Top Tips for Balancing Oily Skin
Nobody wants a completely matte complexion, but then nobody wants an oil slick on their face either. Finding that perfect balance can bring great satisfaction, after all, your skin needs oil.
There is no way to completely rid yourself of oily skin, and nor should you want to. But there are ways to keep your skin on the more balanced side, giving you a healthy, glowing complexion.
Why the oil?
Our skin produces oil in the sebaceous glands to help lubricate the skin, limit the growth of bacteria, and prevent dryness and dehydration. When the skin is in balance, it will produce the perfect amount of oil, but this isn’t always the case, and too much oil can lead to breakouts.
Control that oil…
Don’t overdo it!
With so many alcohol-loaded, barrier stripping cleansers on the market, it is easy to overdo it and make things worse. Over-cleansing can activate the skin to create more oil, so it is important to cleanse the skin correctly, replacing hydrations and reducing oil.
Using a cream, balm or milky cleanser will dissolve dirt and debris without disturbing the skins natural barrier function and moisture levels. Remember, always remove your cleanser with a clean flannel.
Keep the moisture!
Do not ditch your moisturiser just because your skin is oily. Hydration is essential in every skincare routine, no matter your skin type.
Hydration is necessary to maintain your skin’s moisture levels but choosing the right moisturiser for your skin is important. For example, don’t use super-creamy, heavy moisturisers if you suffer with blemishes, as these will be too heavy for your skin, so go for something lighter.
Break it down!
Salicylic acid can play an important role in controlling overzealous oil production. As a beta-hydroxy acid, salicylic acid breaks down excess oil, penetrating the pores to clear out any debris.
Using a daily exfoliant that contains salicylic acid is a great way to incorporate it into your daily skincare routine by wiping over your skin after cleansing.
Watch what you eat!
Gut health can manifest in the skin. Sugar and dairy indulgence can cause excess oil production, so can a diet deficient in zinc, magnesium, vitamin B and omega 3.
Keep it balanced!
Along with diet, internal hormonal fluctuations can cause imbalanced oil levels – the main culprit being androgen! When androgen is in abundance, it will cause the sebaceous glands to produce more oil.
Androgens can also be released during times of stress, which has been backed up by many studies correlating stress levels and sebum production in people with acne-prone skin.
Dry it out!
Clay is king when it comes to using a mask for oily skin – it acts like a sponge absorbing excess oil. Look for a clay mask that contains French green, bentonite, or kaolin clay, as these are usually the most absorbent.
Cover it wisely!
When it comes to foundation and oily skin, mineral powders can be a huge asset. They are largely non-comedogenic, they absorb oil, and can be layered throughout the day. If you are a fan of liquid foundation, then using a good setting powder can help seal the foundation and control any oil.