BC Skin Journal
BC Blog
The best skincare routine for oily skin
by Jo Boyden
on Aug 09 2024
If you have oily skin, you’ll know the struggle of managing shine and breakouts all too well. But having oily skin doesn't have to be a daily battle! With the right skincare routine, you can control excess oil, minimize the appearance of pores, and keep your skin looking fresh and balanced throughout the day! Whether you're dealing with midday shine, frequent blemishes or seasonal flare-ups, keep reading for the best skincare routine for oily skin so you can achieve a clear, matt and healthy complexion all year round.
What is oily skin?
Caused by genetics, dehydrated skin and overactive sebaceous glands producing excess sebum, oily skin is a common skin type that leaves you with a slick shine (or greasy appearance). People with oily skin often struggle with large pores too which can get easily clogged with sweat and oils, this is why oily skin has a tendency to breakout where pores are more prominent such as the cheeks and T-zone.
The best skincare routine for oily skin
Step 1: Start with a purifying cleanser
As with any skin type, perfecting your skincare routine is paramount. First things first, prep your skin with a good cleanser formulated with ingredients that will help reduce excessive oil and prevent the plugging of pores that can lead to acne breakouts! Niacinamide is a game-changes for oily skin! It’s a versatile and powerhouse skincare ingredient that works to regulate excess sebum production and to possibly even lower your skin’s sebum excretion over time! Plus, niacinamide is also packed with antibacterial properties - all while keeping things gentle for your skin.
We recommend: Naturys Purifying Mousse. Its beautifully light, ideal for daily cleansing and is formulated with the purifying properties of niacinamide to thoroughly, yet gently cleanse skin removing excess oil, dirt, grime and impurities. The result? Skin feels beautifully fresh and baby soft!
How to use: Apply over the damp skin and massage gently into skin morning and night. Rinse with warm water.
Step 2: Use a Hydrating serum
Just as with any skin type, oily skin needs nourishment and serums are perfect for that because they are lightweight and easily absorbed. Just be sure to use a non-greasy serum! A purifying serum formulated with niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid will keep your skin well-hydrated while helping to balance your oil production too!
We recommend: Naturys Deep Purifying Serum. Containing a purifying complex of niacinamide, bakuchiol, hyaluronic acid, peptides and vitamin c, this serum, specifically designed for oily skin is both nourishing and soothing. Enriched with olive oil microcapsules that melt when in contact with the skin, it helps correct overproduction of sebum, enlarged pores, acne and skin prone to redness. Crazy right?
How to use: Apply a few drops to clean skin in the morning and evening, lightly massaging with circular movements to absorb the microcapsules.
Step 3: Always apply moisturiser
Now that you’ve applied your serum, it’s imperative you properly moisturise your skin too. 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. Moisturising actually helps to regulate oil production! Often people who struggle with oily skin, don’t give their skin the nourishment it needs and in turn cause their skin to dehydrate, their skin then 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.
We recommend: Naturys Face Cream Age-Purifying. It's anti-ageing and the ideal solution for oily skin! Formulated with bakuchiol, niacinamide and peptides it balances skin, keeps oil at bay, reduces enlarged pores, purifies the skin and battles imperfections! Oh and it reduces wrinkles and signs of ageing too!
How to use: Use morning or evening all over your face and neck and décolleté, after thoroughly cleansing skin.
Step 4: Don’t forget your sunscreen
As a general rule of thumb, sunscreen should be the last product you apply. It's also important to ensure you allow the rest of your products to properly absorb before adding sunscreen on top. We recommend waiting a few minutes after you've applied your last skincare product. 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.
We recommend: Hubislab - Post Rays UV Protect Sun Block SPF50+ PA+++ Ideal for all skin types including oily skin, this high factor sunscreen provides complete UV and antioxidant protection while preventing dryness, dullness and hyperpigmentation. Rich in Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 and hydrolysed collagen it keeps skin nourished, healthy and elastic, while the invisible matte formula applies smoothly and stays on all day!
How to use: Apply a generous amount of sunscreen to your face and neck every morning, even on cloudy days.
Step 5: Once or twice a week exfoliate skin
Oily skin responds well to physical exfoliation because when those dead skin cells are removed, oil is less likely to get trapped and therefore less likely to cause breakouts. Just make sure you avoid over-exfoliating as it can lead to redness and irritation.
