Skin Care For Oily Skin

Looking after your skin can be tough when you have oily skin. This guide will help you understand oily skin, and bust myths and give you an effective skin care for oily skin routine to manage excess oil.

What Is Oily Skin?

Oily skin is when your sebaceous glands produce too much sebum. While sebum is needed to keep your skin moisturised and protect it from external factors, too much of it can cause a host of problems. Oily skin looks shiny, has bigger pores and is more prone to acne and blackheads. This excess oil can clog pores which can lead to acne and textured skin. Understanding oily skin will help you develop a targeted skincare routine and help you find skin care tools to fix it.

What Causes Oily Skin? 

Several factors contribute to oily skin, necessitating careful and deliberate skin care for oily skin routine.

Genetics

If oily skin runs in your family, you are more likely to have it too. Genetics play a significant role in determining your skin type and the amount of oil your sebaceous glands produce. The number of sebaceous glands and their activity levels are inherited traits, so if your parents or siblings have oily skin, you might too.

Hormonal Changes

Hormonal fluctuations can affect oil production. This is common during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy or menopause where increased levels of androgens, the male hormones present in both men and women, stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce more oil. Conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) can also cause hormonal imbalances leading to excess oil production.

Overactive Sebaceous Glands

Some people’s sebaceous glands are naturally more active and produce more oil on the skin's surface. Stress and diet can affect gland activity. High glycemic foods like sugary snacks and refined carbohydrates can cause insulin spikes which in turn stimulates the sebaceous glands to produce more oil. 

Humidity And Heat

Environmental factors like humidity and heat can also stimulate sebaceous glands to produce more oil. This is why skin feels oilier during summer or in hot climates. Increased sweating in these conditions can mix with excess oil clog pores and cause acne. So, you need to take the weather into account in your skin-care for oily skin routine.

What Are The Common Myths About Skin Care For Oily Skin?

Several myths about skincare for oily skin can lead to ineffective routines. Let’s debunk a few:

Oily Skin Doesn’t Need Moisturiser

A common myth in skin care for oily skin is that you shouldn't moisturise. In reality, skipping moisturiser can cause the skin to produce more oil to compensate for the lack of hydration. You need to use a lightweight, oil-free moisturiser. 

For example, The Base Collective Magnesium And Vitamin E Cream combine magnesium, Vitamin E, shea butter and sunflower oil to hydrate without adding excess oil. This cream helps balance your skin’s moisture levels and breaks the cycle of overproduction.

Oily Skin Doesn’t Need Sunscreen

Some think sunscreen makes oily skin worse. But sunscreen is essential for all skin types to protect against UV damage. The Base Collective Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen with SPF50, hydrates and shields the skin without clogging pores. Its oil-free, chemical-free formula includes hyaluronic acid and magnesium to keep your skin healthy and prevent premature ageing and skin cancer. For more information about natural sunscreen click here.

Oily Skin Doesn’t Need Cleansing

There’s a myth in skin care for oily skin, that less cleansing is better. But the truth is proper cleansing is important to remove excess oil, dirt and impurities. You need to find a gentle cleanser that cleans without stripping the skin. 

The Base Collective Magnesium White Tea Hand And Body Wash 500ml combines aloe vera juice, organic avocado oil and sweet almond oil to moisturise and feed your skin back to life making it look revived and smooth to the touch.

What Is The Best Skin Care Routine For Oily Skin?

A good skin care for oily skin routine has several key steps to control the oil and get a clear complexion:

Cleansing

Start with a gentle foaming cleanser that removes excess oil and impurities without drying out the skin. Cleansing twice a day, morning and night is a must. Look for cleansers with salicylic acid or glycolic acid that exfoliates and prevents clogged pores. The Base Collective White Tea And Magnesium pH Balanced Wash is a perfect solution for skin care for oily skin as it cleanses deep and balances the skin’s pH without harsh ingredients.

Exfoliating

Exfoliating removes dead skin cells that can clog pores and cause acne. Use a chemical exfoliant with salicylic acid 2-3 times a week. While physical exfoliants can be too harsh, chemical exfoliants like those in The Base Collective Beauty Sleep Wash dissolve dead skin cells gently and prevent clogged pores and smooth skin texture. See more about the benefits of using a body wash every day here.

Toning 

A toner can balance the skin’s pH and remove any remaining impurities. Look for alcohol-free toners with witch hazel or tea tree oil that control oil production. Toning tightens pores and prepares the skin for the next steps in your routine so serums and moisturisers can absorb better.

Moisturising 

Oily skin needs moisture. Go for a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturiser that hydrates without adding oil. Gel moisturisers are often a good option in skin care for oily skin. Avoid heavy creams, body oils or products with occlusive ingredients like mineral oil that can worsen oiliness and cause breakouts. Instead, try The Base Collective Beauty Sleep Balm 75ml, a soothing lavender-scented lotion that gives deep moisturisation.  

Using Oil-Free Products 

Choose oil-free skin care and makeup products to avoid clogging pores and worsening oiliness. Non-comedogenic products are specifically designed not to block pores. Look for labels that say “oil-free” and “non-comedogenic” to make sure the products won’t add to oil production.

Using Clay Masks

Clay masks are great for absorbing oil and unclogging pores. Use a clay mask once or twice a week to get clear skin and reduce shine. Ingredients like kaolin and bentonite clay can pull out impurities and excess sebum, and leave the skin feeling fresh and matte. Apply to clean skin, leave on for the time recommended and rinse thoroughly.

What To Look For In Skincare Products For Oily Skin?

Some ingredients are better for oily skin than others. Here are some to watch out for:

Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that goes deep into the pores to remove excess oil and dead skin cells. It’s great for preventing and treating acne. Salicylic acid also has anti-inflammatory properties to reduce redness and swelling from acne. Look for products with salicylic acid to keep your skin clear.

Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide is great for acne. It reduces bacteria on the skin and oil production. Benzoyl peroxide works by releasing oxygen into the pores which kills acne-causing bacteria and clears existing blemishes. It can be found in cleansers and spot treatments. Start with a lower concentration to minimise irritation and increase as needed. 

Clay

Ingredients like kaolin and bentonite clay are good for oil absorption and detoxifying the skin. Clay masks can mattify the skin and prevent clogged pores. They are good for oily skin, pulling out impurities and reducing shine. Look for clay masks that combine clay with soothing ingredients like aloe vera or chamomile to not dry out the skin.

Witch Hazel

Witch hazel is a natural astringent that tightens pores and controls oil. It’s good for reducing redness and irritation and balancing the skin’s pH. Witch hazel is found in toners and spot treatments. Choose alcohol-free witch hazel to not dry out the skin and cause more oiliness.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that are great for acne and oil control. It can reduce the size and severity of pimples and prevent future blackouts. In skin care for oily skin, tea tree oil can be used as a spot treatment or mixed with carrier oil for larger areas. Always patch test before using tea tree oil to avoid having an allergic reaction.

Skin care for oily skin requires a full-on approach that includes cleansing, exfoliating, toning and moisturising. By understanding the causes of oily skin and busting the myths you can tailor your skin care routine to manage excess oil and related problems. Adding Rest and Digest natural skin care products can further enhance your self-care routine naturally and effectively. Consistency is key and using products specifically designed for skin care for oily skin will keep you in maintaining a clear and glowing complexion.