You wake up feeling like a film of oil has formed on the surface of your face.
Oily skin is due to over-production of oil/sebum by the skin. This may be genetic or a result of stress or hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy, menopause or from taking medications. The skin tends to appear shiny & greasy and is prone to enlarged pores, blackheads and whiteheads due to accumulated oil, dead skin cells and debris.
To maintain a well-balanced skin barrier, it is important to stay hydrated, eat a healthy diet, and avoid excess alcohol and caffeine. Ingredients like niacinamide and ceramides can help reinforce the skin barrier.
- Don't be overly aggressive in cleansing or exfoliating, as this can trigger an increase in sebum production.
- Do moisturise with non-comedogenic moisturisers to avoid clogging pores. You may decide to just use essence/serum OR moisturiser.
For acne-prone skin, you may benefit from skincare products with active ingredients such as salicylic acid or retinoids. We recommended checking out our skincare guide for acne-prone skin. When in doubt, consult a dermatologist.
In all cases, make sure to apply sunscreen and to drink water throughout the day.
Below are our recommendations for gentle cleansers, toners, hydrating serums, daytime moisturisers and oily skin sunscreens.