Are You Making Your Oily Skin Oilier?

While our skin needs oil or sebum to keep it moisturized and protected, too much of it is problematic. Excess oil can make your face look shiny and feel greasy, while also clogging pores and triggering breakouts. It also tends to dissolve makeup faster, leaving you with a sticky and messy appearance. 

Oily skin may be an inherited trait, but certain habits can exacerbate the problem. If your oily skin is looking oilier than it naturally is, the following habits may be the culprit. 

1. You wash your face several times a day.

It is always tempting to wash your face whenever it’s looking shiny or greasy. While doing so definitely removes oil, overdoing it can do more harm than good. Washing your face more than twice a day can strip the skin of its natural moisture. Your face will also have to overcompensate by producing more sebum, which can then clog your pores. 

Stick to cleansing your face twice a day, morning and night, and after a sweat session. Choose a face wash that is right for your skin type. Dr. Sylvia Skin Care has a range of cleansers and toner that can provide deep cleansing without stripping the skin.  

2. You skip the moisturizer.

One popular misconception about oily skin is that it doesn’t need moisturizer. It is believed that applying the said product will only make your skin oilier than it needs to be. This, of course, is not true. What a moisturizer does is keep the skin moist and protected. It can also help slow down sebum production, which can stem from the perception that the skin is too dry after cleansing or using a harsh cleanser.

Don’t skip the moisturizer. If you have oily skin, choose a formula that is light, water-based, and oil-free. Also, be sure to apply the product while your skin is still damp to lock in hydration. Here are 5 ways to get the most out of your moisturizer. 

3. You use too much salicylic acid.

When it comes to reducing acne and exfoliating the skin, salicylic acid can be a great help. This doesn’t mean, however, that applying more of the product will give you the best results. Going overboard is actually counterproductive; it can dry out your skin. And when there’s too much dryness, your skin will produce more oil. 

Just stick to one product with salicylic acid to incorporate into your skincare routine. Make sure not to forget the moisturizer.  

4. You use pore-clogging products/ingredients.

If you have oily skin, steer clear of products that can block or clog your pores. These include heavy or cream-based moisturizers or those that contain oils and added fragrances. The same is also true for alcohol-based toners and exfoliating products. These can remove the natural moisture from your skin, which can then lead to dryness and irritation. 

Start with choosing skincare with “non-comedogenic” labels. This means that the products are not likely to clog your pores and cause breakouts. You should also read the list of ingredients and watch out for those with synthetic perfumes and dyes, oils, and alcohol.  

5. You don’t manage your stress.

Too much stress causes your body to produce more cortisol or stress hormones. This can trigger mood swings and anxiety, as well as cause an increase in sebum production. This can result in oily skin, clogged pores, and other associated skin issues. Excess cortisol can also contribute to premature aging and the appearance of fine lines, creases, and wrinkles.

Check out our previous post to find out how stress affects your skin.  

Manage your stress by exercising daily and eating a balanced diet. You should also listen to your body and take a break whenever you feel the need to. Trying yoga and meditation can help, as well as talking to a mental health professional for learning healthy coping mechanisms. 

Stop making your oily skin oilier with these habits. Browse through our website for product recommendations and other skincare tips. You can also contact Cutis Medical Laser Clinics in Singapore today and schedule a consultation with our aesthetic doctor to find out which aesthetic treatments can address your skin problems.