The best prevention for any skin type is to find a consistent skin care routine that works best for that skin type and to stick to it. Consistency really is the number one secret to getting the amazing skin you've always wanted.
Like I've explained before, oily skin happens when the sebaceous glands in the skin make too much sebum (aka oil). Sebum is the waxy, oily substance that protects and hydrates the skin. Sebum is vital for keeping the skin healthy and soft. However, too much sebum can lead to oily skin, clogged pores, and acne.
Oily skin is usually caused by genetics or hormones. You’ll notice teens, pregnant women, peri-menopausal and menopausal women, and other hormonal imbalances will cause oil, but there are two MAJOR upsides to having oily skin.
First, those with oily skin tend to have more moisture (not necessarily the same as hydration; we’ll talk about this in a minute) in their skin, making them less prone to premature wrinkles.
And second, regular use of a skincare routine specific to keeping the skin barrier balanced while combating hormonal issues is the answer! And an incredibly easy answer since that's exactly what ETHYST® Skincare was created to do!
Let’s discuss what that looks like, so you can put your best face forward.
1. Don't attempt to hide your oil with makeup
When oily skin arises, it can be tempting to hide it with makeup. However, certain products, particularly oil-based products, could make symptoms worse or clog the pores.
In my opinion, the goal is to get the best skin of your life, so you don't have to wear makeup. However, if you aren't yet ready to make the leap to being a #nomakeupbabe or you just like playing with makeup, water-based makeup is a better option than oil based products.
Washing regularly can help balance the amount of oil on the skin. When I say washing regularly, I mean cleansing in the morning and the evening.
Washing your face more than that will most likely cause stripping of the skin's natural oils and you don't want to do that because it will only cause the skin to produce more oil.
Here are some additional recommendations for cleansing oily skin:
- Wash with a gentle, non-foaming cleanser, cream based cleanser and warm water. I say non-foaming cleanser because even the most oily of skins often are subject to surface dryness. Foaming cleansers cause surface dryness to be worse and, again, stripping those oils will stimulate more oil production while also affecting the skin's barrier, which we is a big no-no.
- Avoid cleansers with fragrances or harsh chemicals, which can irritate or dry out the skin, making it respond by creating more sebum. The ETHYST® Clarity Cleanse is my go-to.
- Avoid loofahs and brushes, as added friction may stimulate the skin to make more oil. If you want to use something you know is lifting all of the impurities from your skin, use a good exfoliant and a 100% cotton washcloth.
For additional tips on cleaning your skin properly, check this out. I think you will be really shocked at what you learn!
Glycolic, Lactic, and other AHAs/BHAs can help tackle oil and impurities.
AHAs smooth the skin's outer surface, speed up cellular turnover and builds the support structure in the dermal matrix reducing wrinkles. Due to their molecular size, their ability to penetrate deeply stimulating collagen, cellular turnover and collagen production, use of AHAs results in great exfoliation, smoother skin texture and less wrinkles.
BHAs fight bacteria and cut through oil to clean out clogged pores. Due to their ability to loosen desmosomes and allow skin cells to let go of the excess sebum and impurities oily skin likes to hold on to, use of BHAs result in cleaner skin, a reduction in oil and less blemishes.
4. Consistently use facial masques
Certain facial masques may be beneficial for treating oily skin. These may contain ingredients such as:
Clay masques containing minerals like rose clay or rhassoul clay can absorb oils without being too harsh on the skin. They reduce skin shininess and sebum levels without irritation as well. Use clay masques only occasionally; maybe once every couple of weeks. When using clay, be sure to apply ample moisturize using the ETHYST®Daily Ritual 24/7 Moisturizer directly afterward.
Studies have shown that natural raw honey masques have antibacterial and antiseptic qualities. A 10-minute honey face mask (made of only raw pure honey) may reduce acne and oily skin while keeping the skin soft. Take care to ensure it's completely removed from the skin after application.
Masques containing colloidal (ground up into a fine powder) oatmeal may help to cleanse the skin. Oats contain gentle, cleansing saponins, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds that could soothe irritated skin.
Follow these tips and you will be well on your way to less oily and more hydrated skin! Did you use some of these tips? Reach out to us and let us know what you thought on IG or FB
Want to start your skin health journey? Book a Skin Health Transformation Session here!
