Different skin types require specific and distinct skincare routines. But for those with oily skin, facial care is a bit more tedious, as the excessive sebum produced by the sebaceous glands makes the face extremely oily and irritating to touch.
Here are some tips to keep your face clean and free of sebum:
Wash Your Face Twice A Day
It’s preferable and recommended by dermatologists that individuals with oily skin wash their faces twice a day. Washing your face more than twice daily can dry out your skin and cause your sebaceous glands to create more sebum, making your face oilier. Use foamy or gel-based cleansers as part of your oily skincare regimen to remove accumulated grime and excess oil. Rinsing with lukewarm water for the remainder of the day is sufficient.
Use Toner
After washing your face, dermatologists also recommend using a toner before applying any moisturizer. Alcohol-free toners are the best for hydrating oily skin and slowing the aging process. It is recommended that you use exfoliating toners with salicylic acid, glycolic acid and lactic acid.
Exfoliate Once a Week
Exfoliating is beneficial for reducing pore blockage, which is common in oily skin types. Many would recommend using an oil-free scrub made for oily skin types – like St. Ives Apricot Scrub. But be careful not to irritate the skin while applying it to the face. Dermatologists also advise exfoliating just once a week, as over-exfoliating could do more harm than good to your skin.
Don’t Forget to Moisturize
It’s not a joke – even if you have oily skin, you need to moisturize. Your skin will dry up as a result of all the oil-reducing skincare products and ingredients added to you oily skincare routine. Furthermore, dry skin causes the glands to create more oil. However, dermatologists recommend a moisturizer that’s lightweight, free of oils, or water-based. If those are not found easily, you could also use moisturizers that are formulated for acne-prone skin types like Cetaphil PRO Acne Prone Moist Lotion Spf25.
Apply a Face Mask Once a Week
To complete the oily face care routine, apply a clay-based deep-cleansing face mask to absorb excess oil and reduce shine for several days. You could also look for masks that have soothing ingredients like honey or shea butter to keep your skin from drying out. However, these masks may still over-dry your skin, so only use them on the oiliest parts of your face.
To keep your oiliness in check, you should avoid heavy or pore-clogging products. Also remember to use blotting paper whenever you feel your skin is too oily. If you still have doubts about your oily skin, always consult your dermatologist for detailed information.
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