Top Tips for Managing Oily Skin Year-Round

Everyone has different skin types that react differently to skin care products. Knowing your skin type can help protect your skin and ensure it looks healthy year-round. The dermatologists at the Dermatology & Mohs Surgery Institute are here to help you learn more about your skin type and how to manage it.

What to Know About Managing Oily Skin

Different Skin Types

Skin types are classified as oily, dry or combination. Each reveal themselves differently and require different skin care routines and products to be used. Oily skin occurs when there is too much oil in the wrong places due to your sebaceous glands. The result is shiny, oily skin. Dry skin is when your skin lacks moisture. The skin will appear dull and dehydrated. Combination skin is when you have a mix of both oily and dry skin. Your skin may appear a bit shiny but dull at the same time. Once you have determined your skin type, you can make a plan for how to manage it.

Tips to Manage Oily Skin

Managing oily skin is possible! Although we love a good shine on our face from our highlighter, it is a bit different when the shine is caused by oils. The best tips to manage oily skin include having a proper skin care routine that uses the correct cleanser, exfoliating, using sunscreen, and scaling back on the amount of makeup you apply.

Using the correct cleanser involves finding one with salicylic acid as the main ingredient. Salicylic acid helps to reduce acne, exfoliate the skin, and keep your pores unclogged. It penetrates the skin and dissolves the dead skin cells, reducing the amount of oil that appears while not drying out your skin.

Although salicylic acid acts as an exfoliator, you still need to exfoliate your skin weekly to help manage your oily skin. Choose a scrub that once again includes salicylic acid and a facial brush to really see the most benefit. The facial brush can loosen dirt and oils, leaving your skin feeling refreshed. Exfoliating should be kept to once per week so as not to overdo it and dry out your skin.

Once your face is properly cleansed and exfoliated, you will want to add in your sunscreen. Using an SPF 30 or higher keeps your skin protected from the sun, even when it is behind the clouds. Sunscreen helps to keep your skin hydrated and protected from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. It should be applied each morning and reapplied throughout the day if you are in direct sun to avoid sun damage.

Lastly, scale back on the amount of makeup or type of makeup you use. If you are using heavy makeup, it can clog your pores and produce excess oil. It is recommended to switch to a lighter foundation, lighter creams, and lighter primers. This will allow you to still wear makeup but give your face some extra breathing room.

Oily skin doesn’t have to be discouraging; it can be managed with the help of the right cleanser, exfoliation, sunscreen, and applying the right makeup. If you have questions about managing your oily skin and are in Bloomington, Illinois or the surrounding areas, complete this form. A dermatologist from the Dermatology & Mohs Surgery Institute will be in touch.