We recommend: Naturys Purifying Peeling AHA Solution. Formulated with Mandelic acid, Alpha Hydroxy Acids, Tartaric acid and Lemon extract, this effective exfoliant solution promotes cell turnover and regenerates oily skin. Using this product regularly (once or twice a week), stimulates microcirculation and the physiological production of collagen and hyaluronic acid.
How to use: Apply to skin, leave on for 10-12 minutes, massage gently and remove the product with warm water.
Additional step: Use a face mask
If you have oily skin, we highly recommend that once a week, you use a treatment mask. Masks formulated with clay and charcoal are best for oily skin types as they naturally draw out impurities and absorb excess oil while calming any irritation, oh and they will ensure your skin feels 100 % refreshed a squeaky clean!
Now that you’ve completed your skincare routine for oily skin, here’s a few tips when it comes to your makeup!
Use a primer!
You wont regret it. If you’re a lover of foundation but are a little over it sliding off your face as the day goes on, you need to introduce a primer into your life! A good primer can be a godsend for those with oily skin, not only because it helps makeup last longer but a good mattifying primer will also tackle areas of high shine, soften the appearance of fine lines and pores too!
We recommend: ELES’s Pore Perfecting Face Primer. It's a light-textured, skin smoothing, oil-free primer that not only combats shine but absorbs oil and reduces the appearance of pores and wrinkles at the same time! The result – flawless looking foundation as soon as it’s applied, and it will stay put all day long too!
How to use: Smooth over clean, moisturised skin.
Apply mineral matte foundation
If you are prone to oily skin, it’s best to steer clear of foundation with a dewy finish and instead opt for a matte, semi-matte powder or oil-free foundation. A handy powder compact should be the one staple in your beauty bag, that can come with you wherever you go for those times you need to do a little ‘touch up’. Just be sure to avoid illuminating powder with shimmer as this will only draw attention to skin texture and exacerbate pore size. Instead, opt for a translucent pore-minimising and oil-absorbent powder. Mineral makeup works wonders on oily skin because the particles tend to absorb moisture, preventing shine.
We recommend: ELES Mineral Powder Foundation this best-selling foundation enables you to adjust your coverage from a translucent powder to a buildable coverage foundation with a richer, more opaque finish. What’s more, it’s formulated with skin loving ingredients including vitamins A & E, so it’ll provide antioxidant protection as well as condition skin! Oh and it will not clog your pores!
How to use: Swirl a large powder brush onto powder and tap off excess. Apply over entire face in circular motions for best coverage.
If power isn’t your thing and you’re a lover of liquid foundations but are concerned about slippage, fear not, weve got the foundation for you!
We recommend: ELES Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation is ELES’s global best-seller for many a reason! One being its long-lasting staying power no matter what your skin condition. It’s packed with goodness including an exclusive multi mineral complex as well as vitamins A, C & E but its formula while it goes on as a silky liquid, sets to a soft powder finish, perfect for those with combination and oily skin. What’s more, it allows skin to breathe freely, so it won’t clog up those pores leading to unwanted blemishes!
How to use: Apply directly onto moisturised skin or over a face primer. Using a foundation brush or problender sponge, sweep onto skin starting at the centre of the face and blending outward and down to the neck.
Just remember consistency is key when it comes to managing your oily skin. Stick to your routine, and over time, you’ll notice a reduction in oiliness and breakouts! With the right products and a consistent routine, oily skin can be kept under control, giving you a clear, radiant complexion.
Oily skin do’s and don’ts: Busting the Myths
by Jo Boyden
on Apr 11 2023
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 #1Oily skin doesn’t need moisturiser, it’ll just make it oilier – WRONGOne 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 #2Washing your face multiple times a day will help control oil production – WRONGWashing 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 #3Oily skin doesn’t need sunscreen – WRONGWe 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 #4Using harsh products such as exfoliators daily will help control your oil production – WRONGUsing 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. DoWash 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’tWash 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’tUse 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!DoUse 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’tSkip sunscreen. ever. It’s important to protect your skin from the sun no matter what your skin type.DoUse 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.
