What Skin Care Routine is Best for Oily Skin?

“My skin is so oily the US government declares war on terror against my face just to get their hands on this natural resource.”

It’s a joke from the Reddit community. 

But if you think about it, your oily skin can present unique challenges. You’ll have a shiny complexion.

Most of all, you’ll get acne breakouts.

Fortunately, there’s a skin care routine for oily skin that you can follow so your current issues will become less of a problem later.

In this post, you’ll learn about the four-step routine that you can follow in the morning and evening. Then, you’ll find out what food and fruits you can eat to control your oily skin.

But first, let’s talk about whether or not oily skin is bad.

Is Oily Skin Bad? 

Indeed, oily skin will make your face seem like a pan with oil. There are several benefits of having oily skin, though.

When you have oily skin, it means that you have active sebaceous glands that can help in keeping skin smooth. It contributes to a thicker inner skin layer making your skin more resilient in parts of your face where the deepest lines form.

Furthermore, the natural oil in your face can act as your natural sunscreen. However, it must not be an excuse for you not to wear sunscreen.

Another thing is that having oily skin will make wrinkles less noticeable. Areas, where sebaceous glands are active, can still have wrinkles. But they are shorter and shallower.

In that case, having oily skin isn’t at all bad.

You just have to control your oily skin so the US government won’t start a war against your face.

Talking of controlling your oily skin, it’s now time to discuss the skin care routine for oily skin.

To control oil production in your face, the first step is to clean it.

1) Cleansing to Clear Away Excess Oil 

You should be washing your face twice a day: morning and night.

But what face wash should you use. I’ll discuss it later.

Cleansing in the morning is vital because, at night, your skin sheds skin cells and produces oils.

What you need is a good exfoliating cleaner to thoroughly clear away extra oil while removing dead skin cells. As a result, cleansing can stop dead skin cells from building up in the pores.

2) Using Toner to Add an Extra Layer of Protection 

The use of toner is necessary to tighten cell gaps and close pores. As a result, it prevents the penetration of impurities and stops environmental contaminants into the skin.

But don’t just use any toner. Instead, opt for exfoliating toner that has salicylic acid, lactic acid, and glycolic acid.

3) Applying Moisturizer to Stop Skin from Getting Oilier 

It may not be too appealing to you. After all, your face is already shiny.

Why would you want to slather moisturizer onto your skin?

Before you skip this step, you must understand that cleansing can remove the moisture barrier on your skin. As it loses moisture, it also increases oil production, resulting in an overly shiny face.

But what type of moisturizer you must use?

You can find many moisturizers designed for oily skin. They are fast-absorbing so they won’t leave your skin looking tiny or slick.

Main properties of a good moisturizer: 

1)Occlusive: It’s an ingredient that forms a water-fighting film on the skin to stalk in moisture. Choose a moisturizer with dimethicone or Cyclomethicone.

2)Humectant: It draws water from the dermis to the epidermis to keep your skin moist. Moisturizers with sodium lactate, hyaluronic acid, sorbitol, glycerin, and alpha hydroxy acids are humectants.

3)Emollient: It fills spaces between flakes in the outer layer of the epidermis with wax or oil. Emollients are actually greasy. But choose ceramics as they are less greasy.

You must also choose a moisturizer with a non-comedogenic label as it won’t clog pores. It means that it won’t cause blackheads and whiteheads.

What Do Dermatologists Recommend for Oily Skin? 

In addition to the skin care routine discussed above, dermatologists also recommend the following routine for oily skin.

Exfoliation to Rid Of Oily Skin 

Skin doctors recommend exfoliation more than twice a week.

You may also add jade face rollers to your routine to further increase circulation so your skin looks brighter and less puffy.

Remove Makeup to Allow Skin Renewal While Sleeping

Before you even go to bed, make sure that you remove your makeup. Keep in mind that skin renews while you sleep. Makeup prevents the process from happening.

Wear Sunblock to Protect Skin from Drying 

Apart from protecting your skin from the damaging effects of UV rays, sunblock also prevents the drying of your surface oils.

You may say that it’s good to dry out surface oils to stop your face from looking shiny.

Sadly, if you dry out surface oils, it causes your sebaceous glands to be more active. Hence, your face looks shinier.

What Should You Apply on Your Oily Skin?

