Oily skin can be the worst. Between that mid-morning shine and the constant battle to get a good look with makeup, it can seem like you’re always fighting with your oily face. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Here are a few tips and tricks on how to reduce oily skin. Let’s dive in.
First Things First: Understanding Your Oily Skin
What is Oily Skin?
Oily skin occurs when the skin produces an excessive amount of sebum from the sebaceous glands. Sebum is a waxy, oily substance that moisturizes and protects the skin. It is essential for maintaining healthy, normal skin.
Yet, excessive sebum secretion can result in oily skin, an oily forehead, clogged pores, and acne breakouts. Your skin is persistently shiny and greasy. The key is to find a balance between oily and dry skin. Oily skin results in an excess amount of oil produced from the sebaceous glands.
Many Women Have Over-Dried Skin Masquerading as Oily
Not everyone has an oily face, and it’s something that’s often misdiagnosed and overtreated by people who’ve brought it upon themselves (whoops!). Why is this one of the oily skin causes?
Well, beauty standards today have taught women that, to look beautiful, they have to be dewy and ultra-matted - especially when they wear makeup during the day.
This has led to an overcorrection of a problem that wasn’t really there as women slathered on over-stripping products, alcohol, and unnecessary chemicals to achieve porcelain-like results.
The skin starts to protect itself, recover from the onslaught, and balance itself out.
It overproduces oils to self-soothe and undo all the harm caused (just like our hair starts to produce more oil if we use lots of harsh shampoos).
Then, we believe we have oily skin and buy products for combination and oily skin types. But we really don’t, and we’re just making this irritation-driven condition worse.
What Causes Oily Skin?
One of the major causes of oily skin is genetics. Other factors that could cause oily skin are age, humid climates, the wrong skin care products, the wrong skincare routine, medical conditions, and more. It is worth knowing that your genetic trait could influence your skin's changes and development.
Using the wrong skincare approach can increase sebum production from the sebaceous glands. As you grow older, your body begins to experience changes like genetics, stress, fluctuating hormones, and humidity, which could result in increased oil production from the skin.
Signs of an Oily Face & Skin
There is a part of the forehead that includes the nose, forehead, and chin, known as the "T-zone." Oily noses and shiny foreheads result from the high concentration of sebaceous glands in the T-zone.
Of all the skin types, this area is known to be oily and is commonly known for acne vulgaris and blackhead development. Because this skin area has more sebaceous glands, it naturally produces excess sebum or oil from the forehead.
If you really have an oily T-zone, you’ll notice significant shine all over your face, along with possible breakouts. Other characteristics of truly oily skin include:
- Enlarged pores
- Dull, shiny, or thick complexion
- Blackheads, pimples, or other blemishes
Not you? You can figure out your true skin type here.
Why is My Skin So Oily All of a Sudden?
If you have oily skin, it means you lack enough hydration. This lack of water could cause your skin to appear dry and itchy. Drink enough water if you want to know how to stop oily skin fast. Enough water keeps the skin hydrated within the body.
How to Stop Oily Skin in 13 Ways
1. Use An Oil-Free, Gentle Cleanser Twice A Day
While people with oily skin prefer to avoid moisture to keep their greasy skin less greasy, the right moisturizer can work tremendously and benefit all skin types just the same. Ask yourself, "Why is my face so oily when I wake up?" Then also, use a gentle cleanser in the mornings to retain the right amount of moisture needed for your skin.
Down To Earth Gel Cleanser
The Down To Earth Gel Cleanser removes impurities like a greasy face. Lemon peel oil's vitamin C works to brighten while the ink kaolin and French clay absorb toxins and dirt.
2. Use a Toner
Skin toning will help balance your skincare routine for oily skin and give you a more attractive look. It removes dead skin cells and, if routinely applied, reduces the appearance of pores. Using a toner can help control oily skin and give you a refreshing complexion. It helps clear up an oily nose and gives refreshing skin.
Coast Is Clear Face Toner
Our product is one of the best skin-toning serums on the market, and it works wonders. Skin toners like Coast Is Clear Face Toner can significantly impact your skincare routine. They absorb all the dirt and oil from your skin, a great way to reduce sebum production on a greasy forehead.
