Don’t you just wish that your complexion looked glowy, not greasy? It’s not all bad because we do need oil to keep our skin soft and maintain the barrier that keeps moisture in. But excess oil leaves many of us concerned with breakouts, an overly shiny face and the stress of our makeup sliding off within hours. The good news: It’s possible to get oily skin under control. If you’re wondering about the best skin care products for you, we have an oily skin care routine with Eminence Organic Skin Care product recommendations. But first, let’s find out if you have oily skin and whether you identify with these symptoms.
5 Oily Skin Symptoms You May Notice
Take a glance at the following symptoms to identify if you have oily skin:
1. Skin Is Greasy To The Touch
Is your skin greasy to the touch? Do you have to use blotting paper or a tissue to remove excess oil? If so, you most likely have oily skin. This type of skin is due to the sebaceous glands under your pores, which produce natural oils called sebum. Sebum keeps your skin healthy and protected, but if your skin is greasy to the touch, the sebaceous glands are working overtime producing excess oil.
2. A Shiny-Looking Appearance
You know you have oily skin if your complexion is always shiny, even a short time after washing your face. If your T-zone (the forehead, nose and chin) is mostly shiny-looking, this is another sign of having oily skin.
3. You Have Large Pores
Do you have large, obvious pores around the nose? Are your pores very frequently clogged? These are additional signs of an oily skin type.
4. Your Skin Soaks Up Makeup Quickly
Makeup may look cakey or unblended for dry skin types, but for oily skin types, makeup acts differently and absorbs into the skin surface. Not only can cosmetics disappear into the skin, whatever makeup remains also slides off throughout the day. You may find yourself powdering excessively to lock everything in.
5. Acne Breakouts And Blackheads
Since oily complexions have enlarged pores that easily clog, oily skin types often suffer from blackheads and breakouts.
How To Get Rid Of Oily Skin
As Dr. Hooman Khorasani, Dermatologic and Cosmetic Surgeon explains, if you have oily skin, your skin produces more oil which leads to side effects like acne breakouts and a consistent sheen across the face. Here are some easy ways to keep oily skin under control.
Avoid Over Cleansing
“To combat oily skin, many people make the mistake of over-cleaning, which doesn’t necessarily stop oil production but can lead to drying out the skin,” says Dr. Khorasani. It seems logical that washing your face would help remove excess oil, but avoid over-cleansing so that you don’t remove the skin’s natural barrier.
Choose A Gel Or Lotion
The cleanser you choose is crucial. For oily skin types, select cleansers that are in gel or lotion formulations, advises Dr. Khorasani. You can choose a cleanser with a BHA like salicylic acid which will help dissolve excess oil.
Apply Light-Weight Moisturizers
Choosing moisturizers can be a challenge for oily skin but light-weight, or “matte” moisturizers can be a solution. Oil-absorbing sheets are always good to have on hand throughout the day as well, advises Dr. Khorasani.
An Oily Skin Care Routine
One of the best ways to tackle oily skin is through your skin care routine. Here are the steps and best skin care products we recommend to keep your oily skin looking fresh and matte.
1. Double-Cleanse
One skin care myth we have to bust: Oil cleansers make skin more oily. In fact, they can actually improve the look of oily skin by absorbing excess sebum from its surface. Heidi Waldorf, MD tells Cosmopolitan: “It might sound counterintuitive, but oil cleansers were made for greasy skin types. The oil in the face wash attracts your skin’s sebum, so you can rinse both away without stripping your face.” One of the best ways to give oily skin a thorough – but gentle – clean is by adding a double-cleanse to your skin care routine. Start by removing excess oil and makeup with Stone Crop Cleansing Oil and then cleanse on a deeper scale with your favorite Eminence Organics cleanser. For oily skin, use a face wash formulated for problem skin like Clear Skin Probiotic Cleanser, which will help mattify the skin’s appearance.
2. Exfoliate (Gently)
Exfoliation is one of the most important steps for oily skin — but don’t go overboard. Gentle exfoliation helps remove build up on the skin’s surface as well as unclog and minimize pores.
3. Moisturize (Yes, Really)
Adding moisture to already slick skin may be counterintuitive, but it is an important step in caring for oily skin. In fact, lack of hydration can cause skin to produce even more sebum in an effort to maintain moisture. Stanley Kovak, MD tells SELF: “Believe it or not, a moisturizer will add moisture to the skin, minimizing the skin’s perception that it is too dry. Adding moisture to the skin actually helps reduce the oiliness because it helps slow down sebum production.”
We recommend keeping oily skin hydrated and healthy by using a lightweight moisturizer that pulls double-duty to minimize pores and control oil. A few of our go-to moisturizers for oily skin:
4. Use A Toner
Still feeling oily? Keep skin looking matte all day with Red Currant Mattifying Mist. This refreshing mist is infused with natural astringents red currant and elderflower to tighten pores, as well as a Youth Shield Antioxidant Complex that hydrates and protects skin against abuse from the element.
Retail customer Shannon says in her 5-star review on our website: “I adore this toner! One spritz combats any shininess I might have and makes my moisturizer last twice as long. I use it in conjunction with the Red Currant Protective Moisturizer, and this really ups its game. My skin has never looked better! My skin is soothed, soft, matte, toned, and protected …”
Do you struggle with this skin type? We’d love to hear your tips and tricks on how to stop oily skin. Share your thoughts with us in the comments below, and join the conversation on social media.