I am just going to come right out and say it, the struggle is real for us ladies with oily skin! From having to constantly touch up our makeup to feeling like all the pollution in the world is resting on our face by the end of the day, and those pesky breakouts due to clogged pores? do not even get me started on Maskne.
For those who may not know, oily skin happens when the sebaceous gland in the skin produces too much Sebum. Sebum is the waxy, oily substance that protects and hydrates the skin, it is essential for keeping the skin healthy. However, too much sebum can lead to oily skin, clogged pores, and acne.
I have tried almost every internet hack and product under the sun in a bid to bring my oily skin under control, including using raw potato on my face (the things we do for beauty), but nothing seemed to help. The truth is, oily skin can be a bit tricky to care for and the more you try to “get rid of it”, the more sebum your glands produce. The key is to strike a balance between having too much oil and maintaining your skin’s natural moisture, and I am going to be sharing with you how to do just that.
1. Double Cleanse! Double Cleanse!
Even if other skin types may not feel the need to, trust me when I tell you as one oily skin girl to another, it is a must! Double cleansing is literally as easy as it sounds. It involves washing your face with two cleansers and is a crucial step in preventing breakouts because of clogged pores. Some skincare enthusiasts would recommend washing your face with an oil-based cleanser first but take my word for it and try using Micellar water for your first cleanse. My current favorite product for double cleansing is the Simple Micellar Cleansing Water and I personally love it because not only is it gentle, but it promotes skin hydration and is highly effective in removing dirt, oil, and makeup from the skin. Follow up with a hydrating cleanser and your first step is *chef’s kiss*.
2. Switch Over To Gel Based Cleansers And Moisturizers
Pro tip: if you have oily skin, make gel-based products your best friend. I know we all love to glisten after doing our skincare routine but as oily skin girls, our sebum already does that for us. You need to focus more on using products that can penetrate your skin barrier and hydrate your skin and reduce excess shine. There are so many benefits of gel moisturizers and cleansers; they are both refreshing and hydrating, excellent for sensitive skin in addition to giving your skin a plump look. Let gel-based products be your secret weapon for that extra va-va-voom.
3. Save The Heavy Layers For Nighttime
Ladies, it is best we save our ten-step skincare routine for nighttime and keep our daytime routine to a bare minimum. Skincare can be extremely therapeutic, and it is easy to get carried away but when it comes to daytime skincare, less truly is more. This is so because with oily skin it is best not to do too much. The fact that the sebum gets the job done can never be overemphasized. Bear in mind that your sunscreen needs to be reapplied throughout the day and, if you live in a humid region like Lagos, sweating is almost inevitable.
4. Chemical Exfoliants Are Game Changers
Exfoliating is a must for healthy skin. Regular exfoliation boosts your skin’s radiance and combats rough textures on your skin. Chemical exfoliants containing BHA’s (Beta-hydroxy acids) like Salicylic acid can exfoliate within your skin’s pores to prevent breakout and control sheen. You can find chemical exfoliants in cleansers, toners, scrubs, moisturizers and masks. I recommend using a toner with a chemical exfoliant like the Neutrogena Clear Pore Oil Eliminating Astringent my holy grail since I was in secondary school. The frequency of how often you use it is solely dependent on your unique skin type , however you must be sure not to use it too often as it can leave your skin stripped of moisture and excessively dry.
5. Oily Skin Gets Thirsty Too!
The secret to oily skin is to make sure you are hydrating it without adding extra oil from other products. With no moisture at all, your skin will become dehydrated and will begin to overcompensate by producing even more oil. Just because your skin is oily does not mean it is hydrated. My current favorite moisturizer is the Simple hydrating light moisturizer and it has been so good in keeping my skin looking plump and healthy. Look for moisturizers and toners that contain humectants like glycerin and hyaluronic acid, as these ingredients will help your skin retain moisture.
Although the woes of oily skin seem to be many, it definitely has its Pros; People with oily skin are less prone to wrinkles and oily skin also enjoys more sun protection, and many more.
I will be the first to admit that my oily skin has been and still tends to be a source of insecurity for me, but the fact remains that all skin types whether dry, normal, combination or oily is beautiful and normal.
With the proper routine for your skin type and loads of self-love, your skin will thank you.
