Managing an oily, acne-prone skin can be a bit of a challenge if you are unaware of what to do. The right skincare routine and products will help remove the congestion and excess oil, leaving your skin looking beautiful.
The first step to reducing excess oil production on your skin is to get an understanding of what’s happening. Only then can you assemble the ideal skincare routine and products to start seeing impressive results.
Acne and oily skin can occur because they are inherited disorders. However, they can also be aggravated by using the wrong skincare products. Therefore, it pays to understand the root cause of the problem and tackle it using the appropriate solution.
If the oily, acne breakouts aren’t as a result of genetics, here are what you may be doing wrongly:
- You may be using skincare products that are not ideal for your skin. It could be too emollient or may contain harsh skin-aggravating ingredients. Products such as these can cause oilier skin, and possibly, more breakouts.
- You may be using anti-acne products that don’t contain salicylic acid (BHA) or benzoyl peroxide. These two ingredients are vital for getting acne breakouts under control.
- You may be using products that contain a high amount of natural or synthetic fragrances, including fragrant oils.
- You may not be using sunscreen daily. Sun damage contributes to permanently disrupting the skin surface, leading to excess oil production and even acne breakouts.
How can you manage oily, acne-prone skin?
1. Cleansers
One of the most effective ways to manage oily skin and prevent acne is to cleanse your face in the morning and night. Ensure that you use a gentle cleanser because harsh soaps can trigger the skin to produce more oil than necessary.
Also, avoid the buff. A washcloth or buff can encourage more oil production. If the regular facial cleaner does cut oiliness, use a product that contains acids like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or beta-hydroxy acid.
2. Blotting Paper
Cosmetic blotting papers are an ideal option for removing oil because they don’t dry your skin out. They are also convenient and easy to use. Apply blotting papers to the oily areas of your skin like the forehead, nose, and chin.
When you apply, do not scrub the blotting paper on your skin. It may do more harm than good. Simply press it long enough, on the oily areas, to absorb the oil — for about 15 to 20 seconds. You can opt for a blotting paper that is powdered to reduce shine further.
3. Moisturizers
Most people with oily skin tend to avoid moisturizers because they fear it will make their skin shinier. But, totally avoiding moisturizers isn’t an excellent idea because even oily skins need moisturizers to look its best.
To avoid oily sheen from moisturizers, opt for an oil-free moisturizer. And vary the amount you apply depending on whether the area tends to be dry or oily.
4. Oil-free Sunscreen
The regular sunscreens can be a problem for people with oily skin since the coating can get thick and can block pores. Nonetheless, protecting your skin from ultraviolet radiation is vital.
Choose sunscreen gels for protecting your skin from harmful rays instead of creams and lotions. There are now a variety of oil-free products for oily skins. Some of the newest products include facial powders. They offer enough protection to ward off sun damage.
5. Masks and Clays
When you apply masks and clays to the skin, it can help to draw out oils and cleanse the pores. However, there are also fears of over-drying. Therefore, it is advisable to apply masks and clays to problem areas and use them occasionally. You can limit masks and clays to when you have big events like weddings, birthday dinners, or presentations.
Takeaways
Finally, choosing gentle cleansers, moisturizers, sunscreens, blotting papers, anti-acne skin care products, and toners with skin-replenishing ingredients can help you realize your best skin without having to worry about excess oil, acne breakouts and acne scars.
For those who have acne scars, acne scar treatment products, such as Hiruscar Post Acne Gel can help in improve the appearance of existing acne scars, dark marks and the formation of new permanent scars.