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Oily Skin

This week we’re covering one of the most common skin types- oily skin! Not only is it the most common skin type, but it’s notorious for being the hardest to treat. There is so much advice flying around about what you should do, what you should use etc. So I’m going to try and give you a straightforward answer and skin care plan to stick to.

First of all, let’s make sure that you definitely fit into this category. If you are treating your skin for the wrong skin type, that may be where your going wrong. These are the most common symptoms of oily skin:

  • Visible pores
  • Shiny or thick skin
  • Prone to getting blackheads
  • Prone to blemishes
  • Highly influenced by hormones
  • Ages more slowly, with fewer lines than people of the same age
  • Comfortable upon leaving the shower, or after cleansing
  • A singly-ply bit of tissue pressed to the chin and nose an hour after cleansing will show translucent patches of oil

 

Sound like you? 

Here are some do’s and don’ts:

  • Consider exfoliation once or twice a week MAX. Exfoliating too often will encourage inflammation and irritation. If you feel you need more than just a cleanse, try a face mask like the ‘Clear Skin Blemish Fighting Mask’ from Tropic.
  • Moisturisers and oils are not to be avoided!
  • However, AVOID mineral oils, shea, cocoa, butters and super-rich emollients
  • Don’t avoid oil all the time because you have oily skin!! Oil-free moisturisers and sun creams are great advocates of makeup throughout the day but I would still invest in a nice light oil to wear as a sort of facemask at night or every so often. Not all oils are made the same and some will actually help you combat your oily-ness. When you strip your skin of oil, your skin will panic and make more oil. Therefore increasing your oily-ness. Make sure you have a good variety of products to try out and find what works for you. I recommend a good oil to start your experimentation is Tropic’s Blue Lagoon Blemish Prevention Serum.
  • Treat yourself to a facial every so often, this skin type needs it!

A Skincare Plan for Oily Skin

AM

  1. Cleanse
  2. Serum – (Use an antioxidant serum if ageing is a concern)
  3. Moisturise with a product that contains spf. (Oil-free versions are best, we recommend Clarins as they do oil-free versions.) For a separate moisturiser with no SPF, we LOVE Origins Ginzing!! 
  4. Then apply your makeup.

PM

  1. Double cleanse (clean twice!)
  2. Spot Treatments if needed. (E.g. Retinoid.)
  3. No need for a night cream unless your skin feels dry or tight at this stage.

If you would like any more advice on what to use on oily skin please get in touch!