A Guide To Skincare: Oily Skin

Hey guys!

So I'm back with the next part of my Skincare Guide with the Oily Skin edition. (You can read the sensitive skin edition here).

Usually, in the college salon, I find a lot of clients come to us with more oily skin types than any other. And I think this is because oily skin is generally the type that looks and feels like it needs more caring for. It can develop at any age, although it tends to hit once puberty begins and can gradually get better or worse as the time goes on. Some people find that their oiliness plays up during certain times of the month (me!) or changes of the season where-as others struggle with it constantly. 

Diagnosing an oily skin type is dependent on both visual and 'textured' symptoms. The skin is shiny and greasy to touch, plus prone to breakouts and blackheads. Acne generally accompanies this skin type, which also means redness and infection may be present. Other visual symptoms include enlarged pores and an overall sallow/yellow-ish tone.

So, what products do you use? Cleansers, exfoliators and face masks are the most popular products people use to treat oily skin, as some feel that adding a moisturiser into their routine would make their condition worse - which is entirely not the case. After the use of the appropriate cleanser, toner and exfoliator it is essential to re-introduce the moisture that the previous products have sucked out. Which leads me on to my next point...

Essential Words: Clay and Mud based products are the most effective to use on oily skin, as they draw out any excess moisture and oil the skin produces. These can be used in facial cleansers, but are usually found within face masks. Foaming cleansers are also good for extracting oil and moisture from the skin. Witch Hazel and Tea Tree are key ingredients to look out for, as they naturally help to calm redness and fight infection. Lean towards moisturing lotions that come in a bottle rather than thicker creams that come in a pot - not only will this stop bacteria spreading, the lotion will be light enough on the skin without aggravating the oil glands.

Now, I don't have oily skin so I can't give honest verdicts on these products but here are a few that previous clients have been happy with using and a few oily-skinned friends have recommended!

1. Lush Tea Tree Toner Water - £3.95 - £7.25. Lush.

2. Clean & Clear Morning Burst Scrub - £3.99. Boots.

3. Clean & Clear Dual Action Oil-Free Moisturiser - £3.59. Boots.

4. Tea Tree & Witch Hazel Foaming Cleanser - £3.59. Boots.

5. Seaweed Ionic Clay Mask - £12.00. The Body Shop.

6. Dermalogica Dermal Clay Cleanser - £27.00. Dermalogica.co.uk

The best way to deal with oily skin is to double cleanse, tone and moisturise daily along with weekly face masks and exfoliation every 2 - 3 days. Of course, like I said in the sensitive skin edition, it would be extremely beneficial to invest in monthly facials whether it's at a college salon, spa or regular salon. Your skin will thank you!

So that's all I have for today! Feel free to ask any questions or give any recommendations for what you use for your oily skin and I'll add them into this post. 

I'm going to be focusing on Dry Skin next time, so look out for that post! 

xo