Ask Lauren: Help! I Have Oily Skin
Today’s post was inspired by the following private message I received a few weeks ago:
Hi Lauren, I have very oily skin. Even though I use oil-free products, toner, and wash my face every single day (twice a day!!) the shine just won’t go away and I break out all the time. What products do you use and do you have any tips for an oily skinned girl like me?
Great question! Many women believe that because they have oily skin they must abstain from oil-based products. However, you might be surprised to learn that more oil might just be what your skin needs…
Cleanse your face with a botanical oil-based face wash.
It may sound counterintuitive but when you have oily skin, it’s important to use a botanical oil-based face wash. Many of us have been trained to shop for “oil-free” products, but more recently dermatologists have learned that it’s not necessarily the best rule of thumb to apply to every aspect of your face wash routine. So why use a botanical oil-based face wash? Cleansing botanical oils adhere to the sebum deep inside your pores and when the skin is rinsed with water both the sebum and botanical oil both get washed away!
Use products with oil-absorbing ingredients.
If you’re prone to shine, start your beauty regimen by applying a mattifying gel or lotion (primer). Make Up For Ever has a great micro-perfecting primer that feels pretty weightless and gets the job done. At night, use an alcohol-free toner after you have washed your face and before you apply your moisturizer.
If you’re dealing with constant breakouts…
Apply a retinol exfoliate to unclog pores and limit oil production. I suggest putting this on at night since retinol makes the skin very sensitive to sun exposure. Also, because retinol is especially drying, I would recommend that you slather some Egyptian Magic on top (it’s the perfect mix).
You still need to moisturize.
Since stripping the skin of it’s natural oils can encourage increased oil production, be sure to keep your routine balanced by applying a good moisturizer both morning and night. Non-comedogenic, water-based moisturizers are best for those with oily skin. (For the morning, use a moisturizer with SPF in it.)
Drink up!
Last but not least, remember to drink plenty of water to keep your skin calm and properly hydrated.
I hope you find these tips helpful!
Do you have an Ask Lauren question for me? Any topic is okay—relationships, fitness, beauty—anything. Leave your questions below or send me a private message via my profile page if you’d rather it be anonymous.
For more pointers on dealing with oily skin, be sure to check out this thread in the Fourm!
XO Lauren
Photo: Pinterest via Glamour
65 comments
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I've been using the oil treatments (with coconut oil) and I was wondering how long it takes to see improvement in skin condition (uneven skin tone, acne, etc.). I've been doing it for several days now, and my skin FEELS better, but no visible improvement. -
Hi Lauren!! Hope u are doing fine!! I have a question about blackheads on my nose. I can't get rid of them and I'm hoping u can help me, thank u very much :) -
I struggled with acne in my teen years and early adult life. It was brutal. I was also prescribed Accutane by my dermatologist which cleared up EVERYTHING. I break out occasionally, and still have some left over scarring. I now moisturize, user toner AND use vitamin C serum to address the scars. Changing my diet (cutting out red meat) has reduced some inflammation in my skin as well. It's been super helpful!
http://annezca.blogspot.com -
This is a helpful post. I don't have the oiliest skin in the world but, when summer comes around, it does get worse and i'm never sure how to deal with it! I'll have to try these tips (also, you've mentioned egyptian magic so many times that I think i'll have to break down and buy some :) ) -
I struggled with acne for years, but never had very oily skin. My acne was never severe, but it was persistent and got really bad at times. My dermatologist ended up prescribing me Accutane, which was such a lifesaver. My skin is MUCH better now. But now that I'm off Accutane, I'm using fresh lemon juice to keep my skin clear and it helps keep the oil away too!
Rachel
http://www.theredheadfashionista.com
http://www.thehautenotes.com -
Does anyone have a botanical oil-based face wash that they like to use and would recommend? I'm not sure I know what one would be.
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I have always had a very oily skin. Since I use products of Clinique, it gets better every day.
I use the products for skin type 2 and/or 3. And I use an extra gel creme "moisture surge extended thirst relief".
And just like Lauren said: you need to drink a lot of water.