3. Exfoliate Regularly
Oily skin is often the result of overactive sebaceous glands, which produce more oil than necessary. Therefore, a gentle exfoliant is vital in oily skin treatments to regenerate and absorb excess oil from skincare products. Exfoliating facial skin helps remove dead skin cells and impurities and reveals a brighter and smoother skin surface.
Zen Out Of Ten Face Scrub
Taking the bull by the horns is how the Zen Out Of Ten Face Scrub works. It silently penetrates the skin and moves through it to exfoliate dead skin cells. You can also use it on some parts when necessary, like the oily forehead or oily nose, for extra exfoliation.
Welcome To The Scrub Coconut Body Scrub
If you have an oily body, the Welcome to the Scrub coconut body scrub is your best bet. The scrub penetrates the skin deeply and works magic on the acne and blemishes easily, making your skin brighter and refreshed.
4. Try Products with Squalane
Squalane, in particular, can calmly moisturize without causing any issues for oily skin types. It’s the stabilized version of squalene, an oil that’s actually found in our sebum (as well as in plants like olive, rice bran, sugarcane, and shark liver.
Ours is sustainably sourced from olive oil)! As such, it plays a huge role in our natural ability to moisturize our skin, and the fact that it’s naturally occurring in our bodies makes it:
- Non-comedogenic
- Effective at preventing transdermal moisture loss
- Well-tolerated by all skin types
- Fast-absorbing and non-greasy
All Nighter Routine
If your greasy skin still feels oily at night, your best bet is the All Nighter Routine skin care solution. Our products contain squalane, Vitamins C and E.
5. Use Products with Glycolic Acid
Consider incorporating a brightening alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) such as glycolic acid, to reduce oil production and prevent clogged pores.
Oily skin treatment usually contains a small amount of AHA with 2% salicylic acid.
This combined natural ingredient helps oily skin return to its balanced state. You can use skincare made from glycolic acid to get your skin back on track.
Soulmate Brightening Treatment
The glycolic acid within the Soulmate Brightening Treatment speeds up the process of shedding and regeneration in the skin. It removes old dead cells, reduces acne breakouts, and reveals healthier skin. You can now enjoy an undeniable radiance.
6. Use a Clay Mask Once a Week
You can use a clay mask once a week to prevent further oily skin and keep your skin refreshed regularly.
When figuring out how to control oily skin, a mask is a great way to treat your skin from time to time. Face masks can help cure and reduce oily skin by absorbing and cleaning the oils on the surface of our skin.
No Plans Clay Mask
This product is made of natural ingredients and closes the deal on hydration and moisturizers. It is a kaolin-based product that clears impurities and pollutants from the skin like clockwork. An oily face feels the heat with the No Plans Clay Mask in action, and it never leaves any stone unturned.
7. Try a Lightweight Moisturizer
Contrary to popular belief, greasy skin does not mean you should skimp out on moisturizer or other hydrating ingredients. In fact, by not applying enough moisturizer, you’ll actually make your skin overcompensate and produce even more oil to keep itself properly hydrated. Use a moisturizer that contains humectants like hyaluronic acid but that is non-comedogenic, oil-free, and silicone-free.
To this end, you may be better off sticking to lighter formulas - like a lightweight gel anti-aging serum or an ultra-hydrating, vitamin-rich gel moisturizer - rather than thick creams.
Pep Rally Face Serum
The Pep Rally Face Serum is the first to get this done, with a small amount of hyaluronic acid and a routine application to clear out aging impurities. You need a lightweight gel face serum with witch hazel for skin, if you wish to get rid of a greasy forehead.
Night Shift Hydration Gel
Are you looking to get rid of your aging skin? Night Shift Hydration Gel with jojoba oil for skin is the perfect gel for oily skin at night. Your greasy forehead could stop producing excess oil with a routine application.
8. Apply Sunscreen
Wearing sunscreen is the best way to protect and keep your skin healthy as you age. People with oily skin need to wear sunscreen to prevent their skin from sunburn, skin cancer, and premature aging. It is worth knowing that sunscreen works for all skin types and has no side effects.
