Hormonal imbalance is linked to increased sebaceous gland activity. Hormones like androgen and estrogen may affect the sebocytes (sebum-producing cells), increase their activity, and lead to acne (1). Several factors may cause hormonal imbalance and oily skin. They include:
Thyroid issues Menstruation Menopause High stress levels
Other factors that may contribute to oily skin include:
Environmental factors (humidity, UV exposure, and pollution) Excessive cleansing Drugs and medications Poor diet and nutrition
If you have oily skin, all these issues can influence sebum production and add to the existing issues. The tell-tale signs of oily skin include:
Excess shiny skin Visible pores Greasy skin Blackheads and whiteheads, especially around the nose Rough skin texture Frequent breakouts and blemishes Skin looks shiny shortly after cleansing Makeup slides off the face (even after using mattifying primer and setting powder)
If you can relate to all the points discussed above, we understand your pain. However, a good skin care routine can help you minimize the oiliness and manage the associated issues. The first step is to choose the right product containing the right ingredient.
7 Must-Have Ingredients For Oily Skin
1. Retinol
Talk of skin care, and one of the first ingredients that comes to mind is retinol. This ingredient (2):
Reduces pore visibility Repairs photodamage Prevents acne
It also minimizes fine lines and wrinkles and reduces hyperpigmentation. However, retinol can irritate the skin, so use it sparingly and start with a low concentration. Retinol is best used in your PM routine. Strict sun protection must be followed if it is used in your AM routine. Make sure you are using sunscreen during the day to prevent sun damage as retinol can increase photosensitivity.
2. Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is an absolute must-have ingredient for oily skin. This keratolytic agent disrupts the cellular junctions of the skin, promoting its natural exfoliation process, and helping to keep the pores clean. Salicylic acid is one of the main ingredients used to treat acne inflammation (3). Get cleansers with 2% (maximum strength) salicylic acid to wash your face twice a day.
3. Hyaluronic Acid
If you think oily skin does not need moisturization, you are wrong. Lack of moisture can trigger your skin to produce more sebum to compensate for the moisture loss. Hyaluronic acid is lightweight and gentle, provides hydration, and can significantly reduce sebum production (4). It is available as sodium hyaluronate in serums and creams. It is the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid that penetrates the skin easily and provides better moisturization.
4. Niacinamide
Skin care enthusiasts absolutely adore this cosmeceutical. Niacinamide (also called nicotinamide) is a potent antioxidant with the following benefits (5), (6): A study conducted on the Japanese and Caucasian population stated that using 2% niacinamide reduces the sebum levels on the skin . Niacinamide (vitamin B3) performs the following functions when used in skin care products:
Reinforces the skin barrier Increases the skin cell turnover rate Minimizes hyperpigmentation Increases the skin elasticity Reduces the skin pore size and excess sebum production
5. Alpha Arbutin
Alpha arbutin is your holy grail if you have skin issues like hyperpigmentation, blemishes, and acne marks. This skin lightening agent inhibits tyrosinase activity (an enzyme that supports melanin synthesis), reduces melanin concentration, and fades blemishes to brighten the skin (7). But always remember to treat your acne first before treating acne marks.
6. Clay
If you are more into natural remedies, mineral-rich clays can help you get rid of excess sebum. Clays like bentonite and kaolin clays, fuller’s earth, and rhassoul clay exfoliate the skin to remove dead skin cells, reduce sebum production (8). However, follow up with a moisturizer to prevent excess dryness.
7. Alpha Hydroxy Acids
Oily skin loves facial peels. Alpha hydroxy acids like glycolic, lactic, and mandelic acids are commonly used to manage acne, scars, melasma, hyperpigmentation, age spots, and skin roughness (9). While you can opt for in-clinic treatments, you can also buy OTC facial peels available at different strengths. These peels can improve your skin texture and also minimize the appearance of pores. However, if you haven’t used AHA-BHA peels, it is better to start from the lowest concentration and let your skin get accustomed to it before trying strong products. Besides these ingredients, you can also look for products containing tea tree oil, ceramides, and peptides to nourish your skin and minimize acne. However, there are few ingredients that people with oily skin must avoid at all costs.
Ingredients To Avoid If You Have Oily Skin
If you have oily skin, avoid the ingredients that fall under these categories: Products containing vegetable oils with high fatty acids, like:
Coconut oil Sunflower oil Camellia oil Hazelnut oil
Occlusive ingredients, like:
Beeswax Lanolin Paraffin
Once you have gathered your products, it is time to set a daily skin care routine. We all follow a basic cleansing-toning-moisturizing (CTM) routine. However, you can add a few more steps to the basic routine to provide extra nourishment to your skin.
