The Best Skincare for Oily Skin

Having oily skin can be at best, annoying, and at worst cause you to feel embarrassed and down about your skin and cause you to avoid social situations in fear of looking like you have greasy skin. But we're here to tell you what you already know - having oily skin doesn't mean that you don't care for your skin or keep it clean. Having this skin type means that you produce too much oil, and it isn't your fault.

The good news is, there are products you can use in an effective healthy skin care routine for oily skin that will help.

Choosing the right products for oily skin is necessary for preventing excess sebum production, which can lead to greasy skin, clogged pores and acne breakouts. In this article, we'll look at the products and ingredients that should be included in any oily skincare routine.

What Are the Characteristics of Oily Skin?

Most of us have skin that looks and feels a little shiny by the end of the day. This is because during the day, our skin produces sebum, a wax like substance that the skin needs as a protective barrier.

Sebum, which is also produced at night, helps to protect the skin barrier from external toxins and pathogens that might otherwise enter the pores. It also helps to keep the skin moisturised - people with dry skin often don't produce enough sebum, causing the skin texture to feel rough and flakey with a less even skin tone and the appearance of skin without adequate hydration.

When those with non-oily skin cleanse, they remove the sebum that's collected on the skin, and they'll find that it'll stay at bay for most of the day. Conversely, people with oily skin produce too much sebum, causing the skin to feel oily, shiny and greasy, not long after cleansing.

If you have skin that's oily, then you may also notice the appearance of pores is more pronounced and they look more visible.

How Do You Know if You Have Oily Skin?

There's a simple test to see if you have oily skin. Next time you cleanse and remove your makeup (if you wear it), leave your skin bare, with no moisturizer, serum or makeup. Nothing at all, and leave it this way for half an hour. (So it might be best to do it at the weekend or in the evening when you have more time.)

After half an hour, take a tissue, and peel it into one sheet, or ply, then press it gently onto your face, making sure the sheet covers your whole face. Peel it away and what do you see? If you see visible oily patches on the tissue, you have oily skin.

You may notice that there's more oil on the area where the tissue touched your T zone (the area covering your forehead, nose and chin). Many people with excess sebum, notice that these areas become more oily than their cheeks and temples. This is because the pores tend to be larger in the T zone, and therefore contain more sebum.

What Causes Oily Skin?

Essentially, oily skin is caused by an overproduction of sebum which itself is down to larger pores that contain larger sebaceous glands, the glands that produce sebum.

But why? The causes of oily skin vary, and include our genetics, hormone status, stress levels and possibly even our diet.

Does Oily Skin Cause Acne?

Acne is one of the most common skin concerns, and having oily and acne-prone skin often go hand in hand. Having one skin type doesn't necessarily mean having the other, but if you have oily skin, then you may find that your skin does tend to break out a little more than if you had 'normal' or dry skin for example.

This is because excess sebum can build up and clog your pores, trapping dirt, makeup, bacteria and sweat, which can then lead to blackheads, whiteheads, acne spots and pus filled pustules common in acne.

Skincare Tips for Oily Skin

If you have this skin type, then you're probably looking for the best products for oily skin that protect your skin, help remove excess oil and unclog pores without drying the skin so you end up with skin dullness and an uneven texture.

So here's our top tips on keeping your skin happy with products that are designed with you in mind.

Skincare Products for Oily Skin: Cleansers

The best face wash for oily skin is one that removes dirt and oil without stripping your skin of its natural moisture. Avoid soap, which can leave your face feeling dry and tight and cause your skin to overcompensate by producing more sebum – the very thing you're trying to avoid.

Instead, opt for a mild oily skin cleanser in the form of a face wash or gel. The Sönd Rebalance & Reset Cream Cleanser is ideal and contains lactic acid, a gentle fruit acid that helps to increase cell turnover and clear the pores, helping to give your skin some extra help to stay clear. Avoid using anything too harsh or astringent that cleanses without stripping the skin of all sebum to help your skin remain hydrated and healthy.

How to Exfoliate for Your Skin Type

Exfoliation is an important part of any skincare routine to slough off dead skin cells. Not only does exfoliating improve the appearance of blemished skin, but it also keeps pores clear of dirt and oil, can help to lighten acne scars and remove dead skin cells, leaving you with a refreshed, healthy glow.

