Oily shine, large pores, inflammation and acne - these are the problems that owners of oily skin often face. But there is no need to dramatize, because with proper care all these troubles can be avoided. And don’t forget about the main trump card of this skin type - it ages very slowly. You will notice the first wrinkles much later than your peers, for example, with dry skin. The main thing is not to neglect effective and regular moisturizing.
Let's figure out how to maintain moisture balance without increasing oiliness or weighing down the skin? And how to choose a moisturizer that will reduce sebum levels, make your face fresh and radiant, and your skin elastic and youthful.
Why moisturize oily skin?
Oily and moisturized are two completely different skin conditions. Skin oil is a waxy substance that is secreted onto the surface of the skin to maintain its barrier function. Hydration refers to the deeper layers where moisture is absorbed, which makes the skin nourished and supple. Therefore, the skin can be oily on top and completely dry on the inside. In this case, it will begin to compensate for the loss of moisture by releasing even more sebum. Moisturizing controls oil production and reduces the skin's need to produce more secretions.
“This is what we call 'oil well in the desert' syndrome,” says David Orenteich, a leading dermatologist at Orentreich Medical Group. “Although sebum—the oil produced from the sebaceous glands—may be abundant, the surrounding skin may be dry. Sebum plays a role in retaining moisture in the surface cells of the skin; but it may not be enough on its own without a humidifier to help prevent water evaporation.”
Combination skin care
This type is quite common. The skin condition is characterized by the presence of areas of thickening with dilated openings of the sebaceous glands and increased secretion of sebum. But in people with combination skin, manifestations are observed mainly in the central part of the face and the T-zone. While on the side surfaces of the face and skin of the neck, the areas are dry.
Against the background of this type of skin, there is a risk of developing dermatoses. The basic rule for using cosmetics for combination skin is to reduce oiliness (not forgetting dry areas), to ensure the prevention of infection and inflammatory processes.
The algorithm of action for care is similar to that which should be followed for oily skin. But in this case, you will have to have two sets of products - to care for dry skin in the summer you will need separate cosmetics. Or you can use formulations labeled “for combination skin,” but they are less effective.
Regardless of the type of skin, makeup removal is a mandatory ritual before bed. Under no circumstances should you leave decorative cosmetics on your face overnight!
Moisturizing oily skin: light textures and non-greasy formulations
Moisturizers come in different forms. Moisturizer for oily skin
It should penetrate the skin easily and not block pores. It should be a weightless creamy texture, gel or lotion
.
Use non-comedogenic formulations
that do not clog pores and do not cause breakouts.
Choose water-based or dimethicone-based formulas (
a type of harmless silicone that mimics oils, leaving skin healthy and non-greasy after use).
The composition should not contain:
- coconut, olive, cocoa butter, shea butter
- beeswax
- linoleic and lauric acid
Choose products marked:
- oil-free
- water-based
- non-comedogenic
- non-acnegenic
“The choice of moisturizer really depends on your skin type and personal preference,” explains Dr. Zeichner, director of cosmetic and clinical research at Medical.
Home Remedies Recipes
You can take care of your skin in the summer yourself using available ingredients. Home scrubbing will help free pores from impurities, but the products should not be too aggressive. Formulations with a low dose of acids work best. Malic acid in low concentrations in combination with zinc and kaolin has a mild effect.
Home Recipes for General Oily Skin Care:
- To wash your face, you can mix tar soap with grape oil. But even if it is customary to carry out a hygienic procedure without additional substances, the water should be purified, at a pleasant temperature, not too hot or cold,
- As a tonic, you can use ice cubes made from aloe, lemon, mint, and chamomile.
- Moisturizing masks can be done 3-4 times a week. Honey, banana, strawberries, cucumber pulp, and herbs are suitable for these purposes. You can simply buy an alginate fabric mask that matches your skin type.
- Nutrient compositions are prepared based on cosmetic clay, fermented milk products, starch, grapefruit, potatoes, yeast, and so on. Such masks can be made no more than 2 times a week.
Only regular and high-quality care will help oily skin look beautiful, smooth and radiant. During a hot day, it is necessary to give the skin the opportunity to cleanse and rest. Thermal water and wet wipes soaked in rice powder are ideal for this.
Ideal moisturizing formula for oily skin
Effective products for oily skin should perform the following functions:
- Removing shine
Look for a product with an active ingredient that controls sebum and fights shine, absorbing excess sebum, resulting in matte, velvety skin. Use creams with a mattifying effect only for daytime care.
Look for:
mineral salts, minerals of volcanic origin, silicon and zinc salts, kaolin
- Hydration
Over-cleansing and using harsh products to control sebum and acne can damage the skin's barrier function, causing moisture loss. Replenish lost moisture with the right moisturizer.
