Key Points
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The most important skincare products for oily skin include cleansers, toners, clay masks, exfoliators, and moisturizers.
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These skincare products for oily skin help break down extra shine and will keep pores from swelling.
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Follow the tips and tricks in this article to manage oily skin.
Oily skin is frustrating – especially when it comes to finding the right skincare products. Excess oil production leads to clogged pores, acne, and a shiny complexion (which NO ONE wants). However, the right products help regulate oil production and keep your skin looking healthy and balanced.
In this article, you'll be introduced to some of the best skincare products for oily skin, including cleansers, toners, moisturizers, and spot treatments. Plus, there are tips and tricks for choosing the right products and incorporating them into your skincare routine.
Whether you’re a teenager struggling with acne or an adult dealing with excess oil, these recommendations will help you find the right skincare products for oily skin.
Tips for Treating Oily Skin
If you have oily skin, you know that it's no fun at all! Oily skin is prone to breakouts, shine, and clogged follicles, which leaves you feeling self-conscious and uncomfortable.
The following steps will help you manage your oily skin and improve its appearance:
Keep Your Skin Clean
Wash your face twice a day with a gentle, oil-free cleanser. Avoid scrubbing your skin with too much force as this stimulates oil production.
Use Oil-Free Moisturizers
Choose a light, oil-free product to hydrate your skin without adding extra oil.
Avoid Using Oil-Based Products
Look for oil-free or "non-comedogenic" products, to avoid clogging pores.
Use a Toner
After cleansing, use a toner to remove the remaining traces of oil and dirt from your skin.
Exfoliate Regularly
Exfoliating your skin removes extra oil and dead skin cells which makes your skin look smoother and less oily. Using a gentle exfoliator allows the ingredients to work their magic without being too harsh on the skin.
Avoid Touching Your Face
Try to avoid touching your face throughout the day, as this transfers oil and dirt from your hands to your skin.
Keep Your Hair Off Your Face
Oils from your hair contribute to oily skin, so try to keep your hair away from your face as much as possible.
Use Oil-Absorbing Sheets
If you have particularly oily skin, carry oil-absorbing sheets with you to blot oil throughout the day.
Consult a Dermatologist
If you have tried these tips and are still struggling with oily skin, consult a dermatologist for additional advice and treatment options.
Cleansers for Oily Skin
Cleansers for oily skin are designed to remove excess oil, dirt, and makeup without stripping the skin of its natural oils. They minimize shine, tighten follicles, and improve the overall appearance of your skin.
Some common ingredients in cleansers for oily skin include salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and beta hydroxy acid which exfoliate the skin and reduce extra oil production. Other ingredients proven to aid oily skin include clay – which takes in grease – and tea tree oil, which contains natural astringent and anti-inflammatory properties.
It's important to choose a gentle cleanser that won't irritate your skin, as harsh cleansers strip the skin of its natural oils and lead to even more oil production.
Paula's Choice CLEAR Pore Normalizing Cleanser
Paula's Choice CLEAR Pore Normalizing Cleanser is a daily facial cleanser created for use on oily or acne-prone skin. It's formulated with salicylic acid and glycolic acid to clear pores and lessen excess oil production. The cleanser also contains a blend of plant-based ingredients meant to rejuvenate and calm the skin.
Avène Cleanance Gel Soapless Cleanser
Avène Cleanance Gel Soapless Cleanser works wonders for oily or acne-prone skin. It's developed with Avene thermal spring water to soothe and soften the skin. The cleanser also contains monolaurin: a natural antibacterial agent meant to reduce the risk of breakouts.
Toners for Oily Skin
Toner is typically used after cleansing and before moisturizing and is applied to the face using a cotton pad. Toners remove any remaining traces of dirt, oil, and makeup on the skin after cleansing and are often used to balance the pH of the skin.
Using a toner is especially beneficial for people with oily skin as it controls oil production and minimizes shine. Many toners for oily skin are formulated with alpha hydroxy acid to aid in exfoliation and unclog follicles. Witch hazel and tea tree oil are also commonly found in toners meant for oily skin because they tighten and firm the skin.
Dermalogica Multi-Active Toner
Dermalogica Multi-Active Toner is designed for oily skin. It contains a blend of plant-based extracts and essential oils that are meant to hydrate, soothe, and refresh the skin. The toner also contains aloe vera to naturally calm and moisturize the skin.
