Best skin care routine for oily skin 

Regular breakouts? Makeup slipping and sliding on your face? Constant waxy-like substance on your skin? You might have oily skin. Luckily, it is one of the most common skin types and can easily be tamed with a persistent skin care routine. In this article, we will discuss what causes oily skin as well as the best skin care routine for oily skin. 

Let’s take a closer look at what causes oily skin 

Our skin is the body’s largest organ and consists of various layers, look closely, and you will see what looks like tiny holes on the surface of your skin. These are called pores, and they provide an opening for hairs (that grow out of hair follicles under the skin’s surface) to come through.  

Each hair follicle is generally attached to an oil gland (also called a sebaceous gland) that produces sebum to protect our skin and prevent it from drying out. Sebum production is affected by ethnicity and sex, and not all of us produce the same amounts.  

Oily skin treatment: The do’s and don’ts 

Your first instinct might be to try and scrub off the oiliness, but this can irritate your skin and may just exacerbate the problem. The key is to be gentle: Use lukewarm water and a face wash for oily skin, pat your skin dry instead of rubbing it, and stick to only washing your face in the mornings and evenings (or if you have been sweating heavily). 

You also might be thinking that there is no need to moisturise – but you could actually be making things worse by skipping this crucial step in your skin care routine.  The right moisturiser for oily skin will help to regulate oil production because it signals to the skin that it doesn’t need to create excess sebum to protect itself. 

What causes pimples?  

When excess oil and dead skin cells get trapped in your pores, they form plugs that clog the pores and cause swelling. And when bacteria gets into the mix, it can lead to infection. Therefore, regular cleaning is crucial, especially if you struggle with oily skin, as it will help to remove dirt and dead skin cells on your face. 

Find out more about common acne myths and what causes acne over here. 

So what is the best morning and evening routine for oily skin? 

Step 1: Begin with a gentle cleanser 

A gentle cleanser for oily skin is always best because harsh products can strip your skin of its natural protective barrier, and as a result, your skin may produce more oil than needed. If you wear makeup, it is a good idea to remove it (with an appropriate makeup remover) before washing your face at night.  

Healthy skin tip: Remember to wash your jawline and neck, as these areas are also prone to buildup.  

Step 2: Balance your skin with a toner 

An appropriate toner for oily skin will be gentle enough to assist with oil control whilst removing dead skin cells. It can also help to prepare and open up your skin so that your moisturiser can work sufficiently. 

Step 3: Protect your skin with a moisturiser 

By applying a suitable moisturiser for oily skin, your sebum levels should find a better balance, which will result in skin that is less oily. A moisturiser will also help to boost your skin’s protective barrier to protect it from pollutants and environmental damage.  

Cuticura products for oily skin 

Cuticura Oil Control Face Wash is specially formulated for oily skin and contains lemon extract. The natural acids in lemon extract break down excess oil and provide a deep clean without disrupting the skin’s natural moisture levels. This Cuticura face wash will leave your skin feeling smooth, soft and radiant. 

Cuticura Oil Control Face Bar is a gentle cleanser for oily skin and works like a charm. It contains witch hazel, an active ingredient that is astringent – meaning it gets rid of excess sebum whilst contracting pores. Witch hazel is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties, so it can help minimise breakouts. 

Cuticura Oil Control Body Bar is perfect for people who struggle with oily skin all over their bodies. This Cuticura soap for oily skin contains grapeseed oil (which is rich in fatty acids) to strengthen the skin’s barrier.  

Cuticura Oil Control Facial Toner helps to remove any remaining traces of dirt and impurities. The active ingredient, witch hazel, reduces the size of pores, eases irritation and injury, and leaves your skin feeling beautifully clean and matt.  

Cuticura Vanishing Cream is available in 50ml and 100ml and contains grapefruit extract (also an astringent) that aids in balancing your skin to reduce oiliness and remove shine. Additionally, grapefruit extract may reduce dark marks on the skin as it has been associated with reduced skin pigmentation. 

Cuticura products are available at all leading supermarkets and pharmacies nationwide, as well as on Takealot.  

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PLEASE NOTE

The content provided on this site is intended for educational and informational purposes only, and in no way does it replace professional medical advice from qualified healthcare professionals. 

List of references: 

Sebomic identification of sex- and ethnicity-specific variations in residual skin surface components (RSSC) for bio-monitoring or forensic applications