Look for:
hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, aloe extract, thermal water
- Reduce pores and regulate sebum production
Large pores can become clogged, leading to inflammation and breakouts. For a smoother, more refined skin texture, look for a product that reduces pore size and regulates secretions. Use it for night care
Look for:
niacinamide, acids, retinol
Oily facial skin is traditionally considered problematic and is associated with something that needs to be combated, controlled, matted or eliminated. But you just need to find an approach to it. Proper and regular moisturizing with light and caring products will help you say goodbye to problems such as oily shine, clogged pores and acne forever.
Features of facial skin care
In order to maintain youth, freshness and health of the skin for a long time, you need to take care of it constantly. Oily skin type is more common in young people, but can also occur in older people due to hormonal imbalances. To determine it, you just need to put a white napkin to your forehead - greasy marks will remain on it. The following signs also indicate this type of skin:
- enlarged pores;
- the presence of blackheads and acne;
- the skin appears dense and rough;
- tendency to inflammation;
- shine after washing.
Mattifying products are a good choice for instant body skin care in summer. Proper care will help restore the condition of the dermis, remove shine and narrow pores. In summer, oily skin suffers no less than dry skin. Sebum production increases, the risk of inflammation increases, and the level of water balance worsens due to dry air both outdoors and in air-conditioned rooms.
Daily procedures in the summer should be aimed at ensuring the following effect:
- prevention of inflammation;
- cleansing particles of dust and dirt from pores;
- hydration;
- toning.
While paying attention to your face and body, you should not forget that hand skin care in summer should be complete. On the contrary, this area needs to be given more attention, since the hands and forearms are constantly exposed. The most important rule of care is UV protection. You need to go outside after applying products with an SPF level of 50. You should not get carried away with tanning; you can be exposed to the sun in the morning, until 11 o’clock, and in the evening from 16.00
HOW IT WORKS?
Let's start with the fact that our skin constantly loses moisture. This natural process is called transepidermal water loss. However, the situation may worsen, for example, due to a violation of the barrier function of the skin, including due to too frequent or improper washing, poor nutrition, poor environment, and exposure to other external or internal factors. Dehydrated skin may look dull and less elastic, change its texture, wrinkles become more noticeable, etc. These changes are also relevant for irreversible natural processes, such as aging, for example. But now we are talking about premature aging. This is something that can be influenced with proper care.
We know from school that the skin consists of several layers. External – horny. Beneath it is the epidermis, and even deeper is the dermis. Blood vessels supply precious life-giving moisture to the dermis, then the incoming water rises to the epidermis, and from there it evaporates. This is where those water-binding, occlusive and softening components can come in handy.
But keep in mind that in many cases, moisturizer alone may not be enough to eliminate dehydration. For example, occlusive and water-binding components require moisture. Otherwise, they simply will have nothing to “bind”, “attract” and “lock”. For example, one hyaluronic acid molecule can attract 700-1000 water molecules. Where can I get them from? For these purposes, as well as for targeted solutions to certain skin problems, a great variety of tonics, essences, serums, lotions, etc. have been invented. Before you start dreaming about how great it would be if there was one miracle cream that would solve all your problems at once, we have to disappoint you: unfortunately, there is no such remedy. Otherwise, how would manufacturers and marketers make money? Therefore, since you have already entered the struggle for beauty, you will have to fork out for at least one or two more products. If you are faced with a tough question of finances and need to choose “just one thing,” then we recommend that you first get a good moisturizing tonic without alcohol or harmful additives. One of its tasks is to prepare the skin for the application of other skincare products, including moisturizer. Gradually, as needed, you can add other products to your care system.
And drink more clean water. We know that perhaps only the lazy don’t talk about the body’s water balance and the notorious 1.5-2 liters of water per day. Believe me, this is important.
IF YOU HAVE NORMAL SKIN
Well, what can we say? What a score. But you already know that, right? People with normal skin are rare, and you are one of them. You most likely do not have any specific problems that require a special approach. If there are, they are probably caused by improper self-care. When choosing a moisturizer, we recommend focusing on a lighter consistency. A cream that is too thick may not suit you, which can cause breakouts. However, everything is individual. In the composition, pay attention to hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, antioxidants.
IF YOU HAVE SENSITIVE SKIN
Do you think that your oily or dry skin is the most problematic and capricious of all types? Those with sensitive skin will probably object to you. Sensitive skin fully lives up to its name - it quickly reacts to “undesirable” and “unacceptable” skin care products, which can be accompanied by redness, itching, burning, and pain. Therefore, when choosing a moisturizer, we recommend following the principle “the simpler the better.” You may need to avoid artificial flavors, alpha hydroxy acids, and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs). Or use them with great caution. The fewer ingredients in the composition, the better.
