The Ultimate Skin Care Routine for Oily Skin + Product Recos

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If blotting paper is your bestie, your face gets shiny within minutes or looks like an oil slick at the end of the day, this blog is for you!

Though the battle against oiliness is a long one, the fact is that oily skin is one of the most common *and annoying, if you allow me to say* skincare concerns. But don't fret, our skincare fairies have cracked the code on how to reduce greasiness and properly maintain a healthy-looking complexion with the proper skin care routine for oily skin.

So, no more stressing over touch-ups every hour! With these tips and tricks tailored just for those affected by overly oily skin, you can say goodbye to shiny selfies forever.

But first, what’s oily skin and why does it happen?

Oily skin is one of the five main skin types, affecting approximately 30-40% of the global population. It is characterized by excess oil production *aka sebum*. Sebum is an oily substance produced by the sebaceous glands, playing a crucial role in keeping our skin soft and hydrated. However, when these glands overproduce sebum, it leads to an oily, shiny complexion, enlarged pores, and a higher risk of acne breakouts.

Recent studies have shown that the skin microbiome influences oil production. A balanced microbiome helps maintain skin health and may reduce the effects of oily skin. Oily skin can arise from various factors, including:

Genetics: Oily skin can be inherited from parents. If one or both parents have very oily skin, their children are more likely to have oilier skin as well.
Hormones: Hormonal changes during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause can lead to increased oil production. Hormones stimulate sebum production, crucial for skin hydration.
Diet: A diet high in unhealthy fats or processed foods can aggravate oily skin, with excess dairy and sugar exacerbating the condition.
Cosmetics: Using heavy cosmetics or those with comedogenic ingredients can worsen oily skin. Failing to remove makeup properly can clog pores and increase oiliness.
Climate: Humidity can elevate oil production. In humid conditions, sweat evaporates slowly, which can enhance sebum generation.
Stress: Stress can trigger hormonal imbalances, leading to increased oil production on the skin.

Best products for oily skin: The Do’s and Don’ts

Do’s: 4 Tricks that will help you control oily skin

When selecting skincare products for oily skin, it's crucial to look for the following characteristics:

1. Lightweight texture

Opt for lightweight textures such as gels or oil-free liquids, which are less likely to clog pores or feel heavy. These products absorb quickly, providing a lasting matte finish throughout the day, helping to manage excess oil and prevent breakouts.

2. Look for ingredients that help regulate oil production

Seek out ingredients known to regulate oil production and refine pores, such as:

Salicylic acid: This beta-hydroxy acid unclogs pores, regulates oil output, and reduces inflammation, making it excellent for acne-prone skin.
Niacinamide: Known for its ability to regulate oil production and enhance the skin's barrier function, niacinamide minimizes enlarged pores and uneven skin tone.
Tea tree oil: This essential oil has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties effective in treating acne and oily skin.
Zinc: A mineral that helps balance oil production and reduce inflammation while promoting healing, zinc also has antimicrobial properties.
Aloe vera: This soothing ingredient reduces redness and irritation, regulates oil production, and fosters a balanced complexion.
Clay: Clay effectively absorbs excess sebum and impurities, making it a key ingredient in face masks and cleansers for oily skin.
Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs): AHAs exfoliate the skin and promote cell turnover, helping to clear pores and improve skin texture.

3. Moisturize religiously

It may seem counterintuitive, but moisturizing is essential for oily skin. Although excess oil can create a false sense of hydration, it can lead to overproduction of oil if the skin lacks proper moisture. The right moisturizers, particularly those containing hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, can soothe irritation and lessen inflammation, key concerns for those with oily skin.

4. Sun protection

Sunscreen is vital for all skin types, especially oily skin. Its natural oil production can increase vulnerability to sun damage. Choose lightweight, oil-free sunscreens that won’t clog pores.

Don’ts: 3 deadly sins of the oily skin types

Oily skin can be exacerbated by many things. Use heavy creams and you’ll be loading your skin with too much oil, apply comedogenic ingredients and your skin will go from oily to acne-prone skin within days, and so on. Here are the sins you need to avoid:

1. Applying comedogenic ingredients

Comedogenic ingredients are ingredients that have the potential to clog pores and cause acne. They usually contain lipid-based oils, such as cocoa butter, coconut oil, and lanolin, which can act as a barrier on the skin, trapping dirt, sebum, and bacteria inside pores. People with oily skin are especially prone to breaking out due to their natural oil production and should avoid comedogenic ingredients in order to keep breakouts at bay.

2. Using heavy oils and creams

Heavy oils and creams can clog the pores, trapping dirt and bacteria inside. This can lead to breakouts, especially for people with oily skin who are already prone to breaking out due to their natural oil production. Additionally, creamy formulations and thick moisturizers tend to be too heavy for oily skin as they can leave behind a greasy residue that further exacerbates oiliness.

