Managing oily skin can be challenging. While excess oil can leave your face shiny and make you more prone to breakouts, the solution isn’t always drying out the skin. In fact, the key to caring for oily skin is to strike the right balance between controlling oil and providing proper hydration. Using products that help balance oil production, clear pores, and hydrate the skin without clogging pores is essential to keeping your complexion clear and healthy, as you will be finding out here today.

What is Oily Skin and Why Do Some People Have It?

Oily skin is a skin type characterized by an excess production of sebum, which is the skin's natural oil produced by the sebaceous glands. While sebum has an important role in protecting and moisturizing the skin, an overproduction of it can lead to issues like shiny skin, clogged pores, blackheads, and breakouts. Some primary causes of oil skin include:

1. Genetics: Oily skin often runs in families. If your parents or relatives have oily skin, you’re more likely to have it as well. Your genetics influence how active your sebaceous glands are.

2. Hormones: Hormonal fluctuations, particularly during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause, can trigger excess oil production. Increased levels of androgen hormones stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum.

3. Climate and Environment: Hot, humid climates tend to exacerbate oily skin, as the body may produce more sweat and sebum. Those living in such environments often experience more noticeable oiliness.

4. Diet: Consuming a diet high in refined carbohydrates and sugar can sometimes influence hormone levels and indirectly increase oil production. Spicy, fried, and greasy foods can also play a role for some people.

5. Skincare Routine: Over-washing or using harsh cleansers can strip the skin of its natural oils, causing it to produce even more sebum to compensate. Skipping moisturizer or using products that aren't suited to oily skin can also contribute to an imbalance.

6. Stress: Stress can increase the production of cortisol, a hormone that can also boost oil production in the skin, leading to more oiliness and breakouts.

Skin Care Products You Can Try for Your Oily Skin

While oily skin can be frustrating, it does have one benefit: it can help keep skin more hydrated and less prone to wrinkles compared to dry skin. Hence, proper skincare routines can help manage the oil and maintain balance for healthier skin.

Cleansers for Oily Skin: Removing Excess Oil Without Stripping

Cleansing is the foundation of any skincare routine, and for those with oily skin, choosing the right cleanser is crucial. The goal is to remove excess oil, dirt, and makeup without stripping your skin of its natural moisture. Harsh cleansers can over-dry the skin, leading to an overproduction of oil as your skin tries to compensate. The different types of cleansers for oily skin include: 

1. Gel Cleansers: Gel cleansers, such as our Age Defense Cleansing Gel, are traditionally known for their lightweight, oil-free formulations that deep-clean pores without leaving residue. They’re ideal for oily skin as they help remove excess sebum without causing irritation.

2. Foaming Cleansers: These cleansers, like our Age Defense Cleansing Mousse, produce a light foam that gently lifts away oil and dirt. They’re effective for deep cleansing and often contain ingredients like salicylic acid, traditionally known for its ability to clear pores and control oil.

3. Clay-Based Cleansers: Clay-based cleansers are excellent for oily skin as they absorb excess oil and help detoxify the skin. Clay has been traditionally used for centuries to remove impurities from the skin.

In terms of ingredients, here’s what to look for: 

• Salicylic Acid: A beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) traditionally used for its role in clearing pores and reducing oil production, salicylic acid can help keep oily skin balanced and clear of breakouts.

• Tea Tree Oil: Traditionally known for its purifying properties, tea tree oil can help cleanse and refresh oily skin without stripping it of essential moisture.

• Bentonite Clay: A natural ingredient traditionally used to absorb oil and detoxify the skin; bentonite clay can help prevent clogged pores and breakouts.

Lightweight Serums: Hydration That Won’t Clog Pores

It’s a common misconception that oily skin doesn’t need hydration. In reality, providing your skin with lightweight, non-comedogenic hydration can help balance oil production. When oily skin is dehydrated, it may produce even more oil to compensate, leading to a vicious cycle of oiliness and breakouts. Types of serums for oily skin include: 

1. Hyaluronic Acid Serums: Hyaluronic acid is traditionally known for its ability to attract and retain moisture without clogging pores. It hydrates the skin from within, providing balance without adding excess oil. Our Retinol Renewal Serum contains Cassia Angustifolia Seed Polysaccharide (Plant Based Hyaluronic Acid).

2. Niacinamide Serums: Niacinamide, or Vitamin B3, is traditionally used for its role in regulating oil production and improving the skin’s barrier function. It’s an ideal ingredient for those with oily skin as it helps keep oil under control while providing hydration.

