Glowing skin is in—everything from an expertly placed highlight to a makeup-free natural glow. But for us with oily skin, embracing the shine may seem more like a farfetched fantasy. Blotting out the appearance of oily skin is definitely doable with a little education and some tried and true tips. Let’s personalize your skin care regimen with some oil-taming products and practices to help your natural oils enhance your glow.
If your T-zone’s too shiny, never fear, you have many product and lifestyle choices for your oily or combination skin. But before we dive in, let’s get a few things out of the way:
- Genetics determine if your skin is dry or oily. Your friends with flawless skin aren’t necessarily doing anything different than you to achieve their look.
- Some amount of oil is healthy. Without it, your face wouldn’t be able to lock in moisture. Avoid any extreme-sounding oil removal products, as they could cause long-term damage.
- Your skin is uniquely yours. Think of the heroes in your life. Do they have perfect skin? Do they obsess overlooks? Probably not. Own the skin you’re in as a part of what makes you beautifully you.
All that said, when you feel good, you look good. Confidence shows.
Avoid the Appearance of Oily Skin
The best way to curb an overly shiny face is to use a skin care regimen for oily skin. From cleanser to toner, serums, and moisturizer, each of these products helps balance your facial oil without stripping essential moisture.
Scrub Away Your Worries
Exfoliating with a scrub helps cleanse, eliminate blackheads, and remove impurities. Follow up with the right moisturiser for your skin type—something oil-free and water-based. Over-washing can dry out skin and prompt oil production.
Blot It Out
Sometimes greasy skin is the result of a quick cardio session, keeping up with the kids at the playground, or simply time in the sun. Instead of washing the oil off—see above—wick it with blotting paper. These papers are designed to absorb oil without messing with your makeup. Many are biodegradable and constructed to address different skin types.
Don’t Self-Sabotage Your Oily Skin
Some common habits may increase your skin’s oil. Here are a few of the top contenders:
- Not Drinking Enough Water
If there’s one thing we all need more of, it’s water. If you aren’t hydrating enough during the day, your body suffers for it—especially your skin. A minimum of eight glasses of water a day is recommended. Add a few more in summertime or if you are crushing workouts. Increased water intake helps give you a beautiful glow and lets your whole body function at its best.
2. Skipping Moisturiser
You may think the first thing to avoid the appearance of oily skin is to use less moisturiser, but resist the urge to skip it. Keep your skin happy by moisturising at least once a day after a bath, shower, shave, or exfoliation. Extra-hot water, dry climates, and environmental factors can all leave your skin parched, flaky, and uncomfortable. Choose a lightweight moisturiser instead of a cream-based one and your skin will thank you.
3. An Unbalanced Diet
Yo-yo dieting wreaks havoc on your skin. Too much sugar or sodium can cause breakouts. Not enough healthy fats, like omega-3s, can leave your skin lacklustre and dull. But a balanced, health-conscious diet gives your skin the vitamins and minerals it needs to renew and repair. Cut the processed foods on your grocery list and replace them with vitamin C-packed fruits, fish, and yellow or orange foods high in lutein. You’ll see head-to-toe benefits by making small changes on your plate.
4. Sleeping in Your Makeup
Admit it, sometimes it’s tempting to take your makeup to bed with you. If you rock the second-day face look often, your complexion may show it. One of the most important habits for clear, beautiful skin is keeping it clean. Leaving foundation and eye makeup on overnight seriously dries out your skin—pores become clogged and primed for a breakout disaster. So, show your skin some love and wash the day away.
5. Dirty Linens and Brushes
When’s the last time you splurged for new pillows, washed your pillowcases, or cleaned your makeup brushes? Dirty linens and brushes can leave bacteria and grime on your face, defeating the benefit of cleansing before and after bed. Keep fabrics and materials that come in frequent contact with your face and skin as refreshed as possible (rule of thumb—wash them once a week) to keep your skin clean and clear.
Just like working out, a healthy diet, and good mental health, investing time in your skin is a great self-care habit.
In Closing: Be As You Are
The solution for the appearance of oily skin looks a little different for everyone. Age, genetics, and lifestyle all play a role in how shiny or matted your face appears. Try the tips above, embrace your unique look, and take on every day with your inner confidence shining from the inside out.