Neutrogena Pore Refining Toner
Neutrogena Pore Refining Toner contains alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) to unclog pores and reduce the look of fine lines and uneven skin texture. The toner also contains glycerin to replenish and soften oily skin.
Clay Masks for Oily Skin
Clay masks are a type of facial mask made from natural clay, such as bentonite or kaolin clay. They're often used to absorb excess oil and impurities from the skin, making them a popular choice for people with oily or acne-prone skin. Clays deep clean the pores, remove dead skin cells, and decrease shine. They also tighten and tone the skin.
There are a few different types of clay masks suitable for oily skin. Bentonite clay, also known as "healing clay," is highly absorbent and draws out impurities from the skin. It's also believed to have natural anti-inflammatory properties which make it helpful for calming and soothing the skin.
Kaolin clay is a gentle, fine-grained clay that works wonders on oily skin. It soaks in shine, grease, and other impurities from the skin. Kaolin clay is also believed to have natural astringent properties which aid in the tightening and strengthening of the skin.
L'Oreal Paris Pure-Clay Mask Exfoliate & Refining Face Mask
L'Oreal Paris Pure-Clay Mask Exfoliate & Refining Face Mask is formulated with a mixture of three different types of clay: kaolin, montmorillonite, and Moroccan lava clay. This unique clay combination is designed to soak up extra oil and impurities from the skin. The mask also contains red algae extract: a natural exfoliant designed to smooth and refine the skin's texture.
Kiehl's Rare Earth Pore Cleansing Masque
Kiehl's Rare Earth Pore Cleansing Masque is developed with Amazonian white clay to help with oil absorption and oat kernel flour to polish and rejuvenate the skin. This mask also includes aloe vera and avocado oil, both of which are natural ingredients meant to revitalize and moisturize your skin.
Exfoliators for Oily Skin
Exfoliators are designed to remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. There are two types of exfoliators: physical exfoliators, which use abrasive ingredients such as beads or granules to scrub the skin, and chemical exfoliators, which use ingredients such as alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) or beta hydroxy acid (BHA) to dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells.
Exfoliating improves the texture and appearance of the skin, unclogs pores, and prevents breakouts.
Exfoliators for oily skin are designed with ingredients that aid in oil production and reduce grease. Some common elements in exfoliators for oily skin include salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and alpha hydroxy acid, which are all types of BHA and AHA.
Kiehl's Clearly Corrective White Skin Brightening Exfoliator
Kiehl's Clearly Corrective White Skin Brightening Exfoliator is developed with white birch and peony extracts to brighten and even out the skin's tone. The exfoliator is also created with micro-pearls – a physical exfoliant meant to gently scrub away dead skin cells and improve the skin's texture. The exfoliator contains natural moisturizing agents that are hydrating and nourishing to the skin.
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant is made with salicylic acid to unclog follicles and minimize the appearance of fine lines and uneven skin texture. This exfoliator also contains a blend of plant-based extracts and antioxidants that are meant to soothe and strengthen the skin.
Moisturizers for Oily Skin
Moisturizers for oily skin provide hydration without leaving a greasy or heavy feeling. They are typically lightweight, oil-free, and contain ingredients that control oil production and minimize shine.
When you're looking for moisturizers for oily skin, it's essential to make sure the product is non-comedogenic so it won't clog pores or lead to a greasy finish.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel is a facial moisturizer with hyaluronic acid, a natural ingredient that attracts and retains moisture in the skin. The moisturizer also contains a blend of plant-based extracts and antioxidants that are meant to condition and nourish the skin. This product is non-comedogenic
Cetaphil Pro Oil Absorbing Moisturizer
Cetaphil Pro Oil Absorbing Moisturizer is formulated with plant-based ingredients that are meant to control shine and reduce the appearance of pores. Cetaphil is free from oil, alcohol, and other potential irritants.
Don't Let Oily Skin Get You Down
With so many skincare products on the market specifically designed for oily skin, it's overwhelming to decide which ones to try. Don't let the plethora of options stress you out! Instead, think of it as a fun opportunity to experiment and find the products that work best for you.
Whether you're on the lookout for clay masks, exfoliators, toners, or moisturizers, there's something out there for everyone. Remember, the key to great skin is consistency and patience. It might take a little bit of trial and error to find the perfect routine, but it'll be worth it in the end.
Go ahead and give some of these products a try. Say goodbye to shiny, oily skin and hello to a healthy, radiant complexion!
