Balancing oily skin is about more than just controlling shine or fighting breakouts. It’s about finding the right routine that supports the skin barrier, reduces excess oil production, and includes calming and active ingredients. Dermatologists warn against harsh cleansers and over-exfoliation, as these can do more harm than good.
Oily skin can be caused by various factors, such as genetics, stress, medication, humidity, skincare products, and hormonal changes. Long-term untreated oily skin can lead to enlarged pores and sebaceous hyperplasias, which are small skin-colored growths.
To help create the perfect oily skin routine, we consulted with two top dermatologists. Here’s what they recommend:
Featured Experts
- Rachel Nazarian, MD is a board-certified dermatologist in New York
- Dr. Janet Allenby is a board-certified dermatologist in Delray Beach, FL
Step 1: Start With a Gentle Cleanser
Over-washing is a common mistake for those with oily skin. A gentle, unscented cleanser is recommended to remove surface oil and bacteria without stripping the skin. Avoid harsh cleansing products that can irritate the skin.
Step 2: Skip the Scrubs
Exfoliating may not be necessary in a balanced oily skin routine. It doesn’t significantly impact oil production and can sometimes do more harm than good.
Step 3: Add in Oil-Regulating Actives
Focus on leave-on ingredients like sulfur, retinoids, and salicylic acid to regulate oil production and give the skin a matte appearance.
Step 4: Don’t Skip Moisturizer
Hydrating oily skin is important to prevent excess oil production. Choose water-based moisturizers with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or ceramides to support the skin barrier.
Step 5: Incorporate a Retinoid
Retinoids can help balance oil production and improve skin texture over time. Look for a gentle, hydrating retinol to incorporate into your routine.
Step 6: Always Wear Sunscreen
Even oily skin needs sunscreen to protect against sun damage. Choose a water-based SPF to avoid clogging pores and making the skin shinier.
To maintain a healthy and intact skin barrier, opt for non-comedogenic, oil-free skincare products that provide broad-spectrum protection and a matte finish. These products are ideal for oily skin types and help keep the skin balanced and free from impurities and excess oil. Choose fragrance-free cleansers, oil-free facial creams, and serums with ingredients like salicylic acid, AHAs, and BHAs to treat and prevent breakouts. Additionally, look for products infused with hyaluronic acid and soothing ingredients like aloe vera to keep the skin hydrated without making it look shiny. Consider using a milky toner with peptides and ceramides to strengthen the skin barrier, and don’t forget to apply a transparent sunscreen with hyaluronic acid for added hydration. For a complete skincare routine, try products that combine oil-targeting ingredients with hydrating ingredients to maintain a healthy balance for oily skin. following sentence in a different way:
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