It's important to regularly exfoliate oily skin to help keep the skin clear and free from pore blockages.

There are two types of exfoliators: physical exfoliators, which use abrasive particles like sugar or fruit seeds to scrub away dead skin cells, and chemical exfoliators, which use alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) or fruit enzymes to dissolve excess oil and dead skin cells. All help to promote clear skin.

While you can use a mild physical exfoliator, it generally isn't the best face scrub for oily skin as they can be quite harsh. Instead, oily skin types should stick to chemical exfoliators such as salicylic acid or glycolic acid.

Alternatively, you can use a mask or facial scrub containing a small amount of salicylic acid twice per week. Chemical exfoliators may make skin more sensitive to UVA and UVB rays, however, so don't forget to protect your skin from the sun. Remember, sunburnt skin loses collagen, which will lead to fine lines and wrinkles.

Using a Toner to Get Your Skin Feeling Less Greasy

Toning is an optional step for oily skin types, which is designed to be carried out after cleansing and before moisturising.

Those with oily skin should look for products that contain natural, gentle astringents such as citrus, sage and witch hazel. Avoid toners with high amounts of alcohol, which can strip the skin and lead to increased oil production, even if your skin is very oily.

Our Refreshing Essence Toner is a gentle product that contains mandarin oil, and smells divine!

Using a Serum to Manage Excess Oil

Serums are lightweight liquids that contain high concentrations of active ingredients designed to address specific skin concerns.

Using the right serum can make a significant difference in the tone, texture and appearance of the skin. Oily skin types should look for serums with skin-strengthening ingredients like hyaluronic acid, silica and pentavitin. Serums containing these ingredients will encourage the skin to appear plump and hydrated, whilst regulating the amount of oil produced. Silica is our hero ingredient and features in our Deep Hydration Serum.

Using a Moisturiser to Control Oily Skin

While moisturising oily skin may seem counterintuitive, including a good moisturiser in your skincare routine is necessary for replenishing your skin with essential moisture after cleansing and exfoliating. If you leave your skin without adequate moisture, it will go into overdrive and produce even more sebum.

When choosing a moisturiser for oily skin, avoid thick creams that contain mineral oil, paraffin or any other kind of pore blocking oil. (Although not all oils are bad for oily skin.) Instead, opt for a lightweight water-based lotion or one that's formulated to help balance the skin's pH, such as our Calming Hydration Day Cream.

At night, oily skin is usually more active in producing sebum, but it's still important to moisturise for healthy-looking skin in the morning. Our Overnight Replenishment Night Cream does just the job.

Oil-Free Sunscreens

Protecting your skin from the sun doesn't just involve the use of sunscreen. It means avoiding the sun between the hours of 11am and 3pm during the spring and summer and wearing a wide brimmed hat and good quality sunglasses. If you choose to wear sunscreen, opt for an oil free one that's specifically designed for use on the face.

Niacinamide and Other Ingredients for Oily Skin

Niacinamide is a skincare ingredient that helps to minimise sebum production that can help in keeping your oily skin at bay. Retinol can also help to keep the skin feeling soft and hydrated without feeling greasy, and is especially beneficial for ageing skin.

Also look out for products that contain hyaluronic acid that hydrates the skin without overloading it.

Other Tips to Get Rid of Oily Skin

Managing your skin isn't just about the best skincare products, although a daily skin care routine can help. Taking steps to minimise the oil that comes into contact with your face from other means will also help.

Keep your hair clipped back or away from your face if your forehead skin tends to get oily, and avoid touching your face or resting your chin on your hands when you work (especially if you wear a heavy duty hand cream). When you eat, wipe your mouth afterwards, particularly if it's an oily meal.

When to Contact a Dermatologist

If you've tried all of our tips, but your skin still feels very oily, then you may need the help of further skincare experts. Seeking help from a dermatologist for the right gentle skincare may be what you need, so speak to your GP about a referral.

A Simple Skincare Routine for Oily Skin

If your skin becomes oily, the appearance of acne becomes worse with oiliness or you have otherwise red, shiny or uneven skin Sönd can help. Use our alkalising skincare products as part of your daily routine, and you'll soon notice the difference!