3. Harsh, irritating ingredients

People with an oily complexion should avoid parabens, fragrances, sulfates, and harsh alcohols as these ingredients can strip the skin of its natural oils. Parabens are preservatives that can alter hormones in the body and increase irritation, while fragrances can cause inflammation and allergic reactions. Sulfates are harsh detergents that can strip the skin of its protective barrier which leads to dehydration. Harsh alcohols like SD Alcohol 40-B or Ethanol can cause excessive oil production and leave the skin feeling dry and tight.

This rule applies to all skin types, from dry to sensitive skin, but it’s especially true for those with oily skin

Best skincare for oily skin: A 6-Step skincare routine to reduce oiliness

For individuals with oily skin, finding the best skincare routine can be challenging. Oily skin often produces excess sebum, which can contribute to breakouts and a shiny complexion throughout the day. However, with the right morning and evening routine, those with oily skin can achieve a balanced and healthy complexion.

Here’s the ultimate skin care routine for oily skin:

Step #1: Cleanse your skin

When it comes to caring for oily skin, choosing the right cleanser can make all the difference. With oily skin, it's important to avoid harsh, stripping formulas that can actually worsen oil production. Instead, opt for a gentle yet effective cleanser that can remove excess oil without drying out the skin.

Look for ingredients like salicylic acid, witch hazel, and tea tree oil, which can help to balance oil production and reduce acne. Foaming and gel cleansers can be a good choice for oily skin, as they can help to dissolve excess oil and leave skin feeling refreshed.

Step #2: Exfoliate

Exfoliation is an essential step in any skincare routine, especially for those with oily skin prone to breakouts. The best exfoliator for oily skin should effectively remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and reduce excess oil without stripping the skin of its natural moisture. Look for exfoliators that contain ingredients like salicylic acid, alpha-hydroxy acids, or enzymes to tackle oily skin concerns. These ingredients work by breaking down and dissolving the buildup of oil and dead skin cells, leaving your skin feeling smooth and refreshed.

However, it's important to note that over-exfoliating can do more harm than good and irritate oily skin further. Using an exfoliator once or twice a week is typically enough to achieve the desired results.

Facial Exfoliator

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Step #3: Treatment or exfoliating toner

A good toner will help to balance the skin's natural oils and reduce excess oil production, leaving the skin feeling refreshed and balanced. When searching for the best toner for oily skin, go for treatment toners especially made for your skin type or for exfoliating toners that can remove dead skin cells.

Important: avoid astringent toners at all costs. Astringent toners, which typically contain high levels of alcohol and other harsh ingredients, can actually do more harm than good for your skin. While they may provide a temporary tightening effect, regular use can strip your skin of its natural oils and even lead to irritation or breakouts.

Also, to avoid damaging your skin’s protective barrier, don’t use exfoliating toners if you’re exfoliating your skin weekly. This could irritate your skin and even increase sebum production.

Step #4-ish: The optionals: Serums

Serums are treatment steps that, even though they’re not mandatory, can do miracles for all skin types, including oily, acne-prone, and combination skin.

These lightweight, fast-absorbing formulas are typically water-based, meaning they won't add any extra oil to your skin. In fact, they can help regulate sebum production and balance your skin's natural oils. Many serums also contain ingredients like tea tree oil, galactomyces, and propolis which can help reduce the appearance of acne and prevent future breakouts.

Step #5: Moisturizer

Moisturizing is an essential part of an effective skincare routine, especially for oily skin. Many people believe that oily skin doesn't require additional moisture, but that's a myth. Your skin needs hydration to stay healthy, and if you skip moisturizing, your skin will compensate by producing even more oil, making oily skin worse. However, finding the right moisturizer for oily skin can be a challenge.

Look for a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer that contains ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or niacinamide, which provide hydration without clogging pores. Additionally, opt for non-comedogenic formulas to avoid any potential breakouts. Always make sure that you patch-test any new products before applying them to your face.

Step #6: Sunscreen

When it comes to sunscreens for oily skin, it’s important to look for lightweight, airy, or gel-like textures that get easily absorbed into your skin, don’t leave a white cast behind, and have a matte finish

Using sunscreen every day *no matter the weather or the season* will not only help you reduce oiliness but also protect your skin from the harmful UV rays that can cause other concerns like premature aging, dark spots, and even skin concerns.

How to take care of oily skin: Find the must-have products for oil-prone skin

Now that we’ve assembled the ultimate skin care routine for oily skin and know the do’s and don’ts of this skin type, it’s time to build your anti-oily skin squad!

At Asian Beauty Essentials you’ll find all the products you need to reduce oiliness and nourish your skin quickly. From blotting paper and serums, to cleansers and moisturizers, we have everything you need to treat skin concerns in the blink of an eye.

Check out our oily skin collection!

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