Learn how to transform your oily skin for a shine-free complexion all day long.
Oily skin is a bugbear for a lot of us. Even those of us with normal or combination skin will suffer a ‘too much shine’ moment, a sweaty tube journey, a hot flush, you get the gist. So it’s essential we have a few tools and tricks in our beauty arsenal ready to combat those oily skin moments. Ideally our complexion would be totally shine-free, we’re not saying we wouldn’t appreciate a bit of dewiness, sure, but that can’t cross the line over to shiny! There’s a difference between a gently glow and serious shine.
The oily skin friendly products
You’ll need a moisturiser that tones down shine, a foundation that mattifies. Steer clear of creamy concealers and invest in a loose translucent powder. Blotting papers are an absolute must for oily skin too. When it comes to serums, we all want to pack an anti ageing punch, but a lot of them can leave an oily sheen on the surface of your skin. Either blot your face after using them or choose an essence product that does the same job instead, they feel more like a water to touch and don’t leave a residue, they’ve got a big thumbs up from us!
Make sure you’re using a gentle face scrub.
Blemishes and blackheads appear when pores are blocked and dead skin builds up on the surface of your skin. Scrubbing is the best way to get rid of the top layer of skin, but you need to still be gentle with it too. Scrub too much and you’ll send the skin’s natural repair mechanism into overdrive, producing even more oil! Skincare specialists advice once a week with a gentle scrub. A daily scrub is a no-no!
Keep blotting paper in your bag.
Dashing around in the heat can lead to shine central, so a little book of blotting paper is your secret weapon! Not only will it absorb oil over make-up leaving you with a gorgeous matt finish, it will help prevent a build up of oil that can lead to breakouts later.
If a product tingles, don’t use it.
Using harsher products with drying ingredients or ingredients that make your skin tingle may seem like it will help banish oil, but they actually do more harm than good. When the skin is dry, it overcompensates with more oil, meaning your pores will be more congested – hello blackheads and whiteheads! Use products that are kind to your skin, natural if possible and free from irritants.
Get your 40 winks!
Not getting enough sleep is the number one crime when it comes to skincare, especially if you have oily skin! Stress = spot-prone skin and we’re far more prone to anxiety and feeling low when we’re tired. Invest in some pillow mist, an eye-mask and a good mattress, because missing out on those ZZZs really does count!
Don’t overload your skin with too many products at night.
Your nightly skincare routine is so important when it comes to your skin’s general appearance, so tailor it wisely. Yes, oily skin needs plenty of moisture, but it also needs to be able to breathe, too. Loading your skin with various serums beforehand will prevent your skin getting the ingredients from your moisturiser, as the more you load on, the less effectively the next cream is absorbed. Invest in a good quality night crème and use each evening.
Tie your hair up in bed.
Another bedtime habit that can have a big impact on your skin is leaving your hair out, especially if you have a fringe. Your scalp produces oil much more quickly than your face, so combined with greasy styling products, your skin can soon become clogged while you sleep! Tie up with a band and pin any front sections back with Kirby grips.
Snack on healthy fats.
Avocados, oily fish and walnuts are all fab for moisturising your skin from within and preventing break-outs. Get making that super food salad!
Never, EVER pop a pimple!
This tip comes straight from skin expert Dr Howard Murad, certified dermatologist and founder of Murad Skincare. He said: ‘Picking or popping a pimple can lead to the introduction of bacteria into your skin, possibly leading to infection and scarring – it is one of the worst skin habits that someone can have. If you must pop a pimple, make sure it’s at the surface with a white center. If your pimple is not at the surface, it will not heal properly. Use heat, steam, and very gentle pressure from your fingertips (not nails) which should be covered with tissue and push from all sides to extract the pimple. Don’t forget to disinfect the area with an antibacterial solution.’
