Do you wonder why your face always feels like it has a shine? Why are you breaking out frequently? Why does your skin seem greasy? If you have ever had these questions, you likely have oily skin.

This skin type generally results in a greasy or shiny appearance of the T-zone, comprising the forehead, nose, and chin. Oilier skin is more likely to have acne, breakouts, blackheads, and whiteheads.

If you're wondering how to treat this skin type, don’t worry. We have created the perfect skincare guide for oily skin. But first, let's understand what causes excess oil production in the skin.

The Reasons For Oily Skin

Oily skin occurs when the skin's sebaceous glands produce excess sebum, an oily substance that prevents the skin from drying. When secreted in normal quantities, sebum lubricates the skin and protects it against friction. The problem is when sebum is secreted in excess. There are several reasons why this could be taking place. Here are some of the most common causes:

• Genetics leads to oily skin. If your parents had this skin type, you will likely also have it.
• Stress stimulates the production of hormones that increase the oil production in the skin.
• Diets that are high in fat and sugar produce excess sebum.
• Medications like steroids and hormone treatments can increase oil production.
• Hot and humid weather can result in more oil production by the skin.
• Harsh skin care products can strip the skin of natural oils, resulting in excess sebum to compensate.
• Changes in hormones during pregnancy, puberty, menstruation, and menopause can affect oil levels.

Now that you know the common reasons behind the excess sebum produced by your skin, you can take active steps to reduce oil levels. It can be something as simple as using the proper skin care for oily skin to something slightly complex like modifying your diet. To be careful about your oily skincare routine, you must first know the triggers. Here are some common ones:

• Foods high in high-glycemic-index and omega-6 fatty acids, like candy
• Dairy, fried, greasy, processed, and refined foods
• Changes in your menstrual cycle
• Changes in medication, such as steroids or hormonal contraceptives
• Stressful situations going on in your personal or professional life

It is impossible to control or regulate every single trigger for oily skin. This is where oily skin products come into the picture. They provide balance. With the help of these oily skin products, you can ensure your skin remains as flawless as possible.

5 Must-Haves for Oily Skin

When building an oily skincare routine, there are certain skincare products for oily skin that you must have as part of your daily routine. Read ahead to know the key ingredients of skincare products for oily skin.

Salicylic Acid Cleanser

Salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), is what your skin type needs. Salicylic acid is known for removing excess oil from the pores by dissolving extra oil, dirt, and dead skin cells. As it keeps the pores clean, salicylic acid helps prevent whiteheads, blackheads, and acne from developing in the future. Make sure to use the salicylic acid cleanser in the morning and at night to wash your face.

Alcohol-Free Toner

Toners containing alcohol can have a drying effect on the skin, resulting in an overproduction of oil. Alcohol-free toner helps remove oil from the skin without interfering with natural oil production. These toners also balance skin pH and hydrate the skin. Provalo's Rose Water & Witch Hazel Advanced Pore Minimizer Toner helps minimize pores without drying or irritating the skin.

Benzoyl Peroxide Treatment Ointment

As one of the most effective oily skin products, benzoyl peroxide kills bacteria, reduces inflammation, and unclogs pores. One of its key features is its drying effect, which reduces the amount of oil built up and stored in the skin's pores. Benzoyl peroxide can also reduce acne, blackheads, and whiteheads through spot application. Start with a lower concentration of benzoyl peroxide and work your way up.

Gel Moisturizers

Gel moisturizers have lesser oils as compared to cream-based moisturizers. They also tend to have a lightweight texture. The texture is essential as the lighter it is, the more easily it is absorbed by the skin. Gel moisturizers have the added advantage of helping control the skin's shine and reducing the size of the pores. Gel moisturizers also contain hyaluronic acid and glycerin, both of which have a hydrating effect on the skin.

Matte Sunscreen

Matte sunscreen helps control excess oil and shine, both of which are problems of oilier skin. Its ingredients, like clay and silica, absorb the extra oil in the skin, creating a non-greasy finish. The bonus is that this sunscreen provides the same protection as regular sunscreen, protecting your skin from the harmful UV rays of the sun and their adverse effects.

Add these must-haves for oily skin to your skincare for oily skin to ensure your skin breathes freely. Before you leave, here are some final tips to keep in mind.

Things To Avoid if You Have Oily Skin

While your oily skincare routine will help keep the sebum secretion close to its natural level, you can take some extra steps to ensure your skin remains as oil-free as possible. Below are the steps that you can take:

• Do not use harsh and drying cleansers that can strip the skin of its natural oils.
• Avoid pore clogging and heavy makeup that can result in increased oil production.
• Do not keep touching your face with your hands. Avoid this habit as it can transfer oil and bacteria to the skin, which can result in breakouts.
• Limit your diet's intake of processed, junk, and sweet foods. Try to follow a balanced diet.
• Do not over-wash your face; it can strip your face of natural oils. Wash your face twice daily.
• Never skip applying moisturizer in your routine. Make sure to use a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer.
• Avoid using hot water while washing your face. Use lukewarm water instead.
• Reduce the time spent in direct sunlight. Make sure to use sunscreen daily.

By avoiding the above habits and following your oily skincare routine, you can rest assured that you are taking the best care of your skin.