Apart from cleanser, moisturizer, and toner, you may also use blotting papers. These papers can help minimize greasy skin. However, they won’t stop your sebaceous glands from producing extra oil.

Honey is also good for oily skin. It’s a natural humectant that can keep your skin moist.

To use it, apply a thin layer onto your face. Allow it to dry for 10 minutes before rinsing it with warm water.

Healing clays are also effective as they can absorb skin oil. They are highly absorbent. Between clay masks and peel-off masks, the former is gentler than the latter.

When it comes to natural exfoliant agents, you may use oatmeal. It can calm the skin and absorb excess oil. It is also useful in exfoliating dead skin.

Aloe vera is another natural skin care product that can treat flaky skin.

If you wish to use aloe vera gel on your face, make sure to apply it at bedtime and leave it on until morning. More on this later.

However, if you have sensitive skin, you must not try using it.

What face wash is good for oily skin? 

When you are shopping for a face wash for oily skin, choose a product that is gentle and foaming so it can effectively remove excess oil and impurities.

It must be oil-free and noncomedogenic.

Look for a product that has ceramides. They can cleanse the skin gently.

Ceramides are also great at rebuilding skin and repairing the protective barrier. In that way, your skin will be more resilient against aging and future damage.

Choose a product that also has hyaluronic acid that provides your skin moisture.

You should also consider products with sulfur, tea tree oil, and salicylic acid. They can help in dissolving excess sebum.

Dermatologists recommend the use of foaming face wash, instead of creamier solutions.

Why? Foaming washes can get deeper into your pores. They can effectively remove dirt, makeup, and excess oil.

Now, will foam face wash stop your face from being oily?

The use of foam face wash with the right ingredients (see above) can help reduce the overproduction of oil in your face.

The right foam wash can stop your face from being so oily because it works by controlling oil production.

As mentioned, you need to clean your face with the right face wash. Then, use toner and moisturizer.

However, oily skin linked to genetics can be quite challenging to prevent. It’s the same as preventing oily skin because of hormones.

The best way to stop your face from being so greasy is to find a consistent skin care routine that works for you.

If your skin becomes too oily, don’t apply makeup to hide it. Keep in mind that some products could make your symptoms worse.

If you need to apply make-up, choose a water-based product.

Is Aloe Vera Good for Oily Skin? 

Aloe vera is a common home remedy to soothe sunburn. Now, you may be curious to know if you can use it, too, as a facial moisturizer for your oily skin?

First, let’s find out what’s aloe vera.

It’s a succulent plant that contains an enormous amount of antioxidants. It’s also rich in antibacterial properties.

That’s why it’s effective in soothing and hydrating your skin.

When you have naturally oily skin, your dermatologist will recommend avoiding products that are thick enough because they can clog your pores. They can also produce excessive sebum.

However, applying aloe vera on your whole face can do wonders.

For one, it offers cooling and soothing effects. You’ll be surprised that the slick texture of aloe isn’t too heavy on your skin.

Your skin will look less dull and oily.

However, you must not use it if you’re allergic to aloe vera. It can be a miracle product as it can improve complexion. Your face will feel soft and smooth.

Is Rose Water Good for Oily Skin? 

Rosewater is an excellent natural astringent. You can use it as a powerful facial toner that can remove excess oil so you can avoid breakouts.

In addition to that, the rose petals contain antioxidants that protect your skin cells from fine lines. That’s why many celebrities are using it as part of their anti-aging skin care routine.

But how will you use it?

You can use rose water as a toner. It clears away dead skin cells. Add a few drops of rose water to a cotton ball. Apply it all over your face.

Rosewater is also a good makeup remover. You may find rose water with nourishing flower and fruit extracts that can wipe away makeup.

It can also eliminate grime from your skin.

What Should I Eat for Oily Skin? 

As they say, we are what we eat.

Thus, your gut and hormone health can affect your skin health. If those two are balanced, then your skin will also glow.

However, you must remember that foods don’t cause oily skin directly. Rather, it’s the imbalance of good and bad bacteria that contribute to skin health.

The main culprits are sugar, dairy, and gluten. 

In that case, you must avoid cakes, pastries, and the like.

Instead, focus on eating healthy fats, like omega-3. You should also consider taking probiotics, vitamins A, C, and E.

