How familiar does this struggle sound: frantically rummaging through your purse to look for oil blotters or your compact because you can practically feel the oil oozing from your pores. Living with oily skin can be a real hassle—you’re always worrying about product choices and whether or not your T-zone looks like you’ve been swimming in grease. Fear not, oily skin is totally manageable and you can carry on without checking your pores every five seconds!
Oily skin is caused by a plethora of reasons. Some that are particularly relevant to us college students include: overuse of product, seasonal changes, medications, use of the wrong product, stress and more. Obviously, some factors (like changes in season) are outside of your control, there are still ways to keep that shine in check!
1. Cleanse
Make sure you’re using the right type of products for your face! It seems counterintuitive, but you shouldn’t be overcleansing, especially with product that includes alcohol, menthol, mint or eucalyptus; it’ll strip your face of moisture and your skin will overcompensate, producing even more oil. You also don’t want to start off with ultra-moisturizing cream cleansers; the formula might be too heavy for your face.
Instead, try a gentle cleanser such as Neutrogena’s Oil Free Acne Wash ($7.22) for a cleanser that will combat acne and reduce your oily skin without drying your face out.
2. Moisturize
The proper moisturizer can do wonders. Have you tried a gel based moisturizer yet? It’s perfect for oily skin. Not only does it instantly moisturize your face, but it is water based, so it won’t clog your pores. Plus, using a gel moisturizer provides a smooth canvas for applying your makeup, and it will help stop your makeup from sliding away.
Try out NARS Skin Aqua Gel Luminous Oil-Free Moisturizer ($58) or Olay Fresh Effects Dew Over Hydrating Gel Moisturizer ($12.99) for a product that won’t be as painful on your wallet.
3. Protect
Definitely do not forget to protect your face! Harsh rays can temporarily dry out the skin, prompting your skin to go into overdrive and to produce even more oil to make up for that loss. On the other hand, the wrong sunscreen can also clog your pores… which also isn’t great for an already greasy complexion. So what’s a girl to do?
Give Olay Regenerist Regenerating Lotion SPF 15 ($18.69) a try for a lightweight and non-clogging product!
4. Absorb
The best way to reduce oil immediately is to absorb it! The above tips might help get your oil under control in the long term, but you will inevitably still need to blot from time to time.
Try Boscia Green Tea Blotting Linens ($10) for the occasional touch up.
5. Makeup
If you’re as any bit obsessed with makeup as any one of us Beauty School bloggers, then you know that nothing can keep you away from your daily cosmetics. But are you using products that are helping or hurting your skin? We recommend:
- Foundation: Make Up For Ever HD Invisible Cover Foundation ($43) offers radiant skin without the shine.
- Primer: Not only is Smashbox Photo Finish Oil Free Foundation Primer Pore Minimizing ($39) good at eliminating oil and mattifying your skin, it also minimizes your pores and allows your skin to stay smooth all day.
- Powder: Make Up For Ever HD Pressed Powder ($36) is a compact that slides easily into your purse and allows you to touch up your T-zone and reduce your shine from time to time—but the formula is so good, you might only need to use it once!
How do you manage your oily skin?