what causes oily skin?
Oily skin stems from a mix of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Though not entirely curable, steps can reduce its oiliness. Identify the underlying causes can help in effective management. Let us look at the causes of oily skin in detail.
Genetics
The amount of oil on your skin may depend on your family history. If one of your parents has oily skin, it is likely that you inherited overactive sebaceous glands from them.
Where you live and the time of year
The external factors of your environment and the season can also affect your skin oiliness. Your skin may produce more oil in hot and humid weather conditions. You may also notice more oil on your skin during the summer months than in the fall or winter.
Enlarged pores
Sometimes your pores can become larger due to aging, weight changes, and previous acne. Larger pores tend to secrete more oil. You cannot make your pores smaller, but you can blot the areas of your face with enlarged pores regularly.
Using the wrong skin care products
Using skin care products that are not suitable for your skin type can also cause your skin to become oily. Some people may have combination skin, but they may use creams that are too rich, for example. Using the right skin care products can help reduce the excess oil on your face.
Click to Learn How to Choose the Best Anti-Aging Skincare Products.
Overdoing your skin care routine
On the other hand, washing your face or exfoliating too frequently can also make your skin oily. This may seem counterintuitive, since the purpose of washing and exfoliating is to remove oil. But if you do this too often, you strip away too much oil from your skin. This can trigger your sebaceous glands to produce even more oil to compensate for the loss. You only need to wash your skin twice a day to keep your skin oil balanced.
Start oily skincare by cleansing morning and night with an exfoliating cleanser, removing excess oil, dirt, makeup, and dead skin cells. Exfoliating cleansers contain ingredients like salicylic, glycolic, or lactic acids, gently dissolving bonds between dead skin cells for smoother, brighter skin.
Some of the best exfoliating cleansers for oily skin are:
- Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore Daily Cleanser: This cleanser contains Amazonian white clay and oat kernel meal that can purify and refine the pores, as well as aloe vera that can soothe and hydrate the skin. It is suitable for normal to oily skin types and can be used daily.
- PanOxyl Acne Creamy Wash, Benzoyl Peroxide 4%: This cleanser contains benzoyl peroxide, a powerful ingredient that can kill the bacteria that cause acne and reduce inflammation. It is ideal for oily and acne-prone skin and can be used once or twice a day, depending on your skin’s sensitivity.
- Cetaphil DermaControl Oil Removing Foam Wash: This cleanser has a foaming formula that can gently cleanse and mattify the skin without stripping its natural moisture. It contains zinc gluconate and licorice root extract that can regulate the oil production and soothe the skin. It is designed for oily and combination skin and can be used daily.
When cleansing your skin, use lukewarm water and massage the cleanser gently onto your face for about a minute. Avoid using hot water or scrubbing too hard, as this can irritate your skin and trigger more oil production. Rinse thoroughly and pat your skin dry with a soft towel.
Explore these 15 Exfoliators For Oily Skin by StyleCraze
Step 2: Use a toner that contains salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or lactic acid
Use a toner containing salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or lactic acid for the second step of oily skin care. Beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) or alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) are acids that exfoliate, unclog pores, and balance your skin’s pH. Toners remove leftover cleanser or makeup, prepping your skin for subsequent oily skincare steps.
Some of the best toners for oily skin are:
- Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner: This toner contains niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3 that can reduce the appearance of pores, improve the skin texture, and strengthen the skin barrier. It also contains antioxidants and hydrating ceramides that can protect and nourish the skin. It is suitable for normal to oily skin and can be used twice a day, after cleansing.
- Neutrogena Pore Refining Toner: This toner contains salicylic acid and glycolic acid that can exfoliate and refine the pores, as well as witch hazel that can tone and tighten the skin. It is ideal for oily and combination skin and can be used once or twice a day, after cleansing.
- Mario Badescu Glycolic Acid Toner: This toner contains glycolic acid that can gently remove the dead skin cells and reveal a smoother and more radiant skin. It also contains aloe vera and grapefruit extract that can soothe and refresh the skin. It is designed for oily and mature skin and can be used twice a day, after cleansing.
When using a toner, apply it to a cotton pad and swipe it gently over your face, avoiding the eye area. You can also use a spray bottle and mist it directly onto your face. Let it dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Follow the link for “10 Best Toners for Oily Skin 2023″
Step 3: Treat your skin with benzoyl peroxide or retinol
The third step of oily skin care is to treat your skin with benzoyl peroxide or retinol. Two potent ingredients for oily, acne-prone skin are benzoyl peroxide and retinol, addressing acne’s root causes and preventing breakouts. Benzoyl peroxide kills acne-causing bacteria and reduces inflammation, while retinol enhances cell turnover and unclogs pores. Caution and adherence to instructions are crucial due to potential drying and irritation from these ingredients.
Some of the best treatments for oily skin are:
- [The INKEY List Niacinamide Oil Control Serum]: Niacinamide and zinc in this serum regulate oil production and reduce redness and inflammation caused by acne. It also includes hyaluronic acid to hydrate and plump the skin. Suitable for all skin types, use it in the morning and at night, after toning and before moisturizing.
- [Primally Pure Clarifying Serum]: This serum features natural ingredients such as tea tree oil, lavender oil, and turmeric oil that combat acne-causing bacteria and soothe the skin. Additionally, it contains jojoba oil and tamanu oil for moisturizing and healing. Ideal for oily and acne-prone skin, apply it in the morning and at night, after toning and before moisturizing.
- [Paula’s Choice Defense Antioxidant Pore Purifier]: Salicylic acid and white tea extract in this serum exfoliate and purify the pores, while antioxidants and peptides protect and rejuvenate the skin. Designed for normal to oily skin, incorporate it into your routine in the morning and at night, after toning and before moisturizing.
When using a treatment, apply a thin layer to your entire face or to the affected areas only, depending on the product’s instructions. Avoid the eye area and any other sensitive areas. You may experience some tingling, peeling, or redness at first, but this should subside with regular use. If you have severe or persistent irritation, discontinue the use of the product and consult a dermatologist.
Step 4: Moisturize morning and night with a lightweight moisturizer
The fourth step in oily skincare involves applying a lightweight moisturizer morning and night to prevent dehydration and excess oil production. Though counterintuitive, moisturizing is essential for oily skin, preserving benefits from earlier steps and maintaining soft, smooth skin. Choosing an oil-free, non-comedogenic, lightweight moisturizer is crucial to avoid pore clogging and greasiness.
Some of the best moisturizers for oily skin are:
- [CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion]: This lotion contains ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid that can restore the skin barrier, reduce the pore size, and hydrate the skin. It also contains a patented technology that can deliver the ingredients slowly and steadily throughout the night. It is suitable for normal to oily skin and can be used in the morning and at night, after treating and before applying sunscreen.
- [SkinMedica Ultra Sheer Moisturizer]: This moisturizer has a sheer and lightweight formula that can moisturize and nourish the skin without leaving a greasy residue. It contains antioxidants and vitamins that can protect and improve the skin’s appearance. It is ideal for oily and combination skin and can be used in the morning and at night, after treating and before applying sunscreen.
- [Origins Clear Improvement Moisturizer]: This moisturizer contains bamboo charcoal and salicylic acid that can detoxify and clear the pores, as well as algae extract and glycerin that can hydrate and balance the skin. It is designed for oily and acne-prone skin and can be used in the morning and at night, after treating and before applying sunscreen.
Step 5: Apply SPF every day
The fifth and final step of oily skin care is to apply SPF every day. Sunscreen is a must for all skin types, as it can prevent sun damage, premature aging,