Thus, you should be eating avocados.

Pepitas are high in zinc and healthy fats.

Bone broth is rich in collagen. It can also help to hydrate your skin.

Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower can help in repairing your skin. They also boost collagen production.

Brazil nuts contain a high amount of antioxidants.

Coconut oil can help in reducing inflammation.

In addition to eating these foods, make sure to drink a lot of water.

Does drinking water reduce oily face? 

It may help reduce excess sebum production.

Keep in mind that if you’re not drinking enough water, your skin will be dry.

When your skin is dry, your face will produce more oil.

For that reason, drinking enough water throughout the day can make your oil glands less oily because they don’t secrete a lot of sebum.

Which Fruits are Good for Oily Skin? 

Fruits can help you get glowing skin.

But what fruits to eat?

Oranges. They contain a high amount of vitamin C that can keep your skin hydrated.

Lemons. They, too, are rich in vitamin C. Drink lemon juice every morning.

Watermelon. It’s rich in fiber and water to help in hydrating your skin.

Pineapples. They don’t only contain vitamins C but they’re also rich in vitamins A and K. Plus, they have bromelain, known as an anti-inflammatory.

Mango. It’s rich in vitamins C, A, and E, and some wound-healing properties.

Banana. Why do you think monkeys don’t have acne? Kidding aside, bananas are high in antioxidants and antimicrobial properties.

Other fruits you must eat are kiwi, pomegranate, gooseberry, grapes, peach, and blueberries.

How Can I Control My Oily T-Zone? 

Your T-zone is oilier because it has more oil glands than the rest of your face. The key to controlling your oily T-zone is to remove excess sebum without having to dry your skin.

The skin care routine is still the same.

That is, you must wash your face twice a day.

Don’t forget to moisturize twice a day. You may choose a moisturizer that has SPF. In that way, you don’t need to apply sunscreen.

You may also find green tea useful when you apply it to your skin. It may help in decreasing sebum production.

Is hot water good for oily skin? 

Hot water is refreshing. But it may not be good for your skin.

Why? It only increases skin sensitivity. It may also dry out your skin as it strips off necessary natural oils. As a result, your face will look oilier.

Is cold water good for oily skin? 

Cold water is good for puffy-looking skin. It can help you wake up.

However, it’s not the best for oily skin.

Instead, you need to use lukewarm water. It provides the best skin care results.

Lukewarm water allows your facial cleaners to get a sufficient amount of foaming action. It also removes dirt from the surface while balancing natural skin oils.

What vitamins reduce oily skin? 

Taking a vitamin supplement daily can help you control your oily skin. However, you won’t see the difference immediately.

You’ll have to wait for a few weeks to notice a difference in your oily skin.

One vitamin you must consider taking is Vitamin B. Although there are different types of vitamin B, the best for oily skin are B6 and B12. They are also ideal if your oily skin is the result of hormonal imbalances.

Another vitamin that’s good for your skin is vitamin C. You may take a vitamin C supplement and use a vitamin C serum that you can apply under your moisturizer.

Don’t forget vitamin D. It can help you in various ways, including controlling your oily skin.

Most of all, you need vitamin E for your oily skin. It’s an antioxidant that is ideal for oily and dry skin because of its moisturizing effect.

Some oils, not all, can nourish your oily skin.

For instance, jojoba oil is light and has a similar structure to the sebum that your skin produces.

The idea here is that your skin thinks that produced sufficient sebum.

As a result, it lowers its oil production, thereby, reducing your oily skin.

Another oil you may use is rosehip. It’s rich in natural fatty acids that can nourish and support the skin.

Don’t use oils that contain a high amount of natural fatty acids. In that case, coconut oil isn’t ideal. However, some individuals swore by the effectiveness of coconut oil in controlling their oily skin.

That’s it.

Conclusion 

I know it’s a lot to ponder. But what you must keep in mind when it comes to skin care routine for oily skin is to cleanse, tone, and moisturize. And don’t forget to use sunscreen.

As much as possible, don’t wear makeup. And if you need to wear makeup, make sure that it’s non-comedogenic. Then, remove it before going to bed.

Most of all, drink a lot of water and eat the right food.

That’s about it. Thanks for reading. Please let me know your thoughts on this skin care routine. What can you add?