Are you constantly battling that relentless shine, no matter how many times you blot your face? Does your makeup seem to slide off by midday? If you have oily skin, you know these struggles all too well.
Oily skin can be both a blessing and a curse — it means your skin is naturally moisturised and can age more gracefully, but it also brings challenges like frequent breakouts, enlarged pores and a shiny complexion.
Understanding how to stop oily skin is the first step towards a healthier, more balanced complexion. Whether it’s genetics, hormones, diet or stress causing your skin to produce excess oil, there are effective strategies to keep the shine at bay and prevent acne. In this guide, we’ll share tips on how to get rid of oily skin, helping you achieve a healthy, vibrant glow.
Symptoms of oily skin
Our bodies are equipped with sebaceous glands, particularly abundant on the face and scalp. These glands produce sebum, an oily substance that helps moisturise and protect the skin.
However, some individuals produce excess sebum, which may lead to the following:
- Shiny skin — Skin, especially in the T-zone (forehead, nose and chin), may appear to have a greasy film, even shortly after cleansing. The extra oil can cause makeup to break down and wear off more quickly, leading to a need for frequent touch-ups.
- Enlarged and clogged pores — When too much sebum is produced, it can mix with dead skin cells, expanding and clogging the pores. This blockage can prevent normal skin from shedding, thus trapping oil and debris inside the pores.
- Frequent acne and breakouts — Clogged pores are a primary cause of acne. Excess sebum can lead to the formation of whiteheads, blackheads and inflammatory acne.
What causes oily skin?
There are various causes for the extra production of sebum, which leads to oily skin:
- Genetics — Genetic predisposition plays a significant role in determining your skin type. If oily skin runs in your family, you’re more likely to experience breakouts and greasy skin as well.
- Hormonal changes — Hormones, particularly androgen, can stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce more oil. This is why oily skin is common during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy and menopause.
- Diet — Consuming a diet high in refined sugars, processed foods and dairy products can trigger excess oil production.
- Climate — Hot and humid weather can stimulate your skin to produce more oil. People often notice that their skin becomes oilier during summer months or in tropical climates.
- Improper skincare for oily skin — Using harsh skincare products or over-washing your face can strip your skin of its natural oils. In response, your sebaceous glands may produce even more oil to compensate for the loss, resulting in oily skin. Using lightweight skincare products is essential for maintaining proper moisture levels without clogging pores.
- Stress — Stress negatively impacts the body, including the skin. When you’re stressed, your body releases additional androgen hormones, which stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum.
How to get rid of oily skin
Managing oily skin takes time, so be patient and consistent with your efforts. Listen to what your skin needs and adjust your routine accordingly.
Here are some effective oily skin treatment tips to ensure your skin looks and feels fresh all day:
1. Don’t skip cleansing
It may sound simple, but washing your face twice a day with warm water and a gentle cleanser is key to keeping your pores clear and preventing acne. This will effectively remove excess oil and dirt without stripping your skin of moisture. Avoid scrubbing your skin too hard, as doing so can irritate it and actually trigger more oil production.
It’s also best to avoid products with alcohol. These can dry out your skin, leading to even more oiliness.
2. Exfoliate gently
Exfoliating helps clear dead skin cells, reducing the likelihood of acne and allowing other skincare products to penetrate more deeply.
Aim to exfoliate two to three times a week. If you overdo it, your skin might lose its natural oils and end up producing even more, which can lead to irritation and breakouts. Choose exfoliators with ingredients like salicylic acid or glycolic acid, which help to dissolve excess oil without being too harsh on your skin.
3. Apply non-comedogenic moisturisers
After exfoliating, apply moisturiser right away. Skipping moisturiser can actually cause your skin to produce more oil as it tries to hydrate itself. However, avoid heavy creams and lotions that can increase clogging and sebum production.
Instead, opt for lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturisers that can easily be absorbed by the skin. Non-comedogenic products help balance your skin’s moisture levels, providing just enough hydration.
Many non-comedogenic moisturisers contain natural ingredients with smaller molecular structures, like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera and glycerin. These ingredients penetrate and hydrate the skin effectively. Be familiar with common comedogenic ingredients to avoid, such as coconut butter, avocado oil and olive oil, to keep your skin blemish-free.
If you’re unsure whether a product is suitable for your skin, be sure to consult your doctor or dermatologist before trying it.
4. Control oil throughout the day
Use blotting papers as needed to absorb excess oil throughout the day. These come in various forms, such as paper or cellulose, but all effectively remove surface oils and help reduce shine.
Additionally, apply an oil-absorbing powder over your moisturiser or foundation to maintain a matte finish all day long. Remember to keep your hands away from your face, as touching it can transfer bacteria, increasing the risk of acne.
5. Schedule regular facials
Oily skin treatments are essential for purifying the pores. They often involve deep cleaning and extractions, which can remove stubborn blackheads and whiteheads that at-home treatments might miss.
Additionally, facial rejuvenation treatments can help exfoliate the skin, stimulate skin renewal and promote a smooth and even complexion.
Start your journey to clear and radiant skin with Elite Contouring
Learning how to stop oily skin can be challenging. However, with the right treatments and products, you can control excess oil and combat blemishes easily.
At Elite Body Contouring, we offer RF Microneedling, a rejuvenating oily skin treatment for the face and neck. The treatment works by creating controlled micro-injuries in the skin and delivering radiofrequency energy deep into the skin layers. This process stimulates collagen production, tightens the skin and can reduce the size of pores, which often contributes to excess oil production.
Additionally, RF Microneedling can help regulate sebum (oil) production, making the skin less oily over time. It’s a great option for those looking to improve skin texture, reduce acne scars and manage oily skin.
We also specialise in non-surgical body sculpting and tightening solutions. Our expert therapists will take the time to understand your skin care goals and ensure you achieve the desired results. Book a free consultation with Elite Body Contouring today!