Skincare Routine For Oily Skin (with product recommendations!)
Written by: Swati on:
I've had oily skin till my mid 20s & I can completely understand the struggles associated with it - not wanting to use a moisturizer or any thing on the face for that matter, feeling so oily that it makes you want to wash your face several times a day. I was there, I felt this too. And for the longest time I did not use anything on my face, even if I tried to, I wanted to wash it off in 5 minutes.
But this was back in the early 2000s when there was a lack of skincare products in the Indian market and we only had a few things to choose from. With time the Indian beauty market got more products and I slowly started to discover things I could use. In the present time, we have so many options, there is something for everyone. Which is so good!
So here's a simple skincare routine for oily skin which has worked well for me in the past.
I had shared a short video of this on our Instagram page a while back, check it out if you can.
Before I begin there are 3 things that every oily skinned person needs to remember is that :
a) Even oily skin needs to use a moisturizer. Not using any will make the sebaceous glands produce more oil/sebum. Putting on a moisturizer will slowly train the glands to produce less sebum and help to balance out your skin.
b) Washing the face 2 times a day is more than enough for most people. Add in a 3rd time after a workout (if you do one). The more we wash our face, the more the oil production to compensate for the natural oils washed away.
c) Stay away from heavy duty cleansers/face washes. You know the ones that leave your skin squeaky clean, a tad bit dry and stretched? Yes, those aren't the best to use. They strip the skin way too much. And the cycle of the glands producing more oil to compensate continues.
Okay, now that we have these points cleared out, let's get into the routine. Click the on the product names to read detailed reviews :)
⠀1. Gentle Cleanser
Any non stripping, low foaming cleanser. I would recommend going sls free.
- Avene Cleanance Cleansing Gel
- Sebamed Cleansing Foam ⠀
- Kama Ayurveda Rose Jasmine Cleanser
- Shesha Ayurveda Rose Water
- Kama Ayurveda Rose Water
- Avene Thermal Spring Water Mist
- La Roche Posay Serozinc
Look for ones that have a light gel texture, they work better for oily skin. Most will have names that include "gel, water, hydro" etc. and almost all brands make a version. Of course there are always exceptions, so if you prefer a slightly richer texture, then use that.
- Lacto Calamine Lotion (used & loved)
- I'm From Mugwort Cream (love!)
- Klairs Fundamental Water Gel Cream (love!)
- Laneige Water Sleeping Mask (used & liked)
- Dot & Key Water Sleep Mask (used & liked)
- Cipla Excela
- Dot & Key Hydrating Gel
- Neutrogena Hydroboost Water Gel
- Clinique Moisture Surge
- Clarins Lotus Face Treatment Oil (love!)
- Blend It Raw Apocathery Rosehip Oil (like)
- YBP Plant Remedy Skin Elixir (love!)
⠀
6. Exfoliant
You can consider adding a BHA (Salicylic Acid) to you routine. BHA works better for oily skin usually since it is oil soluble, goes deeper into the pores and helps with congestion, blackheads, whiteheads and occasional breakouts.
- Cipla Salsic or Saslic DS Foaming Face Wash
- Kaya Purifying Face Wash
Though these are not a must have in you skincare routine, they can be used occasionally for an added boost and for some self-care sessions. A clay mask is a good addition to the stash, especially for oily skin. It helps to clean deeper & in decongesting the pores.
- GlamGlow Supermud Clearing Treatment (love!)
- Plum Green Tea Mask
- Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask
- Blend It Raw Apothecary Bentonite Clay, Kaolin Clay, Multani Mitti/Fuller's Earth
- AM / Morning
- PM / Evening
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