3. Salicylic Acid Serums: For those prone to breakouts, a serum containing salicylic acid can help clear pores and reduce oiliness without drying out the skin.

In terms of key ingredients, here’s what to look for:

• Hyaluronic Acid: Traditionally used for its hydrating properties, hyaluronic acid helps lock in moisture without adding oil. It’s ideal for oily skin because it provides hydration at a deeper level without clogging pores.

• Niacinamide: This ingredient is traditionally known for its ability to balance oil production, making it perfect for oily and combination skin. It also helps to minimize the appearance of pores and redness.

• Zinc: Zinc is traditionally used in skincare for its role in controlling sebum production and calming the skin. It’s an excellent ingredient for balancing oily skin.

Oil-Free Moisturizers: Locking in Hydration Without Grease

Moisturizing is just as important for oily skin as it is for dry skin. The key is to choose lightweight, oil-free moisturizers that provide hydration without clogging pores or adding shine. Oily skin can become dehydrated, thus leading to an overproduction of oil, so using a non-comedogenic moisturizer is essential for balance. Types of moisturizers for oily skin include: 

1. Gel Moisturizers: Gel-based moisturizers, like our Stem Cell Gel Moisturizer, are ideal for oily skin as they are lightweight and absorb quickly, providing hydration without leaving a greasy feel.

2. Water-Based Moisturizers: These moisturizers are oil-free and offer lightweight hydration, making them perfect for oily skin types. They help maintain the skin’s moisture barrier without adding excess oil.

3. Mattifying Moisturizers: Formulated with ingredients that help reduce shine, mattifying moisturizers are perfect for keeping oily skin balanced throughout the day.

In terms of key ingredients, here’s what to look for:

• Aloe Vera: Traditionally known for its soothing and hydrating properties, aloe vera provides moisture without adding oil, making it an excellent choice for oily skin.

• Squalane: A lightweight oil traditionally used to hydrate the skin without clogging pores, squalane is ideal for oily skin because it mimics the skin’s natural oils.

• Glycerin: A humectant traditionally known for its role in attracting moisture to the skin, glycerin helps keep oily skin hydrated without making it greasy.

Mattifying Sunscreens: Essential Protection for Oily Skin

Sunscreen is a must for all skin types, including oily skin. While many sunscreens can feel heavy or greasy, there are specific formulations designed to mattify and protect oily skin without clogging pores. Choosing the right sunscreen can help prevent sun damage while keeping oil and shine at bay. Types of sunscreens for oily skin include: 

1. Mineral Sunscreens: These sunscreens use physical blockers like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which are traditionally known for their role in providing broad-spectrum protection without clogging pores. They often have a mattifying effect, making them great for oily skin.

2. Gel-Based Sunscreens: Gel sunscreens are lightweight and absorb quickly, making them ideal for oily skin. They offer protection without leaving a heavy or greasy residue.

3. Oil-Free Sunscreens: These sunscreens are specifically formulated to protect without adding oil or shine. They provide UV protection while helping control oil throughout the day.

4. Edibles that Offer Sunscreen Protection: Edibles that offer sunscreen protection are a relatively new category in the wellness and beauty space. While traditional edibles primarily focus on delivering cannabinoids or other nutrients, some products are being developed with ingredients that may enhance skin health and provide some level of protection against UV damage. embody Sun Gummy in particular is a potent antioxidant gummy that helps protect skin from environmental stressors.

In terms of ingredients, here’s what to look for:

• Zinc Oxide: Traditionally known for its ability to reflect UV rays, zinc oxide is a key ingredient in many mineral sunscreens. It provides broad-spectrum protection and is less likely to clog pores.

• Titanium Dioxide: Another mineral that offers sun protection, titanium dioxide is traditionally known for its lightweight feel and effectiveness in preventing sun damage.

• Silica: Silica is traditionally used in mattifying products to absorb excess oil and reduce shine, making it an ideal ingredient in sunscreens for oily skin.

Exfoliants: Keeping Pores Clear and Refined

Exfoliation helps to remove dead skin cells and excess oil that can clog pores and lead to breakouts. Regular exfoliation can improve the texture of your skin and keep your pores clear, but it’s important not to overdo it. Gentle exfoliants that are designed for oily skin can help maintain a balanced complexion without irritation. The types of exfoliants for oily skin include: 

1. Chemical Exfoliants: AHAs (like glycolic acid) and BHAs (like salicylic acid) are traditionally known for their ability to dissolve dead skin cells and keep pores clear. Salicylic acid, in particular, is beneficial for oily skin as it penetrates deep into the pores.

