Building a Skincare Routine for Oily Skin

Understanding Oily Skin

Oily skin is classified by enlarged pores, and excessive oil or shine to the skin. This is due to the overproduction of sebum (our skin's natural oil) from the sebaceous glands that lie underneath the follicles in the skin. Sebum plays an important role in keeping skin moisturised by locking in hydration. When the sebaceous gland works overtime and produces excess oil the skin starts to become congested and can be more prone to blemishes such as blackheads, whiteheads and pimples. If the excessive oil production is left untreated the skin can develop acne. The ideal skincare routine for oily skin helps to keep the skin moisturised so that the sebaceous glands produce less oil.

What Can Cause Oily skin?

1. Genetics. Your genetics have a part in determining your skin type. If one or both of your parents have oily skin there is a good chance that you will have oily skin too. 

2. Environment. Living in a hot, humid environment causes you to perspire more so your body works overtime to keep you cool. When your body is trying to keep you cool, sweat mixes with sebum and is excreted through the pores. Living in a very dry climate can make your sebaceous glands work overtime too to compensate for lost moisture in the skin, creating an oily skin type. 

3. Hormones. Puberty, pregnancy, menopause, birth control, certain medications and stress all have an effect on our hormones. During these changes your hormones can surge and cause your skin to become oily. The main 3 hormones behind this surge are Estrogen, Testosterone and Cortisol. 

4. Cosmetics. Cosmetics and skincare products that are comedogenic or “pore clogging” can cause your skin to produce more oil. The use of comedogenic ingredients can trigger a specific type of acne called acne cosmetica. When purchasing makeup and skincare products, look for the label to say non-comedogenic to ensure the formula has been tested as non-pore clogging. Oil-free moisturisers are a great option for oily skin, as they hydrate without feeling heavy.

5. Over-Cleansing and Over-Exfoliating. Over-cleansing and over-exfoliating will strip the skin of the sebum that's necessary for it to function properly. It may be tempting to purchase an aggressive cleanser or exfoliant to rid your skin of oil, but too much of this approach can cause your skin to over-produce oil to compensate for the oil which has been removed. 

Which ingredients should be included in skincare routines for oily skin?

• Salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is a BHA (Beta-Hydroxy Acid), which is oil-soluble. It works by dissolving build up of skin cells, excess sebum and dirt from within the pore to decongest and keep skin clean and clear. 

(See Renude-Approved salicylic acid products here)

• Retinoids. Retinoids work to normalise keratinisation in the skin. This is the rate at which the skin naturally sheds the outer cells, and normalising this helps to prevent pores from becoming blocked. 

(See Renude-Approved beginner retinoid products here)

• Hyaluronic acid. This is a great hydrating ingredient for oilier skin types, as it draws water to the skin. If oily skin is dehydrated, it can lead to an overproduction in oils, so keeping skin hydrated with water-loving humectants like hyaluronic acid is key. 

(See Renude-Approved hyaluronic acid products here)

Building a Skincare Routine for Oily Skin

• Choose a Gentle, Non-Stripping Cleanser. The best thing for oily skin is a gentle cleanser used twice a day - more if you’re heavily perspiring - and a consistent exfoliating routine to keep your skin clean, balanced and hydrated.

• Keep Skin Hydrated. Oily skin still needs hydration to function properly. If you are weary of moisturisers you can try opting for a hydrating serum in the day instead, with humectant ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or glycerin. This type of serum will deeply hydrate your skin without adding any heaviness. 

• Wear Sunscreen Daily. A sunscreen will protect your skin from damaging UV rays in your environment. Sunscreen is extremely important to use everyday - especially if you are using exfoliating products. Look for a sunscreen specifically designed for oily skin to ensure it will work well with your skin. Some sunscreens contain mattifying powders as a bonus to combat the shine from oily skin.

If you’re feeling unsure about how to build a skincare routine to suit your skin, we are here to help. Start your skin consultation today to get matched with a Renude skin expert who can help you to better understand your unique skin, and hand-select a skincare routine that really works for you.