You’ve Got Oily Skin, We’ve Got the 411

Does your face get slick and shiny about 15 minutes after you apply makeup? Are you constantly rushing to the ladies’ room or nearest mirror to powder your nose (and the rest of your face)? Yep, it seems that all signs point to you having oily skin.

News flash: Oily skin is not an issue reserved just for teens. In fact, according to the International Dermal Institute, 50 percent of the adult population struggle with oily skin, too. And, unfortunately, a number of things could be causing your overtly oil-prone complexion. Climate, hormones and genetics, to start with. And with that annoying sheet of shine that settles on the surface of skin, often comes acne. So what’s a girl to do? Pile on the makeup and live the rest of your life in a haze of powder? Nope. With the right knowledge, tips and products under your belt, you can keep that oil in check—for good.

BUT FIRST, THE GOOD NEWS

Okay, before we get into the oil-bashing and fixing, let us shed some light on your situation. Believe it or not, you oily skinned beauties are pretty darn lucky. All that oil is a result of an overproduction of sebum, which is our bodies’ natural source of hydration. This means your super-hydrated skin could be aging a bit slower than those with non-oily/dry/combo complexions. Also, the natural shine (that probably annoys the bajeezus out of you) actually thwarts any dullness that can occur in dry or normal skin. So, when kept in line, oily skin can equal “glowing” skin. You just have to take the proper steps. 

WHAT TO DO

While there’s no magic switch to flip or button to push to make excess oil go away, there are some vital (and basic) steps to take to keep things kosher on the face. As stated before, oil can lead to acne. The truth is, the acne actually comes from a lack of proper care. The excess oil, dead skin cells and impurities mix together on the skin surface, clogging pores and creating a build-up that results in acne.

So, your primary job when dealing with oily skin is to keep that surface clean as a whistle all day long. Double-cleansing regularly (twice a day and possibly more if you go to the gym or workout every day). Blotting papers are also a must to keep that excess oil off the face. We’ll get into more detail on these tips a bit later.

OILY-SKIN HACKS

You’ve already heard that there can be some benefits to having an oily complexion...especially if you have it under control. Check out these quick and easy tips on how to keep that oil in check.

DOUBLE CLEANSE

Cleanliness is key when it comes to oily skin. And, sometimes, a single face-washing sesh is simply not enough. So, cover your tracks by giving your face another once over with a different cleanser. Try wiping away makeup with an oil-based cleanser, as it easily lifts hard-to-remove formulas and waterproof products. Then, cleanse the face with a water-based solution to wash away dirt, debris and impurities. Try Vichy Laboratories Normaderm 3-in-1 Micellar Solution, La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermo-Cleanser

USE A TONER

Toning the skin right after you double-cleanse is a must. Even after cleaning up twice, there could be some miniscule dirt and impurities still hanging out on your face. Toner can help pick this up. Toners help prep your skin for the moisturizers, serums and other skincare solutions you put on next. Try SkinCeuticals Equalizing Toner, Vichy Laboratories Pureté Thermale Toner

WASH YOUR HANDS REGULARLY

We get it. This is a weird rule. But, trust us in saying that you’d be surprised at how often your hands get in contact with your face throughout the day. Whether it involves applying lotion, sunscreen or makeup, your hands and fingers get up close and personal on the regular. And if you’re not washing regularly, all the other stuff you touch throughout the day will eventually make their to your face...ew. So, make sure you wash your hands all the time and keep a light hand sanitizer on-hand.

CHANGE & WASH YOUR PILLOWCASES

Again, this might seem strange, but hear us out. All the oils on your head and face eventually make their way onto your pillowcase as you sleep. The bacteria from the oils will then make their way back onto your face in a vicious cycle of oil and general grossness. This is where the acne-formation process can often start. So, make sure you’re washing your pillowcases at least once a week in hot water to kill the bacteria and keep it away from your face.

USE GEL-BASED MOISTURIZERS

One major oily skin myth is that you don’t need to moisturize since your face has some natural hydration on tap. That is totally false. Because of all the washing, mattifying and purifying you’re doing, a little external moisture is not only a good thing, it’s vital. Keep a daily and nightly moisturizer on rotation every morning and night. Make sure the formula is oil-free and lightweight. Try Garnier SkinActive Moisture Bomb Antioxidant Super Moisturizer

KEEP BLOTTING SHEETS WITH YOU AT ALL TIMES

Despite all of your efforts in your morning and nighttime routines, chances are oil will still attempt to surface on the face. Keep blotting papers in your desk, purse and car to do some quick touch-ups throughout the day. Make sure you stick to blotting papers and not alternative sheets like tissue or paper towels, as these paper fabrics can just press the oil deeper into your face and perpetuate the problem (not to mention they mess up your beautiful makeup). Blotting papers are designed to absorb the oil and won’t affect your makeup look at all. If you ever find yourself without blotting papers, toilet paper covers can serve as a nice sub.

OILY SKIN SOLUTIONS

But there are products that can offer some much-needed relief, like ones formulated with clay. Yep, the magical little puddy is a star in helping to keep skin looking mattified, which is why L’Oréal Paris incorporated it into its Pure-Clay Mask line. Check out how and why this stuff really works:

FOR MATTIFYING…

Those who struggle with oily skin are well aware of the annoying constant shine problem. It’s as if there’s a permanent film over your face (even if you don’t have any makeup on), making it seem impossible for your skin to ever feel totally clean. The Pure-Clay Purify & Mattify Treatment Mask is formulated with three pure clays plus it’s infused with eucalyptus to help draw out excess oil and give skin a mattified appearance. The result? Matte-looking skin and pores that are way less visible. Sign us up!

FOR DETOXING…

The thing about oil is that it can mix with dirt and other impurities and harden up in the pores, leading to breakouts and irritated skin. Yuck, right? Well, the charcoal included in the Pure-Clay Detox & Brightening Charcoal Mask leaves your face feeling squeaky clean. The mask will also help the skin appear brighter and more radiant.

FOR EXFOLIATING...

Regular exfoliation is important. But, when you’ve got oily skin, it’s a real non-negotiable. Help slough your skin with the Pure-Clay Exfoliate & Refining Treatment Mask, formulated with red algae extract. The marine-based ingredient plus the line’s signature three-clay cocktail, helps to exfoliate and refines the skin’s surface — and it’s gentle. All you’ll have is smooth, healthy-looking skin.

WHAT NOT TO DO

Now, we’ve already preached the importance of cleansing, exfoliating and tidying up regularly. However, be aware that you can overdo it. If you don’t indulge in midday workouts, there’s no reason for you to be cleansing more than twice a day, so DON’T DO IT. Excess cleansing can strip your face of natural oils and nutrients. The lack of oil will cause your skin to believe it’s dehydrated and work overtime to produce oil (even more than normal) and cause a buildup of oil and, eventually, acne. So, be conservative about your washing and make sure you keep your skin hydrated by moisturizing and drinking lots of water.

What are your tried-and-true tricks to controlling oily skin?