Chase The Sun SPF 30 Face Moisturizer
Chase The Sun SPF 30 Face Moisturizer contains citric acid extracted from citrus fruits to add to the many benefits of AHA this product can provide. It also includes a blend of mineral and clean chemical sunscreen actives, providing invisible, complete protection from harmful UVA/UVB rays.
9. Focus on the Most Oily Areas
When you apply your skincare, you should focus on the oily T-zone areas, where sebaceous glands are mostly concentrated. Oily faces are more prone to acne vulgaris, so you need to treat acne breakouts and control the oil they secrete simultaneously. If you are wondering how to treat oily skin, look at the product below.
Quality Control Acne Spot Treatment
Our product reduces excess oil production in your very oily skin. Our Acne Spot Treatment contains 2% botanical salicylic acid and works in seconds to clean up blemishes. Treat your t zone with Acne Spot Treatment today!
10. Use Oil-Free Makeup
Makeup can really make oily skin worse, as it can clog pores, introduce harmful chemicals, and just add to any existing problems that you experience with a greasy face.
To avoid any headaches, start by looking for an oil-free foundation or tinted moisturizer.
It will also be worthwhile to invest in a mattifying primer formulated with oil-absorbing ingredients like rice powder. It’ll keep you shine-free without giving your skin a white or overly-dried appearance.
Underneath it all? When you wear makeup, make sure that you use an appropriate base, like a light serum or non-comedogenic sunscreen. This will provide the moisture that your oily skin needs, along with protection from free radicals and day-to-day pollutants.
11. Stay Away From Overly Harsh Solutions
Yes, there are definitely cleansing ingredients like glycolic acid, astringents, and clarifying cleansers that can help manage oily skin types and reduce oily face causes. There’s a difference between effective cleansing ingredients and overly harsh ingredients that will over-exfoliate and strip your skin, leading to overactive sebaceous glands.
- Avoid any soaps or cleansers with artificial fragrances or harsh chemicals like parabens and phthalates (you can see our full list of no-no ingredients here), as these can dry out the skin and encourage it to create more sebum. Instead, use gently clarifying ingredients like glycolic acid, clay, and charcoal powder.
- Avoid loofahs and rough washcloths, as added friction may stimulate oil production.
- Don’t use any products that contain alcohol. Instead, go for natural products like witch hazel, which can have skin-soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. You can find a full suite of clarifying yet gentle products here.
- Always avoid harsh scrubs and overly rich products like shea butter or coconut oil.
Hometown Honey Bar Soap
Are you looking for soap to make you say "wow"? Hometown Honey Bar Soap is here to save the day! If you've got an oily body or greasy skin, these bars are just what you need to help you win. Packed with natural ingredients, they'll leave you feeling fresh and clean, and your skin will be gleaming!
Rainbow Is My Favorite Color Bar Soap
Are you looking for soap to make you say "wow"? Rainbow Is My Favorite Color Bar Soap is here to save the day! If you've got an oily body or greasy skin, these bars are just what you need to help you win. Packed with natural ingredients, they'll leave you feeling fresh and clean, and your skin will be gleaming!
12. Blot Away Excess Oil
Even when you use all the right products, mid-afternoon shine can still happen. If it does, we recommend avoiding heavy powders or pore-clogging ingredients. Instead, blot away heavy oil with loathing papers.
This won’t treat your excess oil problems, but it will remove excess oil throughout the day, which can unclog pores and help cleanse the skin.
13. Use Non-Comedogenic Botanical Oils
Again, you can - and should - use botanical oils on your face and body, even if you have oily skin. That said, take care of the type of oil that you apply. You’ll want a product that balances and calms your natural oil production.
It basically tells your body I got this, so you don’t wind up overproducing oil yourself. This will be a lightly hydrating oil that doesn’t clog pores or feel heavy on the skin, like:
- Blue Tansy
- Tea tree
- Jojoba
- Squalane
Don’t know where to get started when trying to create the perfect routine for oily skin? You can find all of the effective products you need here.
Key Takeaways
Oily skin is not a problem, so if you want to know how to deal with it, you should read this blog. The products listed here will help you be completely confident in your skin type. Following a skin care routine for oily skin is more effective; if you balance your skin, it will shine and glow. Happy cleansing!