Here’s The Best Way To Deal With It How To Control Oily Face

TIt’s not all horrible to have oily skin. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, natural oils protect and retain the skin, which means persons with a natural glow have fewer wrinkles. However, those benefits come with a slew of drawbacks, including a super-shiny face, clogged pores, breakouts, and the misery of watching your makeup melt off by 3 p.m. how to control oily face

Here’s The Best Way To Deal With It How To Control Oily Face

So, what exactly causes oily skin? “Oily skin is caused by hormonal stimulation of the sebaceous glands (oil glands) on a biological level,” says Melanie Palm, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in San Diego. “Oil produced by the gland is expelled through our pores to the skin’s surface, giving it a characteristic shiny or slick appearance.”

According to Tsippora Shainhouse, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Los Angeles, oil glands are concentrated in certain parts of the face, such as the forehead, nose, mid-cheeks, and chin (also known as the T-zone). (This is why, if you have oily skin, these regions will appear greasy.)

The amount of oil generated by your skin varies from person to person, and factors such as hormone changes (menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause), nutrition, stress, and even the weather can all affect how much oil your skin produces. Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do to get oily skin under control, and we turned to professionals for advice.

What to Do If You Have Oily Skin

1. Read the labels on the goods you use to care for your skin.

Certain keywords and substances might help you determine whether skincare products will help you control oil production or exacerbate it. “Use products that are labeled as ‘non-comedogenic,’ ‘non-acnegenic,’ ‘doesn’t clog pores,’ or ‘won’t trigger breakouts,'” advises David Lortscher, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and CEO of Curology in California. “This implies that the product is intended for persons with oily or acne-prone skin,” says the maker. He adds that while it’s not a guarantee because everyone’s skin reacts differently, it can be a helpful guideline.

Look for active components like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, niacinamide, zinc, retinoids, and sulfur that help the oil gland operate more regularly. “Lighter formulations, such as serums, gels, lotions, or powders, are more likely to be tolerated than creams or ointments,” explains Dr. Palm.

Dr. Lortscher recommends visiting cosDNA.com to study your skincare items in their database if you’re unsure about a product. Pull up the chemical list and run it through the “analyze cosmetics” section, paying special attention to the “acne” column: Consider switching to a different product if there are any 3s, 4s, or 5s listed.

2. Cleanse with an oil-controlling cleanser.

To de-grease your skin, you don’t need to use a harsh face cleanser, contrary to popular belief—in fact, going too strong may induce rebound oil production. Instead, Dr. Lortscher recommends using a gentle foamy cleanser with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, which penetrates your pores and keeps them clear of junk. Consider the following dermatologist-approved alternatives:

Scrubbing your skin can deplete it of its natural protective oils and, ironically, cause it to produce more oil. Dr. Shainhouse explains, “The idea is to eliminate physical debris and emulsify extra oils and grease so they can rinse off—not to hurt your skin.” Simply moisten your face, then lather up a nickel-sized amount of cleanser and gently massage it onto your face. The rest will be handled by your cleanser.

4. However, don’t wash your face too frequently.

It’s tempting to wash your face with oil-zapping cleansers numerous times a day to keep your skin looking matte, but this might really backfire. “When you over-wash, you’re removing the protecting natural oils from your skin, which can leave it feeling dry, tight, and parched,” Dr. Shainhouse explains. Your skin responds to dryness by producing extra oil because it can’t manufacture its own moisture. Only wash your face in the morning, at night, and after exercise to break the cycle.

5. Experiment with different toner combinations.

To remove grease from your skin, avoid using drying toners (think: alcohol-based), apple cider vinegar, or rubbing alcohol. “These solutions will physically remove surface grease, but they will dry up the top layer of your skin,” Dr. Shainhouse explains, which could lead to rebound oil production. If you require a toner, Dr. Shainhouse suggests using a micellar water that combines both astringent (charcoal, witch hazel) and hydrating (glycerin, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera) components to mattify and preserve your skin.

If your skin tolerates micellar water without irritation, try Simple Micellar Water (which Dr. Shainhouse recommends for sensitive skin) or La Roche Posay Effaclar Micellar Water for Oily Skin, which cleanses, hydrates (with glycerin), and controls oil production (with zinc).

6. Always use a moisturizer.

According to Dr. Shainhouse, moisturizing skin that is always slick and oily may seem paradoxical, but it provides an extra layer of protection against rebound oil production. After washing your face (or toning if you wish to add that step), use a mild, oil-free moisturizer like EltaMD AM Therapy or Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel.

7. Always apply sunscreen to your skin.

If you choose the correct sunscreen for your skin type, you won’t have to worry about your face looking greasy. Dr. Shainhouse recommends using a light solution with mineral blockers like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Chemical formulas are also OK; just make sure to select a gel or light liquid solution designed for use on the face.

Elta MD Clear SPF 46 is Dr. Palm’s favorite because it’s a non-comedogenic product with no heavy moisturizers. Plus, she claims, “zinc oxide and niacinamide are anti-inflammatory and do not encourage oil production.” If you’re still shiny, Dr. Shainhouse recommends using a loose mineral powder sunscreen like Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection SPF 50 for touch-ups.

