Here’s What Your Skincare Routine Should Look Like if You Have Oily Skin
Updated: Feb. 10, 2017
These steps can help stop excess shine and acne breakouts to achieve that perfect glow.
Understand what causes oily skin
Before you embark on a highly restrictive diet in hopes of saying goodbye to your oily skin for good or ditch your sunscreen in hopes of drying out your skin, you should know that neither of these commonly believed myths about oily skin are true. The reality is that hormones are at fault for excessive oil production. “Androgens are male hormones that overstimulate oil glands,” explains board-certified Debra Jaliman, MD. “People with a slight imbalance of androgens tend to have oily skin.” (Believing these myths about oily skin could be ruining your complexion.)
Choose the right cleanser
If you have oily skin, the first habit you should adopt is cleansing your skin daily. It is a good idea to wash your face both in the morning and in the evening. Certain cleansers will be better suited for your skin type, according to Dr. Jaliman. She advises selecting a cleanser that contains a salicylic acid or glycolic acid, plant-based ingredients commonly found in over-the-counter skincare products.
Follow up with toner
Cleansing your skin daily is an excellent start if you are fighting excessively oily skin but the addition of a toner can help further balance your skin’s oil production. After cleansing your skin, follow up with a glycolic or salicylic acid.
Moisturize (but not too much)
A daily moisturizer is important for all skin types. Skipping moisturizer could cause your skin to overcompensate by producing more oil, so follow up your cleanser and toner with a non-comedogenic moisturizer. It is possible to over-moisturize, according to Dr. Jaliman, who also suggested avoiding use of oils of any kind on your skin.
End your day with retinol
“If a person’s skin is exceptionally oily, we would recommend a retinol in the evening,” shared Dr. Jaliman. “A retinol can make skin sensitive to sun, that’s why we only use it at night.” Retinol is a skin product derived from vitamin A, frequently used for treating oily or aging skin.
Wash your washcloth after every use
No one wants to create more laundry, but reusing your washcloth after one day is a bad idea if you have oily skin. According to Dr. Jaliman, bacteria can quickly build up on a dirty washcloth, so make sure you are changing it out every day. Here are other items you should be washing more than you think.
