10 Tips On How To Control Oily Skin

“Why is my skin so oily?”

Does your skin shine instead of glow during the day? If you find yourself wondering why your skin looks greasy, chances are you have an oily skin type that needs extra TLCs. People with an oily skin type generally experience an excess production of sebum but the good news is, there are many ways to counteract this symptom. In this article, we show you how to control oily skin with 10 effective tips.

What Causes Oily Skin

Sebum is a waxy substance naturally produced in our skin. It is essential for your skin’s health as it hydrates and protects your skin barrier. However, people with oily skin have overactive sebaceous glands that produce excessive sebum. This is what causes oily skin and increases your risk of clogged pores which can lead to acne.

While genetics is primarily what causes oily skin, environmental factors such as high humidity and drying skincare products can trigger more sebum production. Signs that you have oily skin include shine, enlarged pores and blemishes. If you are unsure of your skin type, you can read Skincare Basics: How Do I Determine My Skin Type to discover more ways to identify your skin type.

10 Tips To Tackle Oily Skin

Discover how to control oily skin with these recommended updates to your skincare regimen and habits.

1. Good Facial Cleansing Habits
   It may be tempting to wash your face multiple times a day to remove excess oil. However, doing so will strip your skin of its moisture and cause it to produce more oil. Instead, cleanse your complexion not more than twice daily and use lukewarm water so that your skin is not stressed out by extreme temperatures. Gently massage your face for 1-2 minutes to allow time for your cleanser to work before rinsing it off.

2. Avoid Drying Skincare Ingredients
   Choosing the right skincare products for your skin type is half the battle won. Steer clear of drying skincare ingredients, such as drying alcohols in toners and irritants like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) commonly found in foaming cleansers. These harmful compounds may deliver an instant refreshing skin-tightening effect that reassures people with oily skin type but the result is superficial and will weaken your skin barrier over time.
3. Make Chemical Exfoliator Your Ally
   Oily skin increases the risk of pore congestion and a chemical exfoliator is the best antidote to that. Incorporate gentle yet effective exfoliators, such as Glycolic Acid and Salicylic Acid. Glycolic Acid has the smallest molecule size among Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) which enables it to penetrate more deeply to dissolve oil, while Salicylic Acid is a Beta-Hydroxy Acid (BHA) that work similarly but is milder and suitable for sensitive skin.
4. Sheet Masks that Contain Sebum Control Ingredients
   A fuss-free way to supercharge your skincare routine, apply a quick-and-easy sheet mask developed for oily skin in the morning before you head out the door. Saborino’s Minty Fresh Morning Mask contains sebum control ingredients while delivering the skin with a hydrating blend of superfood ingredients to keep excess sebum production at bay throughout the day. Not only that, it helps to reduce puffy eyes and face in the morning too!
5. Don’t Skip the Moisturiser
   Dehydration can cause your skin to overcompensate and produce more oil. Opt for a lightweight moisturiser that is perfect for the tropical climate. A fast-absorbing formula with Hyaluronic Acid helps to trap moisture and keep your skin supple all day. Avoid using rich creams in the morning especially if you will be layering on makeup.
6. Oil-Control Skincare Ingredients Are Your BFFs
   Niacinamide, also known as Vitamin B3, is proven to be effective at regulating oil production and it helps your skin to retain moisture via a lipid barrier. Another oil-control ingredient to look out for is Benzoyl Peroxide which decongests pores of excess oil and dead skin cells. In addition, Retinol is a powerhouse recommended by plastic surgeon Dr Lara Devgan for oily skin, “Retinol increases the rate of skin cell turnover and reduces sebum production.”
7. Choose A Mattifying Makeup Primer
   Does your foundation tend to slide off your face due to oiliness? A mattifying makeup primer is the key to counteract shine and deliver extra staying power. “Mattifying primers help control oil throughout the day, but they’re also amazing for minimising the appearance of texture in the skin,” says makeup artist Joney Williamson.
8. Facial Mist For All-Day Hydration
   Adding moisture to an oily skin may seem counterintuitive but it is crucial to prevent your skin from producing excess oil. Skincare should be an all-day ritual. Enjoy an instant hydration boost by bringing along with you a portable facial mist so you can replenish moisture with ease.
9. Blotting Sheets On Standby
   Put your best face forward with blotting papers on standby. These are super handy and best of all, won’t spoil your makeup so always carry some in your handbag or keep some spare in your office so you can take away shine and freshen up in an instant.
10. Consume Low-Glycemic Foods
    

    Here’s how to control oily skin from within! Build a healthy balanced diet filled with low-glycemic index foods which, unlike high-glycemic foods, do not cause blood sugar levels to spike and therefore does not result in the production of the IGF-1 hormone that is associated with increased sebum production. Besides that, there may be other health benefits associated with such foods, like lower cholesterol, reduced risk of heart disease and others.

    Now that you know what causes oily skin, give these 10 tips on how to control oily skin a try and we promise you that the frustrating thought of “Why is my skin so oily?” will no longer cross your mind!