Some oil on your skin is good. But too much oil? I don’t think so. Oily skin is a very common condition that almost everyone experiences from time to time. And honestly speaking nobody loves the greasy, rough texture and large pores look on their face. But guess what, you can actually follow the few steps listed below to help you solve this problem.

But first, let’s look at what really causes oily skin. Oily skin is caused by a number of factors such as genetics, stress, diet, hormones and even climate. The main cause of oily skin though is increased sebum production. Sebum is meant to hydrate and protect your skin but when it’s produced too much, oil gets mixed with dead skin cells which gets trapped in pores and causes bacteria. For this it is very important to cleanse, exfoliate, moisturize and sunscreen daily so let’s get right into the routine;

1. Cleanser

Unlike dry skin, oily skin has to be cleansed at least twice a day (in the morning and at night). This is because dirt, excess oils and impurities build up on your skin and clog your pores if not removed. Cleansing also allows the rest of your skincare products work better. Using oil based cleansers is the best option for oily skin since they don’t completely strip your skin off its natural oils.

2. Exfoliate

Oily skin is more prone to dead skin cell build up, blackheads and clogged pores. Gently exfoliating can help remove dead skin cells and deeply cleanse your skin. Though, it’s important to be very gentle because over-exfoliating could strip your skin off its natural oils and cause more sebum production which is what we are trying to avoid. Therefore do this at least 1-3 times a week using either a chemical or physical exfoliant. Chemical exfoliants help boost cell turnover and help lighten dark spots while physical exfoliants help refine skin texture.

3. Toner

Toners help get rid of residual dirt and makeup and also prep your skin for the rest of your routine so that your products are more effective. It also help get rid of excess oil that wasn’t removed when cleansing. The best toners help control the oiliness and shine without actually drying out the skin. It should also refine your skin’s texture and minimize your pores while also maintaining the moisture balance of your skin. Most toners contain alcohol which tends to overly dry your skin therefore try buying natural toners like witch hazel or rose water.

4. Serum

A result of oily skin is uneven skin tone and texture. A serum will help improve your skin’s texture and tone. Use serums with natural ingredients like witch hazel or tea tree oil. Also try to target whatever skin concerns you have for example if your skin needs hydration use a hydrating serum, if you need to tackle fine lines use anti-aging cream and if you want to brighten your skin use a brightening treatment. Also use watery, lightweight treatments that absorb more easily.

5. Moisturizer

Many people live by the myth “if you have oily skin you don’t need a moisturizer” which is wrong. Using a moisturizer helps prevent your skin from producing excess oils and also seals in all the nutrients you just applied to your skin. Use lightweight non-comedogenic moisturizers since creams will clog your pores and make your skin look shinier. If you have a sensitive skin, use moisturizers with soothing properties to prevent irritations.  

6. Sunscreen

Sunscreen is very important for all skin types and should be applied daily before heading out or applying makeup. Exposure to sun might dry out your skin and cause premature aging or lead to other skin damages like sunburns. You could either use a physical or chemical sunscreen. Physical sunscreens create a barrier on your skin to protect it from sun damage while chemical sunscreens can be absorbed into the skin.  You could also combine moisturizer with sunscreen or rather buy a moisturizer that contains sunscreen so you get to apply it daily.