MEN'S SKINCARE ROUTINE FOR OILY SKIN
Oily skin can be a common frustration for men, due to their generally thicker skin type and visibly larger pores. In this article, we dive into how tailoring your skincare routine can help reduce excess oil production and combat visibly oily skin.
THE ROLE OF SEBUM PRODUCTION
Oily skin is a result of hyperactive sebaceous glands secreting an abundance of oil or sebum, giving the shiny, glossy appearance. Although maintaining some level of oil on your skin is essential for its condition, overactive sebaceous glands can leave a frustrating, greasy sheen on the face, cause clogged pores and lead to unwanted breakouts.
WHAT CAUSES OILY SKIN?
Your skin's oil production is impacted by a number of factors.
HORMONES
Have you noticed your skin is overly oily sometimes, but dry at other times? Hormonal fluctuations and spikes can cause excess sebum production that leads to oily skin. This is commonly the case when we go through puberty, and why we’re more likely to have blemishes as teenagers.
GENES
If oily skin is common in your family history, it’s likely that you may also experience heightened activity from your sebaceous glands and thus produce more oil.
PORE SIZE
Men are also more likely to have visibly larger pores, making it more likely for pores to be clogged with excess oil and dead skin cells. Visibly enlarged pores naturally increases the likelihood of having an oily skin type.
ENVIRONMENT
Our environment plays a huge role in oil production and visibly oily skin. A few environmental factors include:
- Hot climates can lead to excess sweating which triggers sebum production that exacerbates oily skin. This is why oily skin becomes more of an issue during summer and spring.
- Humidity causes the pores to expand and sets off more sebum production, making already oily skin even oilier.
- Air pollution triggers sebaceous glands to produce excess oil to protect the skin from aggressors. Metropolitan cities have higher levels of pollution, which is why you might notice oily skin is more of a problem when you live in metro areas.
STRESS
One of the major contributors to oily skin is stress levels. Stress triggers the production of cortisol, which in turn triggers sebum production. When we're regularly stressed, our sebaceous glands are in overdrive, which translates to oily skin. One way to combat oily skin is to take a look at what could be triggering stress and strategies to minimise these stress triggers.
MEN’S SKINCARE FOR OILY SKIN
While some of the factors leading to oily skin can’t be avoided, your skincare routine can help manage excess oil production and shiny-looking skin. Control oily skin with a tailored skincare routine.
CLEANSERS
To prevent clogged pores and breakouts, use a gentle, water-based cleanser to remove impurities and excess oil from the skin. Make sure you don't overdo it with cleanser, as this can strip away the skin's natural oils and trigger more sebum production to compensate. Limit cleansing to twice a day, morning and night, or following intense exercise and sweating.
Look for an oil free cleanser containing ingredients formulated to target the overproduction of sebum, like the Effaclar + M Purifying and Foaming Gel Cleanser.
EXFOLIANTS
Regular exfoliation helps to remove dead skin cells, clear out and unclog pores and reduce the build up sebum on the skin's surface. Look for an exfoliating cleanser formulated with LHAs and salicylic acid to micro-exfoliate and unclog pores. The Effaclar Micro-Peeling Purifying Gel Cleanser is a great exfoliating cleanser for oily and blemish-prone skin.
TONER
Toner helps to clear away any impurities and dead skin cells left behind from cleanser, plus help to maintain the skin's pH levels and tighten pores. For oily skin, look for a balancing toner formulated with astringents, like the Serozinc Mattifying Toning Facial Mist.
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS FOR MEN WITH OILY SKIN
Active ingredients found in face serums can help to target oily skin concerns. Ingredients and serums to look for to manage oily skin include.
NIACINAMIDE
Niacinamide is a type of vitamin B3 used to reduce the production of sebum and help with dark spots and post-blemish marks. Niacinamide is a key ingredient in the Mela B3 Niacinamide Serum.
RETINOL
Retinol supports the skin’s natural renewal cycle by stimulating cell turnover and promoting collagen production. This process helps to clear away excess oil and minimise blemishes and breakouts. The Retinol B3 Anti-Ageing Serum contains retinol and niacinamide to help with uneven skin texture and skin tone.
SALICYLIC ACID
Salicylic acid helps to reduce breakouts and post-blemish marks by removing the outer layer of dead skin cells. Oily skin types prone to breakouts might find salicylic acid serums help to control oil production.
MOISTURISER
Even if you have oily skin, it’s important to keep it hydrated. Lack of moisturiser might actually trigger an increase in oil production as the skin tries to compensate for the lack of moisture. If you’re worried about adding too much moisture to the skin, look for an oil free, non comedogenic, lightweight moisturiser, like the Effaclar Matte Anti-Shine Moisturiser that hydrates without leaving the skin looking greasy.
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SUN PROTECTION
Sun protection is essential to any skincare routine, no matter your skin type. Look for lightweight, anti-shine sun protection like the Anthelios XL Anti-Shine Dry Touch Facial Sunscreen for oily and blemish prone skin types.*
ADDITIONAL TIPS FOR MEN WITH OILY SKIN
BLOTTING PAPERS
Blotting papers soak up oil buildup without you needing to wash your face. It’s great for daily use, especially in the afternoon when sebum production is at its highest.
NON-COMEDOGENIC PRODUCTS
Comedogenic products clog pores, and clogged pores lead to oily skin and breakouts. Check the label on your skincare for "non-comedogenic".
MATTIFYING
Mattifying products are formulated with ingredients that help to absorb excess oil on the skin's surface. Look for products labelled as mattifying to help with visible oiliness.
PURIFYING FACE MASKS
If you want more from your skincare, consider using a facial mask containing clay to help clarify oily skin and manage excess sebum production. We recommend the Effaclar Anti-Acne Purifying Clay Mask.
SPEAK WITH A DERMATOLOGIST
Remember, your skin is as distinctive as you are. If you’re struggling with the right skincare routine, speak to a dermatologist that can identify the cause for oily skin and recommend products that can alleviate your skin concerns.
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