Your routine can make or break your skin game. If you are a skincare newbie looking for a simple, less than 10minutes skincare routine for oily skin or just confused about the numerous products on your shelf, then sit tight, this article will show you how to build a skincare routine for oily skin plus important things to consider when creating your regimen.
A bit about oily skin
Oily skin produces excess sebum that causes the skin to appear greasy especially throughout the T-zone (forehead, nose & chin). Contrary to popular belief, oily skin is not the same as acne-prone skin. All skin types can be acne-prone BUT you might be MORE prone to acne if you have oily skin.
Also, opting for products that strip the skin of oil to control your oil production wonβt reduce the oil. Instead, embrace oily skincare products but make sure to incorporate moisturizers for oily skin.
Simple day and night routine for oily skin
Cleanser
The first step in your routine is to remove build-ups on the skin. Your ideal cleanser should be sulfate-free to avoid stripping the skin of its natural oils. Also, opt for a cleanser that gently exfoliates at the same time.
Options to consider:
Best face cleanser for oily skin
When you should cleanse: day & night.
Toner
Use a toner to give your skin a refreshing moment packed with nutrients as it prepares it for the next stage of the regimen.
Ditch the alcohol toner for a refreshing and gentle toner. Toners containing alcohol will strip your skin of its oils which leads to more production of oil.
When you should use a toner: day & night
Serum
You canβt go wrong with serums if you have oily skin. They target specific skin issues like inflammation due to acne, dark spots & damaged skin. For oily skin, choose a combination of antioxidant serums (like Vitamin C) by day & AHA/BHA serums (like Niacinamide) at night.
When you should use serums: Day & Night. Use antioxidant serums by day then, switch to an AHA/BHA serum at night.
Options to consider:
Antioxidant serum for oily skin
Moisturizer
Hydration is the skinβs best friend and the best way to hydrate your skin after water is by applying a moisturizer. They contain humectants, which draw the water into your skin, and emollients, which form a protective film and trap the water in the skin. This protective film makes sure to keep your skin hydrated the whole day.
When choosing a moisturizer, opt for a sweatproof (that truly traps the water in the skin) moisturizer.
When to use a moisturizer: day & night.
Option to consider:
Sunscreen
This is a strong determinant of your skincare success. Why? It protects your skin from what can take it back and/or further damage your skin. Sunburn, discoloration & elastin damage (which leads to aging) are common effects of not using an SPF.
When choosing sunscreen, keep in mind that SPF of 30 or higher and a broad spectrum will fully protect your skin.
When to use an SPF: day.
An oily skin routine is not complete without a weekly routine. Make sure to exfoliate weekly if your cleansers are not exfoliating. Your skin needs to shed dead cells to produce supple and hydrated skin.