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How to Get Rid of Oily Skin (The Easy Way)

by Ella Goodman 07 Aug 2024

Alright, let's get real here. 

Oily skin can be a real pain in the T-zone, right? 

One moment you're all glowy and fabulous, and the next, you're a shiny disco ball. 

But fear not, fellow beauty enthusiasts, we’ve got you covered. 

This is your go-to guide for tackling oily skin with minimal fuss and maximum results.

Why Is My Skin So Oily? The Science-y Bit (But Not Too Much)

Before we dive into solutions, let’s cover the basics. 

Your skin produces oil (sebum) to keep it moisturized. But sometimes, thanks to factors like genetics, hormones, diet, or stress, your sebaceous glands go into overdrive.

Other culprits?

  • Hormones: Hormonal imbalances, especially during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause, can send your oil glands into a frenzy.
  • Diet: Sugar and dairy can be not-so-secret villains. They spike insulin levels, which in turn cranks up sebum production.
  • Stress: More stress, more oil. Cortisol, the stress hormone, loves to complicate things by stimulating oil glands.
  • (The Wrong) Skincare Products: Harsh or unsuitable products for your skin type can exacerbate oiliness. Over-cleansing strips your skin of essential oils, causing it to produce even more to compensate.

Got it? Cool. Now, let’s move on to the good stuff.

Quick Tips to Calm the Slick: Your Daily Routine

Cleanse Like a Boss

Gentle is the New Strong: Start your day with a gentle cleanser. Soap is not your friend here—it’s the frenemy sabotaging your life. 

Look for Ingredients:

  • Salicylic acid: This beta-hydroxy hero penetrates pores to break down oil and reduces sebum production.
  • Benzoyl peroxide: Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, it's gold for acne-prone oily skin.
  • Tea tree oil: Nature’s antiseptic, fights bacteria while reducing oil without overdrying.

These are the superheroes in the skincare world, fighting oil and keeping breakouts at bay.

Tone Up

No, we’re not talking gym time. Toning your skin helps remove any leftover dirt and tightens your pores.

Go for alcohol-free toners like:

  • Witch hazel: A natural astringent that can minimize pores and calm irritated skin.
  • Rose water: Known for its soothing properties, it balances your skin’s pH and reduces redness.

They’re effective without the burn.

Moisturize, Don’t Compromise

The myth is oily skin doesn’t need moisturizing. Spoiler alert: it absolutely does! Depriving your skin of moisture can ironically make it produce more oil.

Opt for:

  • Oil-free: Avoid anything that might clog your pores.
  • Non-comedogenic: Won’t block your skin's natural breathability.

Key Ingredients:

  • Aloe vera: Natural calming and hydrating.
  • Hyaluronic acid: Holds 1000x its weight in water, ensuring deep hydration without added oil.

Our clinically effective retinoid cream is a great place to start! (psst: it also reduces pore size!

The Oil-Blotter’s Best Friend: Powder It

Carry oil-blotting sheets like you carry your phone. They're lifesavers. 

When in doubt, blot it out. They soak up excess oil without disturbing your makeup or drying out the skin. Keep a stash in your bag, your car, your desk drawer—because shiny mid-day surprises are just not cute.

Exfoliate Like a Pro

Your skin loves a good scrub, but not too often—twice a week max. Why exfoliate? It gets rid of dead skin cells, unclogging pores and preventing that greasy build-up.

Choose Wisely:

  • Chemical exfoliants like AHAs and BHAs can dissolve dead skin cells without harsh scrubbing.
  • Physical exfoliants are fine if they’re gentle. Look for scrubs with round beads rather than jagged particles.

Mask Up: Not Just for Pandemics

Clay is the Way

Once or twice a week, pamper your skin with a clay mask. Bentonite and kaolin clay are top-tier for absorbing oil.

Why Clay?: These natural minerals draw out impurities, control oil, and leave your skin feeling smooth and refreshed.

DIY Alert: Take It to the Kitchen

Whip up a yogurt and honey mask. Mix a tablespoon of plain yogurt with a teaspoon of honey. Apply, relax, rinse.

Why This Combo?:

  • Yogurt’s lactic acid gently exfoliates, dissolving dead skin cells.
  • Honey is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, perfect for soothing and healing.

Double win.

Food for Thought: What You Eat Matters

Want to hear something wild? What you eat can affect your skin.

Cut Down On:

  • Sugary snacks: Sugar triggers insulin spikes, which then trigger oil production.
  • Fried foods: Grease on your plate can lead to grease on your face.
  • Dairy products: Linked to hormonal imbalances that increase oil production.

