6 Tips Every Woman With Oily Skin Should Know

Stay out of the sun!

Even more than those with fair or dry skin, a tan will wreak havoc on oily skin. I know the healthy glow from a tan and the way it makes blemishes vanish can be tempting but just say no! Tanning causes oil glands in the skin to overproduce oil, causing breakouts as the skin heals and major oil production. The worst part? Since your skin is dry from tanning, using a drying product will only make your skin worse. Instead, opt for a daily moisturizer or makeup that contains sunscreen, and make bronzer your new best friends. Trust me, your skin will thank you.

Choose your moisturizer wisely

Not all moisturizers are created equal, even if they say they are specifically for oily skin. Be careful of overloading, if you use a makeup that is in a liquid form or is labeled “moisturizing” in any way, that’s probably all you need. If you find that with basic cleansing and a good foundation you don’t really need a daily moisturizer, don’t use one. It’s best to listen to your skin and only use extra hydration when skin feels like it needs it.

Exfoliating is a MUST

Usually, if you have oily skin you are also plagued with pores that are…not so small. Larger pores get dirt and gunk stuck in them more often, and the result is often painful. In order to stave off blemishes and keep skin clean, its best to use an defoliant at night as part of your routine. I found this also helps to absorb any acne product you happen to be using.

Wash your makeup brushes

This is obvious, but it’s extra important for those with oily skin. Bacteria and oil build up in the brushes that we use and are pretty much redeposited on our faces. You can use a specific brush cleaner or regular shampoo once a week for this.

Don’t overuse acne creams

Acne creams containing Benzoyl Peroxide and other drying ingredients should be handled with caution. It’s probably not a good idea to use these without some sort of moisturizing agent on top, and sometimes they can leave skin feeling sensitive and papery.

Toner is not actually as necessary as everyone thinks

We all know the three-step rule, clean, tone, moisturize. This isn’t always the best option. Toners, while helping to balance your skin, can also just leave it dry and in need of moisture that you already had in the first place. If you haven’t seen great results with it, don’t bother including it as a step in your skincare routine, exfoliating is much more important.

The key to keeping oily skin happy is to maintain balance. In the colder months of the year, you may need more moisture than in the summer when oil production in the skin is at its highest. Make sure to add or take away from your skin routine as you see fit, so if one week you notice dryness, maybe take a step back from the acne cream and just exfoliate.