BC’s best rated beauty buys for oily skin
by Jo Boyden
on Jul 12 2021
It’s a fact, with winter brings dry, devitalised skin thanks to the colder weather, artificial heating, hotter showers to name but a few, but we’ve not forgotten about those of us who suffer from oily prone skin ALL. YEAR. ROUND.Here at BC, we’ve got you covered. Read on as we unveil our best rated beauty buys for oily skin types, and we aren’t just talking skincare but makeup too! ELES Pore Perfecting Face PrimerIf you’re a lover of foundation but are a little over it sliding off your face as the day goes on, you need to introduce a primer into your life! A good primer can be a godsend for those with oily skin, not only because it helps makeup last longer but a good mattifying primer will also tackle areas of high shine, soften the appearance of fine lines and pores too!Cue ELES’s Pore Perfecting Face Primer. This light-textured, skin smoothing, oil-free primer not only combats shine but absorbs oil and reduces the appearance of pores and wrinkles at the same time! The result – flawless looking foundation as soon as it’s applied.“A small amount goes a long way. Helps keep my oil controlled. Also, feels so lovely.” Lauri ELES Mineral Foundation PowderIf you are prone to oily skin, it’s best to steer clear of foundation with a dewy finish and instead opt for a matte, semi-matte powder or oil-free foundation. A handy powder compact should be the one staple in your beauty bag, that can come with you wherever you go for those times you need to do a little ‘touch up’. Just be sure to avoid illuminating powder with shimmer as this will only draw attention to skin texture and exacerbate pore size. Instead, opt for a translucent pore-minimising and oil-absorbent powder.Mineral makeup works wonders on oily skin because the particles tend to absorb moisture, preventing shine. The ELES Mineral Powder Foundation enables you to adjust your coverage from a translucent powder to a buildable coverage foundation with a richer, more opaque finish. What’s more, it’s formulated with skin loving ingredients including vitamins A & E, so it’ll provide antioxidant protection as well as condition skin!“Love this foundation, you can make it as light or heavy as you want. It sits really nice on the skin and doesn’t clog my pores. I have combination skin and this foundation lasts all day.” Chrissy ELES Liquid Powder Mineral FoundationIf power isn’t your thing and you’re a lover of liquid foundations but are concerned about slippage, fear not. The ELES Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation is ELES’s global best-seller for many a reason! One being its long-lasting staying power no matter what your skin condition. It’s packed with goodness including an exclusive multi mineral complex as well as vitamins A, C & E but its formula while it goes on as a silky liquid, sets to a soft powder finish, perfect for those with combination and oily skin. What’s more, it allows skin to breath freely so it won’t clog up those pores leading to unwanted blemishes!“Love this product! It beautifully sets from liquid to powder! Great for oily skin or skin which becomes shiny during the day.” Laura Pevonia Phyto-Gel CleanserJust because you have oily skin doesn’t mean you need to use a harsh face wash to dry your skin out! No sireee. Using a face wash that is too harsh or strong can irritate your skin and in turn, trigger increased oil production! It’s best to look for a non-alkaline and non-drying cleanser specifically created for combination to oily skin or all skin types.Suited to all skin-types but particularly good for those with combination to oily skin, Pevonia’s Phyto-Gel Cleanser deeply cleanses the skin with a luxurious foaming consistency. It works by removing the excess and unnecessary oil from the skin’s surface, unclogging pores and ridding it of impurities and surface toxins.“Beautiful deep cleansing, non-drying cleanser. This product has been a favourite of my customers, especially those with normal, combination or oily skin.” Lisa Pevonia Mattifying Oily Skin CreamThis cream should be your go-to if you suffer from an overly oily complexion. Not only does this unique light-textured but subtly creamy moisturiser control excessive oiliness for shine-free skin! Its Lemon and Vitamin B complex ensures skin is hydrated and mattified at the same time to refine pores and prevent breakouts!“This is the best moisturiser for oily skin, the key to balancing oil production and staying youthful looking. I have used this for almost two decades and the results are amazing. it doesn't make my face shiny or greasy and I have oily to sensitive skin.” Brian Phytomer Oligopur Hydra-Matifying Control CreamIf you love something a little lighter when it comes to your moisturiser then this is the cream for you. It is ultra-light, almost like a lotion but delivers long lasting anti-shine, and eliminates oily patches for those with combination skin.“The perfect, lightweight, oil controlling moisture cream to wear day or night. It is the perfect weight under makeup and controls breakthrough shine.” Rebecca