Eat More Of:

  • Leafy greens: High in vitamins A and C that are crucial for skin health.
  • Fish with omega-3s: Salmon and mackerel help to normalize oil production, reduce inflammation, and keep your cell membranes healthy.
  • Nuts and seeds: Rich in selenium and zinc, which help control oil production and reduce inflammation.

Stress Less, Shine Less

Managing stress is easier said than done, but trust me, it’s a game-changer. 

Stress triggers your body to churn out cortisol, which cranks up your skin’s oil production. Not exactly the glow we’re aiming for, is it?

Incorporate some zen-inducing rituals into your life. Yoga isn’t just for bendy Instagram influencers—it’s a secret weapon against oily skin. Daily walks and quick mindfulness sessions can work wonders. 

You don’t need to morph into a meditation guru to see results. Lace up those sneakers and get moving; it’s not just your mood that’ll improve—your skin will thank you, too!

Wild Cards: Surprising Tips You Didn’t Know

H2O to the Rescue

“Drink more water,” said everyone, everywhere, since the dawn of time. It’s not just filler advice—it’s golden. 

Aim for eight glasses a day. Hydrated skin is stronger, plumper, and less oily. Dehydrated skin tries to compensate by producing more oil. So grab that water bottle and start sipping.

Silk Pillowcases: Upgrade Your Beauty Sleep

Silk pillowcases are more than just an Instagram fad. The slick surface reduces friction, letting your skin glide rather than rub against rough cotton fibers. Less friction means fewer creases, less irritation, and no more waking up with pillowcase imprints.

ACV: Apple Cider Vinegar Magic

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) isn’t just for ingestion; let it work some magic topically, too. Mix one part ACV with three parts water, and voilà—you’ve got yourself a natural toner. ACV balances your skin’s pH levels and fights unwanted bacteria.

Rethink Your Makeup Game

Primer is Prime

A mattifying primer keeps your makeup on point from dawn until dusk. It’s a lifesaver for preventing that overly shiny look. Smooth on a bit before your foundation, and you’re good to go.

Go for Oil-Free Everything

Opt for oil-free and non-comedogenic products. From foundation to blush, these products won’t clog your pores or add unnecessary oil to your skin.

Setting Spray Over Powder

Instead of layering on powder, opt for a setting spray. It’s lighter and locks in your makeup without caking. Spritz a bit after applying your makeup, and let it work its magic.

Lifestyle Changes to Keep the Shine at Bay

Cool it with Hot Showers

Steaming hot showers strip your skin of its natural oils, prompting your glands to go into overdrive. Opt for lukewarm showers to keep your skin balanced and less reactive.

Wash Your Face Twice

Cleansing your face twice a day hits the sweet spot. Morning cleanses rid your skin of nightly accumulations, while evening washes clear away the day’s grime.

Avoid Touching Your Face

Touching your face can transfer oils, dirt, and bacteria from your fingers to your skin.

Get a Dermatologist’s Take

Booking a dermatologist appointment could be the key to unlocking the root of your oily skin woes. Personalized treatments and prescriptions can offer solutions that over-the-counter products can’t match.

Real Stories, Real Results

Jessica, 25: "Toners were a game of trial and error until I found witch hazel. It’s a total game-changer. My skin feels balanced and fresh, not stripped or oily."

Tom, 30: "I was skeptical about switching to a gel moisturizer, but now, I can’t imagine going back. My forehead used to be a literal mirror by noon. Now? Not so much."

Ava, 22: "Silk pillowcases and religiously drinking water transformed my skin. No more waking up with that greasy morning face. It’s soft, clear, and balanced."

Wrap Up: Your Oily Skin Action Plan

Here’s the cheat sheet to banish oily skin:

  1. Cleansing: Go gentle, twice a day.
  1. Toning: Alcohol-free and pH-balancing products.
  1. Moisturizing: Yes, even oily skin needs it—just choose the right kind.
  1. Blotting Sheets: Keep a pack in your bag, always.
  1. Exfoliating and Masks: Twice a week for optimal benefits.
  1. Healthy Diet: Amp up the veggies, cut down on greasy foods.
  1. Stress Management: Yoga, meditation, or mindful walks.
  1. Stay Hydrated: Water is your new BFF.
  1. Makeup: Oil-free and non-comedogenic everything.
  1. Derm Advice: Know when to seek professional help.

And there you have it, a comprehensive, actionable roadmap to banish oily skin from your life. 

Implement these tips, and you'll soon enjoy more balanced, less shiny, and utterly radiant skin. Here’s to you and your fabulous, matte complexion!

Now, go conquer the world, one blotting sheet at a time!

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