Dealing with Oily Skin with Topical Ingredients

What Skin Falls Into an Oily Skin?

1. Shiny or Greasy Appearance: Oily skin typically has a shiny or glossy surface, especially in the forehead, nose, and chin areas, known as the T-zone.
2. Enlarged Pores: Increased sebum production can lead to enlarged and more visible pores, especially on the nose, forehead, and cheeks.
3. Prone to Acne and Breakouts: The excess oil can clog pores, leading to the development of blackheads, whiteheads, and other forms of acne.
4. Thicker Skin Texture: Oily skin might appear thicker and less sensitive to irritants compared to dry skin, due to the protective layer provided by the excess sebum.
5. Makeup and Products May Not Stay On: People with oily skin often find that makeup and certain skincare products don't stay on as well and may "slide off" or degrade throughout the day.
6. Darkening Skin After Washing If you have an oily skin, the oil on your skin may get oxidized easily. This, in return, makes the skin darker.

Can Oily Skin be Fixed?

While you can't permanently change your skin type since it's largely determined by genetics and hormonal influences, you can manage and significantly reduce the symptoms of oily skin with proper care and adjustments to your lifestyle and skincare routine.

Cleanser for Oily Skin

Cleansers should be approached with cautions especially to an oily skin as removing oxidized oils from the oily skin is crucial for skin health. I recommend to use a cleanser that mainly includes salicylic acid, and tea tree oil. Salicylic acid is effective in removing dead skin and oil build-up, and tea tree's antimicrobial action helps keep the pores clean and free of bacteria.

Vitamin C is A Must for Oily Skin

For oily skin, Vitamin C can help in reducing hyperpigmentation, enhancing skin radiance, and providing anti-aging benefits without adding oiliness, and it prevents oxidation. Look for serums that are formulated for oily skin, which will likely be lighter and less likely to contribute to excess oil.

Characteristics of Oily Skin

1. Shiny or Greasy Appearance: Oily skin typically has a shiny or glossy surface, especially in the forehead, nose, and chin areas, known as the T-zone.
2. Enlarged Pores: Increased sebum production can lead to enlarged and more visible pores, especially on the nose, forehead, and cheeks.
3. Prone to Acne and Breakouts: The excess oil can clog pores, leading to the development of blackheads, whiteheads, and other forms of acne.
4. Thicker Skin Texture: Oily skin might appear thicker and less sensitive to irritants compared to dry skin, due to the protective layer provided by the excess sebum.
5. Makeup and Products May Not Stay On: People with oily skin often find that makeup and certain skincare products don't stay on as well and may "slide off" or degrade throughout the day.

Avoid Ingredients that Block Pores

1. Heavy Oils Coconut oil, wheat germ oil, and flaxseed oil are known for their high comedogenic ratings. While they might be beneficial for dry skin types, they can clog pores in oily and acne-prone skin.
2. Certain Silicones Dimethicone and cyclomethicone are types of silicones commonly used in skincare and makeup for their smoothing properties. However, they can trap debris and oil beneath the skin's surface in some individuals.
3. Lanolin Lanolin is a type of oil derived from sheep's wool, often used in moisturizers and lip balms for its emollient properties.
4. Artificial Fragrances and Dyes These can irritate the skin and lead to inflammation, potentially worsening acne and clogging pores.
5. Isopropyl Myristate and Isopropyl Palmitate These ingredients are used in cosmetics as emollients to soften the skin but can be highly comedogenic.
6. Alcohol in Skincare High concentrations of certain types of alcohol (like SD alcohol or denatured alcohol) can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to increased oil production and potentially clogged pores.

Hydration is Also Required for Oily Skin

1. Hydration vs. Oiliness: Hydration refers to the water content in the skin, whereas oiliness is related to sebum production. Oily skin can still be dehydrated if it lacks sufficient water.
2. Benefits of Hydration: Keeping the skin well-hydrated can actually help regulate sebum production. When the skin is dehydrated, it may produce more oil to compensate, exacerbating oiliness.
3. Choosing the Right Products: Opt for lightweight, oil-free moisturizers that contain hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or aloe vera. These ingredients provide moisture without adding extra oil to the skin.
4. Water-Based Products: Water-based skincare products are less likely to clog pores and are ideal for hydrating oily skin effectively.
5. Avoid Over-Cleansing: Over-cleansing can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dehydration. Use a gentle cleanser and avoid washing your face too frequently.

