What does it mean to have oily skin? Having skin that feels waxy, allowing your fingers slide easily over the surface, especially on the forehead, nose and chin. "The skin will have a shine to it indicating there is an excess oil flow," explains Emma Hobson, Education Manager of the International Dermal Institute. "The pores of the skin are enlarged especially on the T-zone and may be congested with blackheads."
The bad news about oily skin: it's genetic. Skin is most oily during the teen years as you go through puberty. The good news though is that as we age it becomes less oily — and for some people it even becomes dry.
There are a number of ways to combat oily skin. Hobson advises using Dermalogica's Skin Response Complex made up of balm mint, coneflower and camphor to help reduce the production of sebum (oil) in the skin. She also recommends products that contain microsponges that "mop up" excess oil from the skin's surface. Another option: try an oil-absorbing clay mask.
The most important thing to note on treating oily skin: "Avoid stripping, drying products (often alcohol based) that cause the skin to become dehydrated and irritated and encourage the skin to become oilier as a protective response," explains Hobson.
How you cleanse your skin is also important. "A double cleanse will ensure you remove all your make-up and any residue of dirt or grime," explains Hobson. "And a clay-based cleanser would be the perfect choice." She advises you cleanse all the way down your neck, behind your ears and into your hair line as these are areas that are often missed, and breakouts can then appear.
Regularly exfoliating your skin is also recommended. While exfoliation itself won't reduce oil production, it will help to prevent the skin becoming clogged and congested. And when it comes to moisturisers, many skincare experts, beauty brands and dermatologists have differing opinions on whether oily-skinned people should use them or not. But if you do use one, take this advice from Hobson: "Choose one that is oil-free, very light weight and contains microsponges." And regardless of whether you use a moisturiser or not, you should always use an SPF.
And what about make-up for oily skin? Look for products labelled "oil-free" and "non comedogenic". Try using an oil-absorbing primer before your mattifying foundation, and opt for powder blush and eye shadow formulas over cream. Throughout the day, powder is great to carry with you to cover up shine, but make sure you mop up excess oil first with a tissue or blotting papers, as powder straight over the top of a super-greasy face will leave it looking heavy and cakey.
