A dry, matte complexion may not be the ultimate SKINSPO, but when it comes to your skin, there is satisfaction to be found in balance. Everyone’s skin needs oil, but we know that an excess on your face is also less than appealing.

If you have oily skin, keep in mind that you can’t ‘get rid’ of it - and you shouldn’t feel compelled to: after all,  the ‘dewy skin’ look is firmly back on the agenda, with endless magazine columns and online blogs filled with skincare products and makeup to give you that ‘healthy, ‘lit-from-within’ glow’.

Understanding your oily skin is the key to managing it, and finding the right balance will ensure you maintain a happy, healthy complexion.

Keep reading to find out our advice on what to do to keep your face on the right side of shiny.

Oily skin is usually very easy to identify - to put it simply, you will have an oily-looking and feeling face!

You are likely to have oily skin if you suffer from any of the following:

  • Enlarged pores

  • Blackheads and congestion

  • Greasy to the touch

  • Makeup often slides off throughout the day.

    So, what causes it?

    Our skin’s natural oil is called sebum, and it is produced by the sebaceous gland in the hair follicles. The main function of sebum is to lubricate the skin, limit the growth of bacteria and prevent dryness and dehydration. The amount of sebum we produce is determined by a host of internal and external factors, from the skincare products you’re using, to the weather, your genetics and your hormones.

    It’s important to remember that oily skin can also be dehydrated, so don’t try to ‘dry it out’ by over-processing with exfoliating acids and retinols, or sitting out in the sun without SPF - this will only damage your skin!

    In addition, we wouldn’t recommend massaging oily skin more than twice per week - overstimulation can cause skin to produce more oil. A gentle lymphatic massage routine will be much better suited for oily skin than a sculpting routine, as it is much more soothing and less ‘active’.

    How can you treat it?

    We’d recommend using lightweight products with gel or water-gel based formulas as well as hyaluronic based products. Murad do a great moisturiser which works really well for AM & PM use - search for Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisture.

    It will be beneficial to incorporate salicylic acid, or another AHA/BHA product as well as a retinol, starting off slowly and working your way up to consistent use. These products do a wonderful job at clearing congestion, regulating oil production and helping to balance out how your skin functions.

    Clay masks are also very effective at treating oily skin as they work to absorb excess oil. Just remember not to overuse and only leave on until they are dry before removing - once a week is usually enough.

    Finally, do some research to find a great SPF with a fluid formulation that wont clog your pores - check out our blog on Summer Skincare - SPF for our top 4 SPF recommendations for 2020.

    Now you understand the basics, but what should your daily routine look like?

    In our opinion, a simple summer skincare routine should look something like this:

    • Balm cleanse (double cleansing is only necessary in the evening)

    • Milky/gel cleanse (use your favourite, most luxurious cleanser here!)

    • Acid toner (we love Paula’s Choice Salicylic Acid for oily skin)

    • Antiseptic toner (La Roche-Posay Serozinc is a great option)

    • Balancing serum

    • Lightweight, oil free moisturiser (As previously mentioned, check out Murad)

    • SPF (We love Shiseido, La Roche-Posay & Dr Sam Bunting to name but a few!)

If you’d like to discuss your skin in more detail, book in for a Signature Facial by clicking the button below!

Love,

33Dowanhill

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