Article Overview
- If you struggle with a shiny, greasy appearance, have enlarged pores and are prone to breakouts, you might have oily skin. This skin type produces an excess of sebum production, and can be genetic or triggered by hormonal changes, stress, lifestyle, or even climate. While oily skin can be unavoidable, the right skincare can help manage excess sebum production for a smoother, brighter complexion. Let’s take a look at the best skincare ingredients for oily skin types.
What are the characteristics of oily skin?
Oily skin is characterised by an excess production of sebum, the skin’s natural oils, which can lead to a persistently shiny or greasy appearance, mostly around the T-zone (forehead, nose and chin). Oily skin is also more likely to have enlarged pores, rough or uneven skin texture, and is more prone to pimples and blemishes.
What skincare ingredients should I look for with oily skin?
When choosing skincare, look for exfoliating, purifying and mattifying ingredients. Keep skincare lightweight, and avoid harsh ingredients that can exacerbate oiliness.
Ingredient | How It works for oily skin | Found in |
---|---|---|
Salicylic Acid (BHA) | Gently exfoliates to remove dead skin cells and manage sebum production; less irritating than physical exfoliants. | Cleansers, moisturisers, serums |
AHAs (e.g., glycolic, lactic, citric acids) | Exfoliates surface skin layers, promotes smoother complexion, reduces surface oil and shine. | Cleansers, moisturisers, serums |
Hyaluronic Acid | Lightweight humectant, hydrates without heaviness, balances skin to prevent excess sebum production. | Moisturisers, serums, toners |
Retinol | Regulates excess oil production by speeding up skin cell turnover, reduces blemishes, smooths skin. | Serums and creams |
Niacinamide | Supports moisture barrier, manages excess oil, reduces post-blemish marks. | Cleansers, serums, moisturisers |
Astringents | Tightens and unclogs pores, gently exfoliates, balances skin pH. | Toners |
Clay | Absorbs oil, removes dirt and impurities, improves skin texture and blemishes. | Facial masks |
Zinc | Regulates excess sebum production, reduces shine, mattifies skin. | Facial masks, moisturisers |
Best skincare ingredients for managing oily skin
Salicylic Acid (BHA)
This oil-soluble acid penetrates pores to exfoliate trapped dead skin cells and excess sebum, preventing breakouts and reducing oiliness. Salicylic acid is a key ingredient for managing breakouts and keeping pores clear.
AHAs (glycolic, lactic, citric acids)
These acids exfoliate the skin's surface, removing dead skin cells and promoting a brighter, smoother complexion. They can also help reduce excess surface oil and improve skin texture.
Hyaluronic acid
While it might seem counterintuitive to add moisture to oily skin, hyaluronic acid is a lightweight hydrator that can actually help balance oil production. Dehydrated skin can overcompensate with even more oil production, so keeping skin properly hydrated can help prevent this.
Retinol
This powerful ingredient helps speed up cell turnover to help manage excess oil, prevent breakouts and reveal fresher, smoother skin. Retinol is often used to address persistent breakouts, which is often caused by excess oil production and clogged pores.
Niacinamide
Niacinamide is a multi-tasking ingredient that helps manage excess oil production by promoting the production of essential lipids that make up the moisture barrier. Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, also helps to minimise the appearance of enlarged pores and visibly reduce redness, making it beneficial for oily and blemish-prone skin.
Astringents
Astringents work by temporarily tightening pores and removing excess oil that can clog pores. Astringent ingredients are found in various toners that help balance out pH levels while creating a smooth base for the rest of your skincare routine.
Clay
Clay masks absorb excess oil and impurities, deep cleaning pores and mattifying the skin. They can be a helpful addition to an oily skincare routine, used once or twice a week.
Zinc
This mineral helps regulate excess sebum production, reducing shine and promoting a more matte complexion. It can also help and comfort the skin.
Tips for managing oily skin
In addition to the right ingredients, it’s important to tailor a skincare routine for oily. Oily skin has specific characteristics that require a distinct approach to skincare. Here’s our top tips for managing oily skin:
- Use a gentle cleanser: Use a gentle foaming cleanser formulated for oily skin, avoid harsh scrubs that can irritate the skin and trigger excess oil production.
- Avoid over-washing: While cleansing is important, you can overdo it. Excess washing can compromise the moisture barrier, leading to a rebound effect where your skin produces more oil to compensate. Twice a day is plenty!
- Exfoliate regularly (but not too often!): Exfoliation removes dead skin cells that can clog pores and contribute to an oily appearance. Use a chemical exfoliant containing salicylic acid (BHA) or glycolic acid (AHA) 1-2 times a week. Avoid harsh physical scrubs that can irritate the skin.
- Add an optional toner: A toner can help balance your skin's pH and remove any residual impurities your cleanser hasn’t reached.
- Don’t forget to hydrate: Oily skin still needs moisture, and if the skin is dehydrated it may actually produce more oil. Use a lightweight, oil-free moisturiser formulated with hyaluronic acid to hydrate without being too heavy on the skin.
- Add a clay mask: Clay masks can help absorb excess oil and purify the skin. You can use a clay mask once or twice a week to keep the skin smooth and clear.
- Choose oil-free and non-comedogenic products:Look for makeup, sunscreen, and other skincare products labeled "oil-free" and "non-comedogenic." This means they won't clog pores or contribute to breakouts.
- Blot throughout the day: Blotting paper is a good quick fix for excess oil and shine throughout the day. Gently press blotting paper to oily areas of skin to absorb excess oil without removing your makeup.
- Listen to your skin: Pay attention to how your skin feels and adjust your routine accordingly. If a product is causing irritation or breakouts, stop using it.
- Consult a dermatologist: If you're struggling with persistent oiliness breakouts, consider consulting a dermatologist. They can recommend personalised skincare to manage skin concerns.