of your face will require different attention.

Products containing oil and alcohol should be avoided, so it’s best to check the key ingredients when choosing what to use, or simply opt for those products specifically suitable for your skin type.

How to cleanse oily skin

Don’t wash your face using harsh soaps and face scrubs, in an attempt to ‘dry’ skin out and prevent it feeling ‘greasy’.

Do exfoliate regularly and use a gentle cleanser such as Freederm Daily Wash which is free from soap, parabens and fragrance. Massage into wet skin then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm or cool water for a natural glow.

Do exfoliate your skin a couple of times a week with an exfoliator that has salicylic acid, such as this one from Clearasil, which is a great way of sloughing away dead skin cells.

Do unblock clogged pores. Biore Deep Cleansing Charcoal Pore Strips are a fantastic choice that are both gentle and effective.

Do learn to understand the difference between oily and hydrated skin. While you might not want your skin to be oily, it’s always important to keep it well hydrated. So contrary to popular belief, moisturiser does help oily skin by assisting in balancing natural oil production and not sending your skin into panic sebum production.

Don’t use oil-based moisturisers as they can be too heavy for oily skin.

Do choose a moisturiser such as NIVEA Oil Free Face Cream. Hyaluronic acid is also a good choice for oily skin as it’s very moisturising while not being greasy.

Do choose soothing anti-inflammatory products featuring naturally soothing ingredients such as witch hazel if and when breakouts occur. This calming gel serum by Balance Me is made from 100% natural ingredients and works wonders for reducing redness and inflammation when applied directly to spots and blemishes.

What to eat for oily skin

Skin is the biggest organ in the human body so when it comes to taking good care of it, what you eat definitely plays a big role.

DO	DON’T
Do choose meals combining lean meat, fish, vegetables and fruit with whole-grain carbohydrates to get your skin glowing (for all the right reasons).	Don’t eat greasy foods that are high in saturated fat.
Do drink lots of water.	Don’t drink fizzy drinks and juice.
Do choose dried fruit such as medjool dates as they offer a fantastic sweet hit that is also rich in antioxidants. Stuff with almond butter for a luxurious treat that’s also good for your skin.	Don’t eat food containing refined sugar (or reduce the amount you consume), as sebum can be increased by the insulin your body creates from sugar.
Do use a fresh blotting paper and gently pat the skin to remove excess oil and shine.	Don’t touch your face. Research shows that we unconsciously touch our faces up to 25 times per hour. Unless your hands are freshly washed, touching your face can spread oil and bacteria on the surface of the skin which can, in turn, lead to those breakouts.

A great benefit of oily skin, the natural oils can actually slow down the signs of aging, such as fine lines, by keeping your skin more soft and supple. So try not to see it as a bad thing. By using the right products and eating foods that nourish your skin from the inside out, you can come to love your skin in no time.