If you’re fed up with your face feeling greasy every single day, you’re constantly looking for ways to prevent your makeup sliding off your skin by mid-morning, or you’re simply over staring in the mirror and seeing a super shiny complexion staring back (and not because you’ve been adopting the ‘hyper glowing skin’ trend of late), it’s time to get serious about your oily skin condition.

When it comes to oily skin there are a number of dos and don’ts. Things you may be doing but shouldn’t! Or things you aren’t doing but should! Keep reading as we bust a number of oily skin myths and provide our top tips on how to manage your oily skin too!

Firstly though, it’s good to understand oily skin and why you have it! Despite oily skin being a nuisance, believe it or not, it’s actually not all doom and gloom!  Oily skin happens when the sebaceous glands in your skin make too much sebum. Sebum is the waxy, oily substance that protects and hydrates the skin (it’s actually a blessing as it’s vital for keeping the skin super healthy and youthful looking) however, too much sebum can lead to oily skin! This in turn results in your greasy, shiny complexion and can also result in clogged pores, and unwanted acne if not treated! Fear not thought, that’s why we are here to help!

 

Myth #1

Oily skin doesn’t need moisturiser, it’ll just make it oilier – WRONG

One of the biggest misconceptions about oily skin is that it doesn’t need moisturiser. Contrary to popular belief moisturising does not make oily skin worse. Oily skin, in fact, needs moisturiser just as much as any other skin type. Moisturising actually helps to regulate oil production and often people who struggle with oily skin can actually have dehydrated skin (skin doesn’t contain enough water) therefore their skin tries to compensate by producing too much oil! And there we have ourselves a vicious cycle.

The key is to find a lightweight moisturiser specifically targeted to oily skin types that won’t clog pores or leave a greasy residue.

Myth #2

Washing your face multiple times a day will help control oil production – WRONG

Washing your face too frequently can actually have the opposite effect on oily skin! Over-washing can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to increased oil production to compensate. Instead wash your face twice daily (morning and night) with a gentle, oil-free foaming cleanser to remove excess oil and grime.

 

Myth #3

Oily skin doesn’t need sunscreen – WRONG

We know many sunscreens can feel greasy on the skin so clearly that’s the last thing you want to apply to your already oily face right? But I’m here to preach to you the importance of sunscreen for all skin types and that it’s, unfortunately, necessary to wear every. single. day come rain or shine. Just make sure if your skin is oily to look for lighter oil free sunscreens that won’t feel heavy on your skin.

Myth #4

Using harsh products such as exfoliators daily will help control your oil production – WRONG

Using harsh products on oily skin can actually exacerbate the problem! Over exfoliating or just using harsh ingredients can strip the skin of its natural oils leading to increased oil production and potentially irritation too. Instead, opt for more gentle non-comedogenic products designed to help control an oily skin complexion.

Now that we’ve busted some of the most common oily skin myths, let’s talk about some of the do’s and don’ts for managing it.

 

Do

Wash your face with a gentle cleanser twice a day as mentioned earlier to remove any excess oil, grime and other impurities from your skin’s surface.

Try Pevonia’s Phyto Gel Cleanser. This gorgeous non-drying product provides a delightful natural soft lather for deep cleansing. Saponaria, Rosemary, Lemon, and Pine, precisely blend to rid your skin of impurities and surface toxins and oils.

Don’t

Wash your face more frequently than twice daily or use hot water as both can strip your skin of its natural oils and cause skin to produce even more oil to compensate.

Do

Use a lotion or toner after cleansing your skin as this will help remove any remaining oil as well as tighten pores.

Try Phytomer Oligomarine Flawless Skin Tonic. Actually ideal for combination to oily skin types, this toner completes makeup removal and cleansing for really clear and clean skin. From the 1st application, the skin feels fresh, looks clear and is evenly toned. Day after day, excess oil dramatically reduces and pores are tightened. Oh, and your complexion will be more radiant too!

Don’t

Use heavy, oil-based moisturisers. While oily skin does still need moisturising just like any other skin type, rich moisturisers can clog pores and lead to breakouts.

Do

Moisturise your skin though! Simply use an oil-free lightweight moisturiser to keep your skin hydrated.

Do

Exfoliate regularly to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores which can help control oil production. 

Don’t

Over-exfoliate! Once or twice weekly is sufficient. Over exfoliating skin can be detrimental and actually have some of the same signs as oily skin! From a shiny complexion to skin suddenly prone to breakouts. To find out whether your skin could be over-exfoliated click here.

Don’t

Use products with alcohol. Alcohol-based products can be very irritating and drying for oily skin. Your sebaceous glands will get the message that your skin is too dry and will work overtime to produce more sebum which equals even oilier skin!

Do

Use face masks that contain salicylic acid, beta-hydroxy acid, clays and ingredients with antibacterial properties. Our Pevonia Age Correction Micro-Pores Bio-Active Mask can be used once or twice a week as it pulls debris, blackheads and pore-cloggers from the skin. It’s uniquely formulated to remove excess oil, control sebum production and help reveal an even-toned matte complexion.

Don’t

Skip sunscreen. ever. It’s important to protect your skin from the sun no matter what your skin type.

Do

Use oil-free or non comedogenic makeup to avoid clogging pores. Mineral makeup it best. For beauty tips on how to make your makeup last all day even if you have oily skin click here.