You’re getting ready for a big party. You spend an hour touching up your makeup, and 30 minutes later, you look in the mirror and see your carefully applied foundation sliding down your face as if it were trying to escape. Sound familiar? You’ve come to the right place if you’re nodding your head (and reaching for a blotting paper). As someone who’s spent years battling the smoothness beast and now helps others do the same, I’m here to share my tips on how to keep oily skin under control.
Gone are the days of frying an egg on your forehead by midday. It’s time to change your skin type and learn to work with it, not against it. So, let’s dive into a skincare routine that will make you say goodbye to excess shine and hello to that healthy glow you’ve been craving!
Double Cleanse: Your New Best Friend
Let’s start with the foundation of any effective skincare routine: cleansing. But here’s the kicker: We will double down on this step.
Step 1: Oil-Based Cleanser
I know what you’re thinking. “Too much oil? Oil-based cleansers are great at breaking down makeup, sunscreen, and even excess oil on your skin. It’s like fighting fire with fire, except in this case, it works.
I like Jan Marini’s Cleansing Gel for Oily Skin, and another great alternative is Dermalogica. It’s lightweight and doesn’t leave a residue. Just massage it into your skin for about a minute, then rinse with warm water.
Step 2: Water-Based Cleanser
Now that we’ve gotten all that surface gunk off, it’s time for a deep clean. Use a gentle foaming cleanser with ingredients like salicylic acid or tea tree oil. These bad boys help unclog pores and fight acne-causing bacteria.
For this, I like Jan Marini’s Bio-Glycolic Facial Cleanser. My skin feels clean but not stripped. Remember, squeaky clean isn’t the goal here: we’re looking for balance, not dryness.
Lift Your Tone: The Unsung Hero
Toners often get a bad rap, but for us oily-skinned people, they’re a game-changer. A good toner will help balance your skin’s pH, remove any remaining impurities, and prep your skin for the next steps.
Look for alcohol-free toners with ingredients like witch hazel or niacinamide. My personal favourite is PCA Skin’s Hydrating Facial Toner. It’s like a sip of water for my face, minus the excess oil production.
Treat Yourself: Serums and Actives
This is where the magic happens. Serums and actives are your secret weapons in the fight against excess oil and breakouts.
For Everyday Use: Niacinamide
Niacinamide is a versatile skincare staple. It controls oil production, reduces pore size, and brightens the complexion.
For Night Time: Retinol
Retinol is the Holy Grail for many skincare concerns, including oily skin. It promotes cell turnover, preventing clogged pores and reducing the appearance of fine lines. Start using it 2-3 times a week, then gradually increase your usage.
Hydrate, Don’t Hate: Moisturizer is Your Friend
It may appear counterintuitive, but oily skin needs hydration, too. Skipping moisturizer can cause your skin to crop more oil in an attempt to balance itself.
Look for lightweight moisturizers that are oil-free or gel-based. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin are countless at hydrating skin without adding extra oil.
Sun Protection: The Non-Negotiable Step
I don’t care if it’s raining cats and dogs outside — you need sunscreen. Every. Unmarried Sun. UV damage can lead to increased sebum production and other skin concerns.
Look for lightweight, non-comedogenic sunscreens. My holy grail is Yana Marini’s Physical Defender. It’s SPF 45, doesn’t leave a white cast, and doesn’t make me look like I’ve buried my face in a vat of oil by midday.
Extras: Weekly Treatments
Exfoliation: Once a Week
Gentle exfoliation can work wonders for oily skin. It confiscates dead skin cells that can clog dance pores and cause breakouts. Don’t overdo it with the water — over-exfoliating can irritate your skin and increase sebum production.
Clay Mask: Twice a week.
Clay masks act as a deep pore cleanser, absorbing excess oil and removing impurities. I usually put a mask on while I watch my favourite show. I was multitasking at its best!
Final Thoughts
Remember that patience and consistency with your skincare routine will yield the best results. It took my skin about 4-6 weeks to start improving. So stick with it, and don’t be discouraged if you don’t see results overnight.
Remember: what works for me may not work for you. Skincare is a journey, and it’s okay to make changes as you go. Listen to your skin, and don’t be afraid to see a dermatologist if you do not see the desired results.
As the owner of my facial spa, I’ve had the privilege of helping many clients with oily skin issues. I’ve seen firsthand how transformative a proper skincare regimen can be. Many clients who once struggled with excess oil and frequent breakouts now confidently flaunt their natural, balanced skin.
