According to Loretta Pratt, M.D., a dermatologist with Advanced Dermatology P.C., there are many reasons why skin can become oily, from genetics to hormones and diet. Any or all of these factors can cause the sebaceous glands in the skin to produce excess sebum, or skin oil. Too much oil can leave skin feeling greasy or looking shiny. Here are seven tips for helping clients keep oily skin under control:
- Go hands-free: The skin on the face is often one of the areas that people find to be too oily. It’s also one of the areas that’s hardest to cover up in social situations, making it a primary area of concern for many patients. “On average, people touch their face between one and two dozen times every hour," says Pratt. "Each time there’s a chance to transfer dirt, bacteria, and more oil onto the face. Face touching is usually done unconsciously, so being aware of it can help prevent further irritation."
- Use blotting papers: Over-the-counter blotting papers can be used throughout the day as needed to absorb excess oil buildup on the skin. “Blotting papers don’t prevent or slow oil production, but they’re a quick and discreet way to manage symptoms while going about your day,” says Pratt. “Just be sure to follow the directions on the package.”
- Remove makeup before bed: For people who wear makeup, it’s important to remove it when it’s no longer needed or desired. “As far as your skin is concerned, makeup is debris," says Pratt. "Leaving it on overnight allows it to mix with sebum, bacteria, dirt, and dead skin cells, which can then clog pores and lead to further irritations like acne.”
- Wash regularly: For oily skin, lightweight foaming products are usually a better fit than heavy, creamy products. “It’s a fairly safe assumption for people of all skin types and ages that washing the skin—primarily the face—twice a day is a good cadence,” says Pratt. "It’s also a good idea to wash up after sweating, like after exercising. But don’t overdo it; cleaning your skin too frequently can aggravate it. Pay attention to how your skin reacts to your cleaning regimen."
- Try using astringents: After the skin is washed and clean, follow up with an astringent. These products help to unclog pores and remove oil. “Check the ingredients before purchasing an astringent," says Pratt. "Salicylic acid, witch hazel, and citric acid can all provide benefits for oily skin. But try to avoid alcohol-based astringents, which some people find irritates their skin."
- Exfoliate with care: Exfoliating helps to remove debris that might be left behind by regular cleaning. For oily skin, it is appropriate to exfoliate only once per week. “Exfoliating too often can irritate the skin," says Pratt. "Watch for signs of over-exfoliating such as redness or flaking. Too much can actually cause your body to produce even more oil in response, so it’s a fine balance. Also, limit the use of facial brushes and scrubs with beads or rough coarse particles."
- Always finish with moisturizer: Washing, exfoliating, and using astringents all remove oil, which is the goal with oily skin. But removing oil also dehydrates the skin, which can be an issue. “Skin is made up of many layers," says Pratt. "Sometimes the deeper layers dry out and can’t absorb more water while the surface layers have excess oil, so it’s actually possible to have skin that’s both dry and oily at the same time." To avoid this, a lightweight moisturizer should be applied at the end of the skincare routine. If moisturizer is put on without cleaning first, bacteria and oils can get trapped against the skin, leading to clogged pores and further issues.