WHAT ARE THE BEST INGREDIENTS FOR OILY SKIN?
Visibly greasy skin is a result of overactive sebaceous glands, producing excess sebum that sits at the skin’s surface. Sebum is essential for the skin’s protective moisture barrier, but overly oily skin can be frustrating to manage and can cause clogged pores and breakouts.
With so many products available, it can be difficult to know what formulas to look out for so you aren’t exacerbating visibly oily skin. In this article, we outline what ingredients to embrace and what to avoid when choosing skincare for oily skin.
TIPS FOR CHOOSING OILY SKINCARE PRODUCTS
When looking for oily skin care products, keep any eye for ingredients labelled as:
- Mattifying: mattifying ingredients absorb excess oil on the skin's surface to reduce the visible appearance of oily skin
- Water based: Water based products are better for oily skin as they don't cause clogged pores
- Non comedogenic: non comedogenic products won't clog pores
- Purifying: Purifying cleansers and facial masks clear away irritants, dirt and excess oil for even skin tone
.jpg?sw=1440&q=70)
CHOOSING THE INGREDIENTS FOR OILY SKIN
INGREDIENTS TO EMBRACE
SALICYLIC ACID
Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that gently exfoliates the skin to remove dead skin cells and manage sebum production. Salicylic acid can be found in cleansers, moisturisers and serums. Because it's a chemical exfoliant, it won't irritate the skin the way physical exfoliants and facial scrubs may do to oily and sensitive skin.
.jpg?sw=1440&q=70)
HYALURONIC ACID
Hydration is just as important for oily skin as it is for other skin types. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the skin that absorbs and locks in moisture to keep the skin soft and supple, while also supporting the skin's moisture barrier. Hyaluronic acid hydrates the skin without adding to oiliness.
.jpg?sw=1440&q=70)
NIACINAMIDE
Niacinamide is a key ingredient in skincare promoting the reduction of age spots, blemishes and redness. Niacinamide is gentle on the skin, which is why it's a popular ingredient in serums designed to manage excess oil production and uneven skin texture.
LACTIC ACID
Lactic acid is a gentle alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that also exfoliates the skin. Products containing lactic acid help to unclog pores, remove excess oil and control sebum production to minimise breakouts.
ASTRINGENTS
Astringents help exfoliate products by tightening and unclogging the pores. Astringents can be found in toners formulated for oily and blemish-prone skin.
CLAY
Clay absorbs oil and pulls out dirt and impurities from the skin to help with skin texture and blemishes. Clays are usually found in facial masks.
INGREDIENTS TO AVOID FOR OILY SKIN
HARSH PHYSICAL EXFOLIANTS
While physical exfoliants may clear away dead skin cells, the friction may irritate your skin, which may trigger excess sebum production. It might seem tempting to use heavy exfoliants to combat heavily oily skin but this can actually exacerbate the problem by stripping away the skin's natural moisture barrier. It's best to use gentle scrubs and chemical exfoliants to remove excess oil and dead skin cells.
OIL-BASED
Some cosmetics and skincare are oil-based, making them ideal for dry skin types, but adding oily products to already oily skin doesn't help the greasy skin appearance. It can also cause clogged pores and breakouts, which is why it's generally recommended to stick to water-based products.
FRAGRANCE
Products formulated with fragrance can irritate the skin, which can strip away the skin's moisture barrier and trigger more oil production. Always opt for fragrance-free skincare products that won't leave the skin irritated.
ALCOHOL
While astringents are great for oily skin, an alcohol astringent can dehydrate the skin and cause more oil production. While alcohol-based products offer a temporary matte finish, it's better to avoid them, opt for an alcohol free or low-alcohol concentrated astringent.
OCCLUSIVE EMOLLIENTS
Occlusive emollients provide hydration, but do so by locking in moisture with a thick layer of product, which can trap oil and block pores that are common in oily skin types. Oily skin needs to breathe, which is why humectants, like hyaluronic acid, are better for hydrating oily skin.
SKINCARE ROUTINE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR OILY SKIN
With the right ingredients for oily skin outlined, let's take a look at how you can incorporate these ingredients into your routine.
GENTLE CLEANSER
Cleanser is essential for all skin types. A gentle gel cleanser helps to purify the skin and remove excess oil. The Effaclar Micro-Peeling Purifying Gel Cleanser contains salicylic acid and LHAs to combat excess oil production that causes blemishes and clogged pores.
TONER
Toning after cleansing assists in restoring your skin’s pH balance and delivers an extra boost of moisture. The Serozinc Mattifying Toning Mist is a purifying tony specifically designed for oily, blemish prone skin. Apply toner after cleanser to help remove impurities left behind after cleanser.
.jpg?sw=1440&q=70)
SERUMS
Serums are your best option for incorporating any active ingredients into your skincare regime. The Effaclar Anti-Acne Salicylic Acid Serum helps to visibly reduce oily skin and regulate oil production for a balanced complexion.
MOISTURISER
Opting for a lightweight moisturiser that’s oil-free can deliver the necessary moisture without adding to the overproduction of sebum. The Effaclar Matte Anti-Shine Moisturiser is an oil-regulating cream moisturise designed to visibly reduce excess oil.
.jpg?sw=1440&q=70)
SUN PROTECTION
It’s crucial not to overlook sun protection in your skincare routine. To safeguard oily skin while preventing pore blockage and controlling sheen, select matte-finish like the Anthelios XL Anti-Shine Dry Touch Facial Sunscreen.
LISTEN TO YOUR SKIN
Remember, every skin type is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. Listen to your skin, and adjust your routine as needed. Here’s to your journey towards healthy-looking, happier skin!
Apply 20 minutes before sun exposure. Sunscreen is only one part of sun protection so wear protective clothing and seek shade. Avoid prolonged sun exposure. Reapply every 2 hours before and after swimming, towelling and perspiring in accordance with directions.
Stay In Touch
