Oily skin blues and how to deal with them!

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So, we are guessing you are here because you might have oily skin?

Have you ever wondered why your skin is always oily?

Well, you don’t have to wonder anymore! 

With the flood of products in the market, it is almost impossible to tell which products are suitable for your skin. 

The struggles of oily skin

Oily skin usually results in giving a shiny finish to your skin. Now we all love that post-workout glow, but not if it’s always there! It can cause acne breakouts, makeup malfunctions in the heat and also result in enlarged pores. 

Where does oily skin even come from? 

The reason for having oily skin is usually quite simple. It happens because your sebaceous glands are overactive. But sometimes, it can be other things that are hard to point a finger to, like environmental changes, stress, bad diet habits, hormones, or even using the wrong products on your skin. 

So what can you do about your oily skin?

  • Well, we know one thing for sure, the best place to start is a healthy skincare routine specific to your skin type. 
  • Second, it is imperative to choose the right skincare products on your face. The wrong cream or cleanser can lead to more skin issues.
  • The best option is always to receive a recommendation from a good dermatologist to ensure that you are doing the right thing. 

Let’s start with that skincare routine for oily skin.

Regular skincare routines usually entail standard cleansing, moisturising and sun protection. When it comes to oily skin, this regime requires a few tweaks. 

1. Cleansing 

It is of utmost importance to cleanse your skin well first thing in the morning. This is because while you sleep, your glands don’t. They continue to produce oils, and this can attract dirt and other impurities at night. A good wash in the morning keeps your skin clean and fresh. So wash your face twice a day! Water-based cleansers tend to be milder than other ones, and we recommend them for this skin type. Also, look out for cleansers with salicylic acid as it is effective in pore clean up and preventing acne.

2. Exfoliation 

Due to the oily texture of your skin, your pores tend to be more visible. This can cause all kinds of dirt to get lodged in them. And if your pores are blocked, you’re pretty likely to have more breakouts. So, it is a good idea to use a mild scrub once a week.

3. Toning 

Many people think toning is a necessary step in a skincare routine. But, toning is actually a debatable step for a skincare routine. It is not always needed and should be used only if really needed. Use a non-alcoholic gentle toner, restricting it to those days that you feel highly greasy or oily.

4. Treatments

This step of the process usually arrives after you have consulted your doctor. If you have acne or other skin conditions, you will be required to use specific serums or creams that are dermatologically good for healing your skin. If you are trying to run away from those wrinkles and age lines, then anti-ageing creams or serums might come into play.

5. Moisturise, Moisturise, Moisturise!

This is an essential step in every skincare regime. No matter what kind of skin you have, it is vital to moisturise your face and neck at least twice a day. In the case of oily skin, gel or water-based moisturisers are a good idea because thick creams can block your pores or make your skin more oily. While you’re at it, don’t forget to moisturise your under eyes and lips too!

6. Sunscreen

Think of sunscreen as your facial protector! While it protects your face from harmful UV rays and sun exposure, it also helps protect your skin against ageing! A mineral-enriched cream is an excellent option as it helps absorb the excess oil in your skin. Always finish up your daytime skin regime with sunscreen. And don’t be stingy!

Choosing the right skincare products for your oily skin

When choosing products to manage your oily skin, it is imperative to pick up products that are compatible with your skin type; otherwise, you take the risk of making your skin condition worse. The first thing to do is to take a careful look at the ingredients on the product. Look out for things like salicylic acid cleansers, glycolic acid exfoliants, oil-free moisturisers and sunscreens. If your product has a label that says ‘non-comedogenic, then it means that the product will not clog your pores. Secondly, it is best to avoid heavy pore-clogging products or harsh scrubs. For example, avoid products with shea or cocoa butter, petroleum jelly and coconut oil.

Always consult a dermatologist!

The best way to avoid going wrong when it comes to your oily skin care regime is to talk to a dermatologist about your skin before trying random products online. At the end of the day, they know the science behind your skin, and you will have the mental satisfaction of being in safe hands. 

Food that can make oily skin worse

When it comes to your skin and hair, it is very important to maintain a healthy diet. The food you consume can have an effect on your skin. Things to avoid are the things that most doctors will tell you to restrict. Alcohol, fried food, sugary food, salty food and sometimes even dairy can possibly be a cause for oily skin if consumed in large amounts.

 The silver lining

Having oily skin is not all that bad. In fact, the extra oils slow down your skin’s ageing process by tackling fine lines and wrinkles!

Now how is that for a silver lining! 

Disclaimer

The natural remedies mentioned in the blog are the widely popular ones. It is in no way a substitute for medical advice, treatment or diagnosis. Avoid using these if you have sensitive skin or are prone to allergies. 

Before trying any natural remedy, always test a small quantity on your skin to check for any adverse reactions or allergy to any particular ingredient. In case of emergency or any reaction, immediately connect with a doctor who can offer the proper treatment.

FAQ’s

  1. Does drinking water reduce oiliness on the face?

Proper hydration can help with reducing the oil production on your face. It can also help reduce the blockage of the pores.

2. What hormone causes oily skin?

The hormones that contribute to oily skin are called androgens. They may be most active during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy and menopause.

3. What vitamin helps reduce oily skin?

Vitamin C can help maintain your skin health as well as aid in your oily skin issues. 

4. Does stress cause oily skin?

Weirdly, stress can contribute to oily skin as it increases the cortisol levels in your body. This stress hormone can lead to oily skin at times.

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Author

Namya Naresh

Namya Naresh

An obsessive dreamer, vegetarian foodie and shy singer, Namya spends her time immersed in the world of Literature and Music. She is currently writing her first novel, advocating for mental health, self-love and bringing you your daily dose of skincare with CureSkin!