Best Skin Care Routine For Oily Skin
Morning Skin Care Routine For Oily Skin
Step 1: Cleanse Wash your face with a mild and gentle cleanser to clean all the dirt and sebum that your skin might have gathered overnight. Step 2: Exfoliate Follow this step only once a week. You can use a physical or a chemical exfoliator to slough away the dead skin cells and smoothen the texture. Step 3: Tone Do not skip this step. Toner helps prep your skin to absorb all the goodness of the skin care products. It also cleans the residue that remains on the face after cleansing. Toner helps:
Normalize the skin pH Keep your skin hydrated Minimize the pore size
Avoid alcohol-based toners as they can strip the natural oils off your skin. Step 4: Serum After the initial cleansing and toning, apply a serum to address specific skin issues. You can use serums that contain vitamins C and E, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, alpha arbutin, and other ingredients to address skin issues like acne, hyperpigmentation, and enlarged pores. Step 5: Moisturizing For oily skin, use water-based gel moisturizers to lock in moisture, maintain your skin’s hydration level, and prevent overproduction of sebum. Step 6: Eye Cream The skin under your eyes is delicate and prone to damage. It does have oil glands and dries out easily, especially if you use acne creams that cause dryness. Invest in a good eye cream that maintains the hydration in the skin under your eyes and addresses specific concerns like dark circles, puffiness, or wrinkles. Step 7: Sunscreen Sunscreen is essential if you head outdoors during the day. Pick a gel-based sunscreen for oily skin. Ingredients like silicone in your sunscreen will offer a mattifying effect while keeping your skin relatively oil-free. Ensure that it has at least SPF 30 and PA+++ rating.
Evening Routine For Oily Skin
Step 1: Double Cleanse Use an oil-based cleanser, a cleansing balm, or micellar water to lift the makeup, dirt, and residue, and then use a mild and gentle cleanser to wash your face. Step 2: Detox With A Clay Mask Use a clay mask once or twice a week to rejuvenate and exfoliate your skin. You can invest in a detoxifying clay mask or go the DIY way. It removes the dirt and oil from your facial skin and improves the skin texture. Avoid exfoliating often if you are using a clay mask regularly as doing both can damage your skin barrier. Step 3: Toner After cleansing (or removing your mask), use a toner. This is important to calm your skin and remove any remaining dirt or oil. Step 4: Use Retinol-Based Serum This is an important part of your nighttime skin care routine. As your skin repairs itself during the night, using retinol can help reduce wrinkles and fine lines and speed up the healing process. Since retinol makes your skin photosensitive, use it at night. Initially, use it just 1-2 times a week. You can start using it more frequently once your skin gets used to it. Step 5: Other Treatment You can apply spot treatments and other active ingredients, like niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, for an additional boost of nutrients. Step 6: Eye cream Using an eye cream is important at night as it helps the area under your eyes stay nourished and smooth while you get a good night’s sleep. Step 7: Moisturizer Use a light moisturizer before you retire for the day. Avoid heavy oil-based night creams as they can clog your pores. Apart from following a daily morning and evening skin care routine, here are some more handy tips and a list of dos and don’ts for managing oily skin.
Other Tips To Manage Oily Skin
Blotting Papers Are True Saviors
Blotting papers are your secret weapons to beat the mid-afternoon grease and shine. These papers are easy to carry and absorb the excess oil on your face.
Apply A Facial Mist Throughout The Day
Carry a facial mist wherever you go to freshen up your skin throughout the day. It helps remove dirt and unclog your pores, making you feel fresh instantly. For better results, use a facial mist with hydrating ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or soothing ingredients like Centella asiatica.
Use Appropriate Makeup Products
Not all products suit oily skin. Use an oil-free and mineral-based foundation with a matte finish. It helps prevent shine and stays on for longer hours.
Avoid Touching Your Face Frequently
Your hands and fingers are not always clean. Frequently touching your face can transfer dirt and bacteria to your skin that may clog the pores.
Dos And Don’ts For Oily Skin
Dos
Wash your face twice a day, once in the morning and once at night. Sunscreen is important and compulsory if you are heading outdoors. Always use makeup that suits your skin type. Clean your makeup brushes to prevent breakouts. Change your pillow cover frequently. Get 8 hours of sleep every day. Work out every day to improve blood circulation in the body, including your skin, and stay healthy. Always remove your makeup before going to bed at night.
Don’ts
Avoid using petroleum or petrolatum-based products. Do not wash your face frequently or more than twice. Avoid alcohol-based toners. Never rub or scrub your face vigorously. Avoid smoking to maintain skin health.
Is vitamin C good for oily skin? Yes, vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that unclogs your pores, improves skin texture, and keeps your skin hydrated. Is rose water good for oily skin? Yes, you can use rosewater as a daily toner to unclog your pores and keep your skin nourished.
