Skin glow is all the rage right now, but if you have oily skin, you may be wishing some of that “glow” would just go away.
Don’t fret, we’re here to tell you all about how to deal with oily skin. We’re going to let you know what causes it, the best ingredients for oily skin, the ingredients you should avoid, and which products you should use for the ultimate skincare routine for oily skin.
Oily skin is caused by an overproduction of sebum in the skin. You’ll want to look for non-comedogenic ingredients and ingredients that balance your skin’s natural oils like squalane, hyaluronic acid, and kaolin clay.
Good to Know: Beeswax and coconut oil are common natural ingredients that are considered comedogenic and are best avoided if you have oily skin.
Call Su-Skin at 239-603-6282 or message us online to schedule a complimentary skin consultation.
What causes oily skin?
Notice that your skin emits a little extra shine. The fact is, everyone has oil in their skin. Under each of your pores is a sebaceous gland that produces natural oils called sebum. This helps keep your skin hydrated and healthy.
In some people, though, the sebaceous glands can produce too much oil. This creates oily skin.
You know you have oily skin if your skin constantly looks shiny, and you go through several blotting sheets a day. Oily skin can even feel greasy within hours of cleansing.
Breakouts are also more likely because the sebum mixes with dead skin cells and gets stuck in your pores.
Common Causes of Oily Skin
Oily skin is influenced by several factors:
1. Genetics
If oily skin runs in your family, your sebaceous glands may naturally produce more oil.
2. Hormones and Age
Teenagers and young adults often experience higher oil production due to hormonal fluctuations. However, adults can also experience oiliness due to stress or hormonal shifts.
3. Climate and Environment
Hot, humid climates can increase oil production. Seasonal changes can also impact skin behavior.
4. Enlarged Pores
Larger pores often release more visible oil.
5. Using the Wrong Skincare Products
Heavy creams, occlusive ingredients, or harsh cleansers can either clog pores or strip the skin. When skin is over-dried, it often produces more oil to compensate.
The key is balance. You cannot completely stop oil production, but you can regulate it effectively. Using the correct skin care products a huge difference in the amount of oil that’s left on your face.
Best ingredients for Oily Skin
When shopping for your products, it’s super important to pay attention to the main ingredients in a product. If you have oily skin, you want to look for products with the following ingredients:
- Squalane - It mimics the sebum your skin naturally produces, which you may think you don’t want, but it actually helps to balance your skin’s natural oils, which is exactly what you do want!
- Rosemary Extract - Rosemary helps to naturally cleanse your pores.
- Aloe Vera - One of the best natural hydrating ingredients, aloe adds moisture to your skin while also helping to remove buildup on your skin.
- Rose Oil - Used for centuries to help improve the look of skin, rose oil cleanses skin, minimizes the look of pores, and naturally hydrates!
- Clary Sage - Clary Sage acts as a natural toner and helps eliminate overly-dry or overly-oily skin.
- Activated Coconut Charcoal - It gives skin and pores a deep cleansing without stripping your skin of nutrients.
- Bentonite and Kaolin Clay - Clays are super beneficial for balancing oils, soothing skin, and improving texture.
- Tea Tree Oil - This essential oil helps to cleanse dirt and oil from pores and calm skin.
- Retinol - Also known as vitamin A, retinol helps to cleanse skin of dead skin cells unclogging pores.
- Rose Oil - Used for centuries to help improve the look of skin, rose oil cleanses skin, minimizes the look of pores, and naturally hydrates!
- Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring acid. It helps the skin to renew itself more quickly and therefore reduces pimple and blackhead formation. It also helps to kill the bacteria that cause acne and rosacea. Azelaic acid topical (for the skin) is used to treat acne and rosacea.
- Zinc Oxide can give your skin the protection it needs from harmful UV rays. It helps protect cells from being damaged, halts the ageing process, and prevents skin dryness by filtering out the harmful UV rays.
Ingredients to Avoid
There are also ingredients out there that you should avoid if you have oily skin. This doesn’t mean that these ingredients are bad for everyone, but they could make oily skin worse.
- Coconut oil - While coconut oil can be great for people with dry skin, it is considered comedogenic, meaning it is more likely to clog your pores, especially if you have oily skin.
- Vaseline - Vaseline is pure petroleum jelly, a mineral oil that creates a barrier on your skin potentially clogging your pores. It’s also a potential carcinogen.
- Beeswax - While it can be used to hydrate and protect your skin, the barrier it creates is likely to clog your pores.
- Lanolin - Lanolin is an oil that comes from sheep’s skin, and can lead to an overproduction of oil in already oily skin.
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate - This is a common ingredient in many soaps and cleansers. But, it can strip skin of too much moisture, leading to increased oil production.
Best Skin Care Products for Oily Skin
Managing oily skin is not about stripping it dry. It’s about balance. The right products help control excess oil, refine pores, and support the skin barrier without causing irritation or rebound oil production.
Here are some of the best Su-Skin products to include in an oily skin routine.
Daily Cleansers and Toners
A foundational product for oily and congested skin, this cleanser helps dissolve excess sebum while gently cleansing the surface. Ideal for morning and night cleansing to reduce shine and improve clarity.
A balancing toner that refreshes skin after cleansing and helps refine the look of pores. It preps the skin for serums and moisturizers without stripping moisture.
An exfoliating cleanser that helps lift dead skin cells and particles that can trap oil and cause congestion. Use a few times per week, not every day, to avoid irritation.
Targeted Serums and Treatments
Antioxidant-rich serum that helps brighten complexion and promote clarity while supporting overall skin health. It can help counter dullness sometimes associated with oilier skin types.
A serum with Vitamin A (retinoid) that helps improve skin texture and minimize the look of pores. Retinoids can also gently encourage cell turnover, making this useful for oily or acne-prone skin.
Despite its name, hyaluronic acid benefits oily skin by providing lightweight hydration, helping skin feel balanced rather than stripped, which can reduce overproduction of oil.
Additional Support Products
A multi-purpose formula that hydrates and nourishes, ideal for oily skin that also needs soothing support.
A gel moisturizer with glycerin and Vitamin E that provides non-greasy hydration, which helps support the skin barrier and control oil production.
Trusted Professional Skincare in Southwest Florida
Oily skin is not a flaw. In fact, oily skin often ages more slowly due to its natural moisture levels. The goal is not to eliminate oil completely but to manage it intelligently.
With the right ingredients and a consistent Su-Skin routine, you can reduce shine, refine pores, and maintain healthy, balanced skin without irritation.
Schedule your free consultation today at 239-603-6282 or message us online to discover personalized skincare solutions tailored to your skin’s unique needs.
References and References
- American Academy of Dermatology. “Oily Skin: Causes and Treatment.”
- Mayo Clinic. “Acne and Oily Skin Overview.”
- National Institutes of Health. “Sebaceous Glands and Sebum Production.”
- Cleveland Clinic. “How to Treat Oily Skin.”
- Harvard Health Publishing. “Understanding Acne and Skin Oils.”
- Food and Drug Administration. “Sunscreen and Zinc Oxide Information.”