8. Use a mattifying product to finish the look.

After applying sunscreen and before applying makeup, use a mattifying product to help reduce shine throughout the day. OC8 Professional Mattifying Gel is recommended by Dr. Palm: “It contains a polymer called acrysorb,” she explains, “which binds to and absorbs oil on the skin.” Best of all, it works for up to eight hours to decrease shine.

9. Experiment with your makeup.

According to Heidi Prather, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology in Austin, Texas, switching cosmetic products from creams to powders is a fantastic method to keep excess oil in check. Creamy foundations can seem cakey and provide more room for clogged pores to form, but mineral-based powders are non-comedogenic and absorb shine. For example, Hourglass Immaculate Liquid Powder Foundation regulates oil and draws out impurities without drying your skin, while RMS Beauty “Un” Powder functions as a translucent setting powder that keeps oil at bay and minimizes pores without leaving a white residue.

10. Exfoliate once a week

It’s vital not to over-exfoliate, as this might lead to an increase in oil production—once or twice a week should suffice. “I usually recommend chemical exfoliants that are non-particle based and contain a combination of glycolic and salicylic acids,” adds Dr. Palm. This combination effectively removes excess oil and dead skin cells while also preventing plugged pores. After cleansing, use the Peter Thomas Roth Max Complexion Correction Pads or the SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser.

11. Include retinoids in your arsenal.

According to Dr. Prather, using retinoids on a regular basis helps to shrink sebaceous glands and reduce oiliness. But keep in mind that when you’re new to retinoids, they can dry up the skin’s surface and cause peeling, so you can notice greasier skin at first, which will go away after your skin adjusts, according to Dr. Shainhouse.

Most retinoids require a dermatologist’s prescription, but one is available over-the-counter: Differin Gel, which is praised for its ability to decrease acne. You can also start with a retinol cream at night (a gentler sibling to retinoids) like RoC Retinol Correxion Night Cream or Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair to help reduce the early increase in oil production before moving up to a stronger formulation.

According to Dr. Palm, sulfur not only draws pollutants out of the skin, but it also acts as an anti-inflammatory, calming irritation inside the hair follicle-oil gland unit, which can cause oil production to go into overdrive. Sulfur masks, like as Kate Somerville’s EradiKate Foam-Activated Mask, should be thoroughly washed off with water or a gentle cleaner. If your skin feels tight after the mask, use your favorite moisturizer to prevent oil production from returning.

13. Always have a supply of blotting papers on hand.

According to Dr. Prather, who suggests Tatcha Japanese Blotting Papers, blotting papers are a simple quick remedy when you need to soak up extra oil on the go. They’re constructed with abaca leaf and gold flakes for a natural product that absorbs grease without smudging your makeup. Gently rub the oil into your skin to absorb it, then go about your day.

14. Mist your skin to keep it cool.

Excess sebum production may be triggered by hot and humid settings, according to research. (Insert somber trombone.) “Avoiding overheating throughout the spring and summer months can help to reduce sweat and oil production on the skin,” Dr. Prather explains. Cooling water sprays, such as Avene Thermal Spring Water, can be sprayed on your face to keep you cool without adding oil or shine.

15. Keep your hands away from your face.

It’s tempting to touch your face, especially when you’re upset or thinking, but if your skin is already oily, the last thing you want to do is transfer more oil, not to mention filth and bacteria, from your hands to your face. “The act of touching your face on a regular basis can clog pores and cause acne,” explains Dr. Prather. When cleaning or applying sunscreen, moisturizer, or makeup, only use clean hands to contact your face.

16. Reduce your intake of sugar and refined carbohydrates.

According to Dr. Lortscher, eating sugar and refined carbs, such as white bread, sweet drinks, and junk foods, causes your blood sugar levels to jump and your pancreas to release insulin to balance things out. The synthesis of insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) is increased, which might increase oil production and acne severity. Replace sugar and refined carbohydrates in your diet with high-fiber, unprocessed foods like whole grains, nuts, legumes, vegetables, and many fruits, which have a low GI (meaning they don’t increase blood sugar) (strawberries, peaches, mangoes).

17. Indulge in spearmint tea.

Although the data isn’t conclusive, there is some indication that drinking two cups of organic spearmint tea each day will lower blood levels of circulating androgens, male-type hormones that all women have. “Androgens drive oil gland production and can exacerbate acne,” explains Dr. Lortscher. “Reducing circulating androgens by drinking spearmint tea may possibly alleviate oiliness.” If you want to give it a shot, limit yourself to two glasses each day and monitor your shine.

18. Manage your stress levels

“Our bodies tend to create more cortisol during stressful times, which also causes excess oil production,” adds Dr. Lortscher. Make an effort to carve out time during the day to engage in stress-relieving activities such as yoga, deep breathing, and other relaxation techniques, as well as workouts (power walking, dancing), and leisure rituals (dinner with buds, Netflix, and actually chilling).

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