First things first – all skin types are completely natural. Yours is an innate part of you that won’t suddenly change overnight, and it shouldn’t. That being said, we know that sometimes life in our bodies isn’t always going to be perfect. While our skin types remain the same, our skin’s everyday life can be full of unpredictable moments or recurring patterns that we don’t love, whether it’s the weather or a change in the environment that has an impact. That’s why our Glow Academy range is here. to give you the tools to understand your skin type, what affects it and how to help it look and feel its best.
Of OILY SKINhis turn in the spotlight! This skin type is all about providing that everyday natural glow – even if we sometimes wish we didn’t…
SO WHAT EXACTLY IS OILY SKIN?
We may have been led to believe otherwise over the years, but oil is actually an innate ally of our skin. Whatever our skin type, our body produces an oil known as sebum that helps keep the arm’s length dry and maintains the skin’s moisture barrier. It just so happens that for those with oily skin, the sebaceous glands increase tingle and produce more sebum, causing extra shine and skin that feels greasy to the touch.
With this skin type, you’ll notice a consistent sheen throughout the day, and you’ll likely notice that your skin quickly becomes oily after a cleanse. Also, we all experience breakouts from time to time, but if you notice spots starting to claim permanent real estate on your face, it’s a strong sign of naturally oily skin. The excess sebum present in this skin type can lead to clogged pores, which is a sure way to develop blemishes.
WHAT CAN AFFECT OILY SKIN?
We’re constantly told that cleansing is the way to keep our skin free of excess oil and dirt, so it only seems natural for those with oily skin to cleanse more often, right? This is actually an understandable mistake. Skin needs oil, and when we over-cleanse it, we strip it of the sebum that keeps it healthy, meaning the sebaceous glands then overcompensate by producing even more. Sticking with a gentle cleanser twice a day is more than enough, so don’t feel like you have to always keep one in your bag to go to the bathroom!
Myths keep coming with this skin type as it is also a common misconception that moisturizer is not reliable. It makes sense – oil plus moisture doesn’t sound like the best mix on paper – but healthy skin needs the nourishing hydration that a moisturizer provides. Without it, the chances of dryness are much greater, again leading to the unintended consequence of course-correcting your body by increasing oil production. Even those with the oiliest skin should moisturize daily, choosing a lightweight, non-clogging option.
When it comes to diet, there are also some red flags for oily skin. High-sugar snacks, dairy products, and foods high in refined carbohydrates like white rice and white bread can send insulin hormones into a frenzy, which then increases sebum secretion.
HOW TO TAKE CARE OF OILY SKIN?
- Direct your skincare to the exfoliating station twice a week! Excess sebum on oily skin can mix with dead skin cells to create more layers of dirt that need to be broken down for fresh skin, and a gentle exfoliator is just the smoothing superstar for the job. Clearing congestion, penetrating deep into pores to unclog them and removing excess cell build-up – tick all the boxes for healthy skin. But remember to make it a special guest in your routine, as overindulging more than two to three times a week can damage the capillaries near the surface of your skin.
- Try to be as discerning as possible when looking for skin care. Many products that say they focus on oil reduction are formulated with harsh ingredients, meant to remove every last drop of oil they find on your skin. The results? You guessed it. breaking the moisture barrier, dehydration and overcompensating sebum production. Avoid products that use sulfates, alcohols and astringents and your skin will thank you for it.
- They may sound like a very simple solution, but blotting papers exist for a reason. These over-the-counter quick fixes help keep shine to a minimum when used throughout the day to remove excess oil. Just remember to tap instead of wipe if you’re wearing makeup to ensure a streak-free zone.
- Speaking of make-up, we recommend sticking to a mineral powder foundation, as long-form liquid-based options can clog pores and give a “plump” effect. Not only can their non-edible mineral brethren layer continuously throughout the day, but they absorb excess oil and are great for sensitive skin!
- We said you are what you eat, but for oily skin, what does that look like? Omega-3 and zinc are the ingredients that come up again and again as beneficial for this skin type, with the former’s high fatty acid content strengthening the skin’s moisture barrier and the latter helping to regulate sebum production. The good news for you is that this dynamic duo can be found everywhere! Omega-3 levels are high in nuts, flaxseeds and chia seeds, while you can get your fill of zinc in legumes and whole grains.
WHICH INGREDIENTS ARE GOOD FOR OILY SKIN?
Pay attention to the skin care it has..
Hyaluronic acid – Unparalleled in its moisturizing power, while incredibly lightweight, it’s a key ingredient in the gentle moisturizer options so essential for this skin type.
Clay – We are especially fond of kaolin and the green varieties! This earthy essence refines the appearance of pores and reduces shine by absorbing any excess oil.
Bio-retinol – A milder derivative of the often irritating retinol, helps regulate oil levels by stimulating collagen production, which keeps pores tighter.
OILY SKIN FAQ
Does drinking water help oily skin? Okay, time to bust another myth. Oil does not equal hydration, so even if your face feels like it has enough moisture to last a lifetime, it’s very likely that your skin is dehydrated. When this happens, the skin (as you’ve probably realized it’s used to doing) can overcompensate and decide to increase oil production. Regular intake of at least seven glasses of water a day prevents dehydration and keeps oily skin in a healthy balance.
Why does my nose seem to be oilier than the rest of my face? It’s completely natural! The sebaceous glands in the nose are some of the largest on your body, so the ducts must be there to secrete the oil they produce. The size changes based on factors like genetics and age, but ultimately regardless of your skin type, your nose will always be one of the oiliest areas of your skin.
Does oily skin affect signs of skin aging? The larger pores and higher levels of sebaceous gland activity in this skin type have the potential to cause the epidermis to become thicker. This results in increased collagen, which provides a firmer, firmer texture to the skin with fewer fine lines and wrinkles. So yes, there are some signs of mature skin that accompany oily skins less often, but they still don’t deviate much from the average when it comes to features like hyperpigmentation and skin texture.
