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What is oily skin?

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Oily skin is a common skin type characterized by the excessive production of oil by the sebaceous glands. People with oily skin have a greasy, shiny complexion, and may be more prone to acne breakouts, blackheads, and other skin problems. In order to care for oily skin effectively, it is important to understand what causes it and which ingredients and products are best suited to address specific issues.

How do I know if I have oily skin?

To determine if you have oily skin, there are a few simple tests you can perform at home.

First, wash your face with a gentle cleanser and pat dry. Then, wait an hour without applying any products and observe your skin. If your skin feels oily or appears shiny, you may have oily skin.

how-to-tell-if-you-have-oily-skin

Another test is to press a tissue against different areas of your face, such as your forehead, nose, and chin. If the tissue has visible oil on it, you likely have oily skin.
When choosing skincare products for oily skin, look for ingredients that can help regulate oil production and reduce the appearance of shine.

What products to look for if you have oily skin?

If you have oily skin these are the ingredients you must look for in your skincare products.

  • Salicylic acid: This is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that penetrates deep into the pores to unclog them and reduce breakouts.
  • Clay masks: Bentonite and kaolin clay can help absorb excess oil, leaving skin feeling refreshed and matte.
  • SAP Vitamin C: Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps brighten and even out skin tone, while also protecting skin from free radical damage. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help calm and soothe skin. However, it is important to choose a form of Vitamin C that is oil-soluble and will not make your skin more oily. SAP Vitamin C is one such form that is well-suited for oily skin.
  • Aloe vera: It can help hydrate and soothe skin without making it oily, and has anti-inflammatory properties that can help calm and soothe skin.
  • Papaya extract: Papaya extract is a natural ingredient that is rich in enzymes that can help gently exfoliate and brighten skin. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help calm and soothe skin.

Why oily skin still needs hydration?

Oily skin still needs hydration, even though it appears oily. This is because the skin produces oil to help retain moisture and prevent dryness.

When the skin is dehydrated, it can overcompensate by producing even more oil. This is why it is important to provide adequate hydration to oily skin. People with oily skin should look for hydrating ingredients that are lightweight, non-comedogenic, and oil-free.

Some of the best hydrating ingredients for oily skin include:

  • Glycerin: A natural humectant that attracts and retains moisture in the skin without adding oil.
  • Panthenol: A form of Vitamin B5 that has moisturizing and soothing properties.
  • Aloe vera: A natural ingredient that is known for its moisturizing and soothing properties.
  • Hempseed oil: A non-comedogenic oil that is rich in essential fatty acids and helps hydrate and soothe skin.
  • Hyaluronic acid: A powerful humectant that can attract and hold up to 1000 times its weight in water, helping to hydrate and plump up the skin.
  • Turmeric extract: This is another ingredient that can benefit oily skin. Turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant ingredient that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat a variety of skin conditions. When applied topically, turmeric extract can help soothe and calm irritated skin, while also helping to brighten and even out skin tone. Additionally, turmeric has been shown to help control oil production, making it an excellent ingredient for those with oily skin.

These ingredients can help hydrate the skin without making it oily, and provide the skin with the hydration it needs to maintain a healthy skin barrier. It is important to choose products that are formulated specifically for oily skin and to look for ingredients that are non-comedogenic and oil-free.

What you must stay away from if you have oily skin?

  • Heavy, oily creams: These can make oily skin even oilier and exacerbate breakouts.
  • Alcohol-based toners: Alcohol can be harsh and strip skin of its natural oils, which can lead to the overproduction of oil.
  • Products with mineral oil: This ingredient can clog pores and exacerbate breakouts.
  • Essential oils and fragrances: Essential oils and fragrances can be irritating and sensitizing to the skin, and can also contribute to clogged pores and breakouts. Essential oils, in particular, can be heavy and greasy, which can further exacerbate oiliness in the skin.

In short, it is best for people with oily skin to avoid essential oils and fragrances, and instead opt for products that are formulated with gentle, non-irritating ingredients that are suitable for oily skin. By doing so, you can help maintain the health and balance of your skin, and avoid further exacerbating oiliness or contributing to breakouts.

What should your skincare routine be if you have oily skin?

Morning skincare routine for oily skin

Cleanse: Start the day by washing your face with a gentle cleanser that will regulate oil production. Avoid using hot water, as this can strip skin of its natural oils.

Try Our Hemp Seed Face Wash

Tone: Apply a Salicylic acid toner to help control oil production.

Hydrate: Use an oil free moisturizer to hydrate your skin without making it oily.

Try Our Radiance Oil Free Moisturiser with niacinamide/papaya extract/ hyaluronic acid

Protect: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays.

Read why suncreen is your greatest skincare weapon

Nighttime skincare routine for oily skin?

Double Cleanse: Use a cleansing oil that won’t clog your pores if you want to remove your make-up. Follow up with a gentle cleanser that will assist regulate oil production.

Try Our Hemp Seed Face Wash

Tone: Apply a Salicylic acid toner to help unclog pores.

Moisturize: Use a moisturizer that has acne fighting ingredients that won’t clog your pores.

Try our Radiance Night Cream

Should you use a face mask?

Use a clay mask once or twice a week to absorb excess oil and leave skin feeling refreshed.

What must you do if you find products with Salicylic acid too drying on your skin?

If you find products containing salicylic acid to be too drying on your skin, you can take the following steps:

  1. Reduce the frequency of use: Use your salicylic acid product less frequently or alternate with a gentler product.
  2. Hydrate the skin: Apply a moisturizer immediately after using a product containing salicylic acid to help hydrate the skin.
    Use a hydrating serum after using salicylic acid

 

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About Sharika Regchand

Sharika Regchand is a seasoned journalist who has vast experience researching, writing, editing, proofreading and filing news stories, features, columns and articles. She is currently a news editor at Media 24. Her passion lies in skincare, make-up, beauty, fashion, health and fitness.

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