5 Dos and Don’ts of Taking Care of Oily Skin

DO Use Gentle Facial Cleansers

One of the worst things you can do to oily skin is overcleanse it. Soap and aggressive face washes with sulfates strip your skin of moisture and natural oils, leaving it dehydrated and vulnerable. As a result, the skin starts producing more sebum to protect itself, and your complexion gets even shinier.

What oily skin needs is regular and consistent, but at the same time gentle cleansing. Be careful with face washes labeled “for oily skin”; some of them might make your skin dry and tight, and you don’t want this. Opt for delicate gels and foaming cleansers with a low (acidic) pH. Don’t use micellar water or light cleansing lotion as your only facial cleanser though; this is not enough. You can use them to remove makeup, but you still need to wash your face afterwards.

Check this out: 5 Ingredients to Avoid in Your Face Wash

DO Look for Ingredients That Control Sebum Production

Since your skin type is determined by the natural size of pores and sebaceous gland function, it isn’t likely to change anytime soon (although our skin tends to get drier as we age). However, there are ingredients that help reduce the production or sebum and prevent clogged pores. They include, for example, zinc oxide and niacinamide (vitamin B3). Skincare products with these ingredients help balance the skin and treat acne.

Check this out: 8 Effective Ingredients for Oily Skin

DO Try Beta Hydroxy Acids

Beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), particularly salicylic acid, remove excess oil and dead cells from the surface of the skin (light chemical exfoliation), clear clogged pores, and produce an anti-inflammatory effect. They can be found in many cosmetic products designed to eliminate blackheads and treat acne. Please keep in mind that some products with salicylic acid are spot treatments that you shouldn’t apply all over your face. Always read the instructions carefully before using a new product.

Check this out: Pros and Cons of Using Salicylic Acid for Acne-Prone Skin

DON’T Use Aggressive Skincare Products

As it’s already been mentioned, some people with oily skin resort to harsh methods, trying to prevent oily shine. They use aggressive cleansers, alcohol-based toners, high concentration acid peels, and other products that do more harm then good. Sebum is part of your skin’s natural protective barrier, so you shouldn’t try to get rid of it completely. To reduce oily shine during the day, use oil control face wipes.

Check this out: 5 Skincare Products That You Don’t Actually Need

DON’T Skip Moisturizing

Oily skin needs moisture just like any other skin type because water and sebum are two totally different things. Moreover, if the skin gets dehydrated, the sebaceous glands secret even more oil to protect it. So you absolutely need a good moisturizer that suits your skin type. Opt for products with a light texture (gels, light creams or lotions) and stay away from comedogenic ingredients. Some people use aloe vera gel to moisturize and control oily skin; maybe it will work for you, too.

Check this out: How to Choose the Right Moisturizer for Oily Skin