2. Physical Exfoliants: If you prefer manual exfoliation, choose gentle scrubs with fine particles that won’t irritate your skin. Ingredients like jojoba beads or ground oats, traditionally used in natural exfoliants, can help buff away dead skin cells without damaging the skin.

In terms of key ingredients, here’s what to look for:

• Salicylic Acid: A BHA traditionally used for its ability to penetrate pores and exfoliate from within; salicylic acid is ideal for oily skin as it helps prevent clogged pores and breakouts.

• Glycolic Acid: An AHA traditionally known for its role in exfoliating the skin’s surface, glycolic acid helps remove dead skin cells and promote a smoother complexion.

• Lactic Acid: A gentle AHA traditionally used for its hydrating and exfoliating properties, lactic acid can help balance oily skin without over-drying it.

Clay Masks: Deep Cleansing Without Over-Drying

Clay masks, such as our Golden Glow Collagen Mask, are an excellent treatment for oily skin because they help absorb excess oil and draw out impurities without stripping the skin of its natural moisture. Using a clay mask once or twice a week can help keep your pores clear and reduce shine. The types of clay masks for oily skin include: 

1. Bentonite Clay Masks: Bentonite clay is traditionally known for its ability to absorb excess oil and detoxify the skin. It’s great for deep cleansing and controlling oil production.

2. Kaolin Clay Masks: Kaolin clay is a gentler option traditionally used for its mild cleansing properties. It’s ideal for oily skin that’s also sensitive, as it helps remove impurities without causing irritation.

3. Charcoal Clay Masks: Activated charcoal, traditionally used for its detoxifying properties, can help absorb oil and clear out pores. Charcoal clay masks are perfect for oily skin that’s prone to blackheads and congestion.

In terms of key ingredients, here’s what to look for:

• Bentonite Clay: Traditionally used for its oil-absorbing properties, bentonite clay helps draw out impurities and control shine.

• Kaolin Clay: A gentler clay traditionally known for its ability to cleanse without over-drying, kaolin is ideal for sensitive, oily skin.

• Activated Charcoal: Charcoal is traditionally used to detoxify and absorb impurities, making it a great addition to masks designed for oily, congested skin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often should I exfoliate if I have oily skin?
A: It’s generally recommended to exfoliate two to three times a week to keep pores clear and prevent buildup. Be careful not to over-exfoliate, as this can irritate the skin and cause increased oil production.

Q: Can oily skin still be dehydrated?
A: Yes, oily skin can become dehydrated if it lacks proper hydration. When skin is dehydrated, it can overcompensate by producing more oil, so using a lightweight, hydrating serum is important.

Q: Should I use a moisturizer if I have oily skin?
A: Yes, moisturizing is important for all skin types, including oily skin. Opt for oil-free, lightweight moisturizers that provide hydration without adding excess shine or clogging pores.

Q: Are clay masks safe to use on sensitive, oily skin?
A: Yes, but it’s best to choose a gentle clay like kaolin if you have sensitive, oily skin. Avoid overusing clay masks, as they can dry out the skin if used too frequently.

Q: How can I reduce shine throughout the day?
A: Using a mattifying moisturizer or sunscreen can help control shine. You can also use blotting papers or a mattifying powder to absorb excess oil throughout the day.

Caring for Oily Skin Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated!

By choosing products that balance oil production, provide hydration, and keep pores clear, you can maintain healthy, radiant skin without excess shine or breakouts. Essentially, the right skincare routine can make all the difference in controlling oil while keeping your skin hydrated and clear. Of course, building a routine with non-comedogenic products and natural ingredients traditionally known for their role in purifying, hydrating, and balancing the skin will help you achieve a balanced complexion that glows with health.

Sources: 

1. Thompson, L., et al. (2021). Balancing Oily Skin: Hydration and Oil Control. Journal of Dermatological Science.

2. Davis, K. (2020). The Role of Clay in Skincare: Detoxifying and Oil Absorption. Skin Science Review.

3. Johnson, A. (2019). Hydration Without Clogging Pores: Serums for Oily Skin. Journal of Cosmetic Science.

Disclaimer: **These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Talk to your doctor before use if you have a medical condition, are pregnant, or nursing.