Hope you will all get an oily free skin!
Love, Linda -
I recently found out that I have oily skin, I went to a makeup store and one of the workers helped me pick out some foundations. My chin and my nose are definitely the oilyest and these tips will so help! I really want to try the Egyptian magic cream and a retinol exfoliator because I still deal with breakouts! Thanks!! -
As someone who suffered for years with oily skin the best thing I ever did was to ditch the toner. Ever since then the oil is under control and while I still suffer from hormonal acne, not being an oil slick all the time is a wonderful feeling. Toners can really mess up the ph of your skin. -
I have struggled with acne most of my life. However, just recently I started selling this new company called alex+von where they sell all natural 100% organic products. I started using the Suki line since they specialize in cystic acne and I'm getting AMAZING results!! Check the site out! alexandvon.com/crystalmask -
Great tips. The Egyption Magic is amazing too. I bought some after the post about the give away and this being one of the prodcits in it. So glad I did! -
I have combination and once a day I use Noxzema which is great and twice a day in the morning and at night I use makeup removing and oil removing wipes for my face then wear a light mineral powder during the day =]-
I have the essentially the same routine, except I use Noxzema twice a day and the oil/makeup removing wipes at night before washing my face, and it works wonderfully! Noxzema is really just a wonderful product to have around.
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I have dealt with oily skin & acne since puberty & have tried everything under the sun! I finally gave up & was just "washing" my face w/ water because I was sick of spending money on products that don't work! Now I've starting using the oil pulling method & I make my own "face wash" out of organic coconut oil (I get mine from vitacost.com) & a few drops each of tea tree & lavender essential oils; both from Whole Foods (I throw it all in my mixer for a few minutes to soften the coconut oil)
All I do is take a marble size dollop of it & massage it into my skin every night then take a warm (borderline hot!) wash cloth & gently wipe it off! No moisturizer needed if you don't want it! Then I add some more around my eyes before bed to prevent wrinkles! I started doing this just before Christmas & for the first time in my life I don't have a single pimple & haven't for months! IT'S AMAZING & simple & CHEAP!-
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@Heather I use about a cup of coconut oil (roughly) & 5-10 drops of each of the oils! The tea tree oil helps w/ acne & lavender oil helps w/ skin color/acne scars! I store it in a mason jar & use a spoon to get it out so it stays fresh :)
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What brands/meds had you used before? I've been looking into a more natural regimen but it is SO pricey! -
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Great post! I used to have oily skin and then I went down to washing my face once at night time and then rinsing with water in the morning and applying moisturizer each time - now I have clear and normal skin! Sometimes washing your face two times a day makes it even more oily. Just food for thought :) -
the GLAMGLOW mask has made my oily skin look amazing! i put it on once every other day for about 20 minutes and it ends up looking smooth, feeling soft and its breakout and blackhead free!!
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i have combination skin! on the T zone is oily and on the cheeks is dry!! i need help to keep my face balance
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My friend's birthday is coming up soon and i don't know what to wear. Most likely a dress, but i am small and pale. So anything to help with that would be great. Thanks Ask Lauren -
Great post! I don't like that I have oily skin and breakout and I'm about to graduate college! I was looking up face washes that are botanical oil based and I didn't have much luck. Do you have any specific products or brands that you would recommend? -
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Using mattifying products when you have oily skin is the best!
And I would love it if you guys would take a took at my fashion/beauty blog! :)
www.infinitefashion27.blogspot.ca -
I have super oily skin and I found a great product from Image skincare that is a daytime matte moisturizer that also has a SPF. I wear it under my makeup and my skin never get shiny looking or oily throughout the day.
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These are some great tips! I have oily skin that is prone to breakouts as well. I take skin, hair and nails vitamins to keep my breakouts at bay. My face is still oily, but it really keeps my skin clear. Some people take prenatal vitamins to help with this as well, but they didn't help as much as skin, hair and nails vitamins.
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These are some great tips! Even though I have combination skin, I can really use some of these tips. :)
http://mystylediaryblogspot.blogspot.com/
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