Change your Diet To Avoid Oily Skin

1. Reduce High Glycemic Index Foods Foods with a high glycemic index (GI) can cause a spike in blood sugar levels, which may lead to increased insulin levels. Elevated insulin can stimulate sebaceous glands to produce more sebum.
2. Increase Omega-3 Fatty Acids Intake Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties that can help regulate hormones linked to oil production and reduce inflammation, potentially decreasing the amount of sebum produced.
3. Stay Hydrated Proper hydration is essential for maintaining skin health and can help prevent the skin from becoming dehydrated. Dehydrated skin may overcompensate by producing more oil.
4. Limit Dairy Intake Some studies suggest that dairy products, especially skim milk, may be linked to increased sebum production in some individuals due to hormones present in milk.
5. Incorporate Antioxidant-Rich Foods Antioxidants can help protect the skin from damage and reduce inflammation. A diet rich in antioxidants may contribute to healthier skin and less oiliness.
6. Reduce Intake of Saturated and Trans Fats Foods high in unhealthy fats can contribute to inflammation in the body, which might affect skin health and sebum production.
7. Zinc-Rich Foods Zinc plays a role in regulating hormone levels and has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help manage oil production and reduce acne.

Stop Making Acne Scars

1. Avoid Picking or Squeezing Pimples Manipulating pimples can push bacteria and pus deeper into the skin, causing more damage and increasing the risk of scarring.
2. Maintain a Gentle Skincare Routine Use a gentle cleanser to avoid irritating the skin further. Harsh scrubbing can aggravate acne and increase the risk of scarring.
3. Stay Hydrated Proper hydration is essential for maintaining skin health and can help prevent the skin from becoming dehydrated. Dehydrated skin may overcompensate by producing more oil.
4. Protect Your Skin from the Sun UV exposure can darken acne scars and make them more visible. It can also slow the healing process.
5. Stay Hydrated and Follow a Healthy Diet Foods high in unhealthy fats can contribute to inflammation in the body, which might affect skin health and sebum production.
6. Seek Professional Treatments for Existing Acne ermatologists can offer treatments such as chemical peels, microdermabrasion, laser therapy, and microneedling that can help prevent and treat existing scars.

Related:Acne 101

Related:Effective Topical Ingredients for Acne Scars

Exfoliate Moderately

Gentle exfoliation removes dead skin cells and prevents clogged pores, but excessive scrubbing can irritate the skin and exacerbate acne and scarring.

Use Non-comedogenic Makeup

Heavy makeup can clog pores and trigger breakouts, leading to potential scarring. Select lightweight, non-comedogenic makeup products designed not to clog pores, and always thoroughly remove makeup before bed.

Oil Can Be Greasy, But Jojoba Oil Is Not

1. Mimics Natural Sebum: Jojoba oil's structure closely resembles that of human sebum, allowing it to help regulate oil production. By mimicking sebum, it can trick the skin into believing it has produced enough oil, thus reducing excessive oiliness.
2. Non-Comedogenic: Despite being an oil, jojoba is non-comedogenic, meaning it doesn't clog pores. This makes it an ideal moisturizer for oily and acne-prone skin types, providing hydration without causing breakouts.
3. Controls Acne: Thanks to its antimicrobial properties, jojoba oil can help prevent the growth of acne-causing bacteria, reducing the likelihood of breakouts. It also has anti-inflammatory effects that can soothe irritated skin and reduce redness and swelling associated with acne.
4. Balances Oil Production: Regular use of jojoba oil can help balance the skin's oil production, minimizing the appearance of shine and leaving the skin with a more matte finish.
5. Enhances Skin Barrier: Jojoba oil is rich in antioxidants and fatty acids, which help strengthen the skin's natural barrier. A strong barrier is crucial for maintaining skin hydration and protecting against environmental stressors.

Try Derma Roller

Using a derma roller, also known as microneedling, can be a beneficial addition to the skincare routine for individuals with oily skin, with the potential to improve skin texture and appearance. However, it's crucial to approach microneedling with caution, especially for those with oily skin, which may be more prone to breakouts and acne.

Finishing Up

Oily skin is prone to misunderstanding. Also, incorporating non-comedogenic, hydrating ingredients into your skincare routine can help manage oily skin by providing necessary moisture without contributing to clogged pores or breakouts. Remember, balanced skincare is about addressing both oil control and maintaining healthy hydration levels.