How to care for oily skin
Lucas PINOS
8 min
Summary
Shiny skin, imperfections, enlarged pores: oily skin can sometimes be the cause of a real complex for those affected. 😓
But there's no need to be overly alarmed; it is possible to alleviate these inconveniences by adopting an appropriate care routine and changing your habits (a little).
By the way, for your information, oily skin affects more than 17% of French people. Well, if it doesn't really comfort you to know that you're not alone in experiencing this stubborn skin problem , let's instead discuss the behaviors and treatments that will help you tame this recalcitrant skin type.
Here we go, we're revealing the best practices for taking care of your oily skin . 🌟
Causes and characteristics of oily skin
A quick overview of oily skin : yes, to defeat your enemy, you need to know your strengths and weaknesses. 💪
How to recognize the signs of oily skin?
You are likely to have oily skin if it has the following characteristics:
shiny areas located on the face, but also on the back and scalp;
the appearance of imperfections such as acne pimples and blackheads;
the presence of dilated pores ;
dull skin that lacks brightness and radiance;
makeup that doesn't last all day (foundation tends to run on oily skin, which makes the problem worse). 😕
Why do we have oily skin?
So why you?
It's true, nature is sometimes cruel 😅, but it is not solely responsible...
Oily skin is linked to excessive sebum production, which is essential because it plays a protective role in the epidermis.
Unfortunately, some people experience hyperseborrhea, which is an overproduction of sebum. This is often due to internal factors, but also to other causes that can be addressed.
Internal factors
- Hormones are often the main culprit behind oily skin. People with hormonal fluctuations are usually affected during adolescence, menstruation, pregnancy, or the onset of menopause.
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Genetics also plays a role in this. If your parents tend to have oily skin, it's very likely that you'll be predisposed too. Well, let's not be defeatist: with luck, you might be spared. 🍀
External factors
A poor diet can significantly worsen the problem. Excessive consumption of foods rich in sugar, fat, and dairy products is the worst way to take care of oily skin! 😱
Stress tends to disrupt hormonal functions. And since we saw above that these beloved hormones contribute to sebum production, we'll let you guess the result.
External aggressions such as overly aggressive cosmetics, UV rays or pollution also increase sebum production.
The targeted routine for taking care of oily skin
As you can see, the characteristics of oily skin will be accentuated by certain behaviors. Furthermore, by choosing the right routine, you can also reduce imperfections and shine.
Let's see together what is the best routine to take care of this oily skin . 🚀
Deep clean
We begin this skincare routine for oily skin with a thorough cleansing. But be careful, too aggressive a scrubbing can further stimulate sebum production!
To avoid this overproduction of sebum, alternate between classic cleansers and cleansers specially designed for this skin type. We recommend the double cleansing technique. It consists of first melting away makeup and unclogging pores with an oily substance such as a balm or cleansing oil. Then comes the cleanser, which will eliminate the last remaining impurities and any remaining oily film, for deeply cleansed skin. Gel, milk, or other cleansing products for oily skin are ideal for gentle cleansing.
Exfoliate regularly
Exfoliation is useful for:
cleanse the surface of the epidermis;
refine skin texture;
tighten pores;
remove dead skin;
stimulate cell renewal;
boost blood circulation;
promote the penetration of care products suitable for oily skin;
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improve skin oxygenation.
We recommend choosing chemical exfoliants over mechanical exfoliants. The micro-grains in mechanical exfoliation can create micro-lesions on your skin, which can trigger a defensive response in the skin barrier: an overproduction of sebum.
Chemical exfoliants should be gradually incorporated into your evening routine to get your skin used to this type of treatment without feeling damaged. Generally, it's recommended to apply your exfoliant once a week, gradually increasing the length of time you leave it on.
Finally, don't forget that sun protection is essential after exfoliation in your morning routine (even if it is essential every day of the year 😉).
Choose suitable serums and lotions
These oily skin care products are designed to treat the epidermis and reduce imperfections. However, we recommend choosing natural products, which are generally less harsh on the skin.
Don't skip hydration
Contrary to popular belief, oily skin also needs to be moisturized. Even if it produces excess sebum, it can still be dehydrated. This statement is even more true if you use skincare products for oily skin, which tend to dry out the skin . There are indeed moisturizers suitable for this type of skin. Don't hesitate to adopt them. 💧
Purifying masks: essential treatments for oily skin
Purifying masks enhance the effects of oily skincare products and tighten pores. Using them will make your complexion more radiant and less prone to developing blemishes.
Don't forget sunscreen
Whatever your skin type, it is essential to protect it with sunscreen. Sunscreen can slow down skin aging, according to an Australian study .
Mistakes to avoid when you have oily skin
Now that you know the dos and don'ts of taking care of your oily skin, here are the dos and don'ts.
Well, we agree, it's easier said than done. 😅
Avoid harsh cosmetics
The harsher the products are on the skin, the more it will tend to produce sebum. It is therefore preferable to choose natural cleansers, formulated for this skin type.
Avoid junk food
Fat, sugar, and dairy products also stimulate sebum production. To take care of your skin (and everything else), choose a balanced diet.
Protect yourself from stress
Stress (it again!) also has an impact on the skin's hormonal balance, and therefore on sebum production. Avoid stressful situations and consider incorporating relaxing activities into your daily routine. Yoga, meditation, and gentle exercise will also be helpful in taking care of your oily skin.
Hygiene: a golden rule for taking care of your oily skin
Cleanse your face regularly as explained above, and above all, avoid touching your face with dirty hands. Since hands carry germs, they can spread impurities and encourage the appearance of new blemishes. Also, remember to change your pillowcases frequently. 😉
What innovations are there to treat oily skin?
If, despite all these tips, your oily skin is still playing up, we have other solutions for you to explore. 🌟
Professional dermatological care
Some dermatologists or beauty salons offer treatments for oily skin that may offer you significant results, such as:
drug treatments;
chemical peeling;
the laser;
light therapy.
Advanced technology devices
Here are some innovations to try at home.
The microdermabrasion device that allows deep skin cleansing.
Cleansing brushes that provide gentle exfoliation.
LED masks whose light produces help destroy germs responsible for acne, but also reduce redness and stimulate skin regeneration.
Taking care of oily skin requires consistency and attention to achieve satisfactory results. Patience and perseverance will therefore be required to achieve the radiant skin you dream of. ⏳ ✨
