People with oily skin often struggle to get a handle on the excess oils that can cause blemishes and an unhealthy complexion. And while finding the right products for your skin type may seem like a never-ending task, using any product without understanding its effects can be problematic.
Oily Skin and the Challenges It Presents
Oily skin tends to have larger pores and a glossy complexion due to the overproduction of sebum, an oily substance naturally produced by the body. While excess oil can give the epidermis a youthful appearance, it also presents a few challenges.
This type of skin is prone to breakouts and acne because dead cells mix with sebum and clog pores. The excess oil also encourages bacteria growth, leading to inflammation and infection. It can also be difficult to manage; products that are too harsh or drying can increase oil production, leading to more breakouts. Instead, opt for Handmade Natural Skincare products that will help your skin glow and look natural.
What Ingredients Should Be Avoided?
Look for products that contain natural ingredients such as aloe vera, chamomile extract, or green tea extract. This helps reduce inflammation and can soothe the epidermis while also offering antioxidant benefits. Avoid products containing mineral oil, artificial fragrances, or alcohol-based formulas. Although these may appear to have a mattifying effect on the skin in the short term, they can end up increasing the production of sebum over time and making your skin even more oily in the long run.
Heavy Moisturizers
Heavy moisturizers such as creams, lotions, and body oils can provide intense hydration, but they can also cause breakouts in people with already oily skin. As the epidermis overproduces oil to counterbalance the added moisture, acne-causing bacteria are allowed to thrive.
It is recommended that you opt for light moisturizers in gel or spray form, and oils that don’t clog pores such as safflower and jojoba. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid and aloe vera on labels to help reduce excess shine without adding extra weight to the skin.
Aside from moisturizers, avoid products like thick liquid foundations, tinted moisturizers, and powder foundations – these make the face look cakey by blocking pores and providing a breeding ground for bacteria. Instead, opt for lightweight BB creams or mineral foundation powders that are specifically formulated for your skin type.
Alcohol-Based Toners
Alcohol-based toners are an absolute no-no in skincare products, as they can strip away the natural oils, making it feel dry and tight. Alcohol can also increase sebum production and cause the pores to become clogged.
If your toner is described as ‘astringent’, it is likely to contain alcohol, so be sure to check the label before you purchase.
Alternatively, opt for water or witch hazel-based toners or those that include natural oils such as jojoba or essential oils like lavender and rosemary which can reduce oiliness without drying out the skin. When using a toner, choose one that contains ingredients such as salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide which can help break up clogged pore cells and reduce oil production.
Scrubs and Exfoliants
Although scrubs and exfoliants can give your face an immediate glow, it’s important to understand the importance of gentle exfoliation and the potential harm that harsh scrubbing can cause. Exfoliation removes the top layer of dead cells to keep the face looking fresh, however, the process should always be done gently. Scrubs and exfoliants with coarse or abrasive textures or particles can cause inflammation and micro-tears in the epidermis, leading to infection, scarring, or intense breakouts.
If you choose to use a scrub on your face, look for a gentle formula with soft particles such as jojoba beads. It’s important to test a patch of skin first before applying it to your entire face—it may be too sensitive for even mild scrubs. If you experience any irritation upon use, discontinue use immediately and try something else like a chemical exfoliant such as glycolic acid or lactic acid. Regardless of what type of product you choose for exfoliation, do not over-exfoliate – twice per week is plenty!
Oils and Creams
Oils and creams have a tendency to aggravate oily skin, leading to an excessive buildup of oil. Substances such as mineral, petrolatum, coconut oil, and shea butter can block pores and cause irritation or other conditions if used frequently. Cream-based moisturizers tend to be heavier and thicker than lotions and can cause the face to become further clogged with excess oils. Heavier creams are not necessary. They can do more harm than good by preventing good cell renewal, which would normally occur during the natural exfoliation process.
Look for products labeled as “noncomedogenic.” Noncomedogenic products help keep the pores clear while still providing moisture without adding extra oil or pore-clogging ingredients that can irritate your skin over time. Choose light lotions instead which won’t weigh down your skin with heavy ingredients, but still give it enough hydration without irritation. Look out for face serums formulated specifically for oily/combo skin types too as they’re usually water-based rather than cream or lotion based – perfect for treating excess oils on your face throughout the day!
Understanding the Impact of Stripping Natural Moisture Away
When it comes to caring for oily skin, one of the most important things to remember is that stripping away natural moisture can have a detrimental impact. It requires hydration and moisture just like any other skin type, but since they produce more oil, products that are too harsh may remove the natural oils needed for proper balance. This can lead to over-drying, which can result in irritation, redness, and flakiness. Additionally, stripping away natural oils from the skin makes it more vulnerable to bacteria, leading to further breakouts and possible infection.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when it comes to skincare for oily skin, it is necessary to think about the environment in which you live. You’ll want to know what ingredients work best with your own climate or specific skin condition. Additionally, if certain ingredients don’t work well with you, there’s no reason not to switch brands until you find a formulation that gives you good results.
