I have dealt with super oily, acne-covered skin since puberty… And let me tell you life was miserable!! However, I have learned to not hate my oily skin but to understand and improve it. Instead of wishing for something I don’t have, why not improve what I do have?
I have built a routine I thoroughly enjoy doing every day and I’m happy to see the results!
This guide will provide tips on how to get clear skin and keep your oil production at bay! Let’s dive in.
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Drink More Water Everyday
First things first, hydration. It’s super important to keep your body hydrated every day. If you are not a fan of plain water, you can jazz it up with some yummy fruits and veggies for an added flavor/taste.
Either way, you need to add more water to your daily routine if you aren’t already on top of your daily water goals.
Water nourishes and provides healthy skin from the inside and radiates beauty on the outside. When you’re not getting enough water in your daily diet, your skin will produce more oil than normal to help hydrate your skin. Why? Fun fact, oily skin is actually on the dehydrated side most times.
Think about it, your skin produces average amounts of sebum (oil) to help coat and naturally moisturize your skin. When your body is dehydrated your skin begins to overproduce an amount of sebum causing more oil on your skin.
Ditch Sugar & Processed Foods
Sugar is not only addicting, but it also disrupts your insulin. When your insulin is at higher peak levels, it will affect your hormones, estrogen, progesterone, and more.
It’s already bad enough that breakouts form at that time of the month. However, eliminating added sugar from your daily diet will significantly help with balancing your hormones and decreasing your breakouts and overactive oil production!
Eat More Clean Vegetables & Fruits
Think green veggies and low glycemic fruit options for your snacks, meals, and water.
By swapping more healthy green options into your daily diet you will see so many more added benefits including, glowing skin, clear skin appearance, fewer breakouts, and more energy. Not to mention more healthy vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C for collagen production.
Decrease High Caffeinated Drinks
Although coffee has antioxidants and other benefits, it can trigger your cortisol levels when giving you alertness from the caffeine.
The con to this spike in your cortisol levels can increase oil production and breakouts. If you drink those delicious sugary coffees, then you can add that to another reason why your skin may not be so clear.
Instead, you can opt for a green tea option or you can make your coffee option de-caf or eliminate the number of sugar additives!
Start Your Routine Off Small
It’s so easy to get wrapped up in these super aesthetic skincare routines and think you need to have a 12-step plan right at the beginning.
I’m here to say, less is more! It’s so important to start small, try a few products for your oily skin and see what works.
Simply start with a nice cleanser that cleans the skin without stripping your skin’s natural oils and won’t dry you out.
After, you will want to use a nice toner with salicylic acid and finish with a moisturizer that is oil-free and non-comedogenic!
A simple 3 step system is all you need when you start. Find the products that work for your skin and elevate from there.
Use Products For Oily Skin
I know this seems pretty self-explanatory. However, some items that may seem to be working could be harming your skin or result in more breakouts.
Always opt for oil-free options and reach for products that are gel-based over a cream option. This is ideal for oily and acne-prone skin.
Keep Your Skin Moisturized
One of the biggest myths I believed for years would be that oily skin does not need to be moisturized. I’m here to say I thought wrong! Oily skin needs just as much moisture as any other skin type. Keeping moisture in the skin allows the oil production to minimize to an average amount instead of an over-active amount.
When looking for a moisturizer for your oily, acne-prone skin, you will want to make sure it states non-comedogenic. Products with comedogenic ingredients will clog your pores and result in breakouts. The moisturizer is typically the third step in my routine.
My go-to moisturizer for oily skin at the moment is the Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel.
It’s lightweight, oil-free and a little goes a long way! I apply it at night and in the morning after my wash routine and it has done wonders for my skin.
Exfoliation Is Key
Exfoliating is a must. My favorite go-to exfoliant is the ExfoliKate by Kate Summerville. You can use it as a mask or a quick exfoliant and rinse.
When using exfoliants, you do not want to use them every day (depending on your skin). Some exfoliants are also milder than others. I have read elsewhere that some skin types may benefit from exfoliating 3-4 times per week. However, always do what’s best for your skin and always consult with a dermatologist to ensure you aren’t harming your skin in the long run.
The ExfoliKate is a green mask with fruit enzymes to exfoliate the skin. This exfoliant mask is a chemical mask and its recommended use is 1-2 times per week and you can keep it on your skin for up to 2 minutes. It’s a quick and easy treatment you can do in the shower or anytime!
I have super oily skin and breakouts are no stranger. I use it once per week and it leaves my skin feeling so soft and polished looking. It helps eliminate blackheads and clogged pores and helps balance fine lines.
This exfoliant is on the pricier side although, it does last a long time and the results are well worth it!
Do A Weekly Face Mask
The best type of face mask for oily and acne-prone skin will be a clay mask. Gel masks can also be beneficial by providing more moisture to the skin and aiding in reducing overactive oil production.
The Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay is a great clay mask for oily skin. It draws out impurities and dirt from the pores and does not dry out my skin.
This clay mask is a multi-use product that you can even use to detox your scalp and other areas of the body. I personally use this mask a few times per month and love the clean detoxed feeling on my skin.
Sleep Only On Satin
I will always recommend a satin pillowcase! Satin is the best material for everyone to sleep on. The material does not cause friction with your hair and skin and helps both hair and skin retain moisture, not to mention it’s a super soft and silky material!
Compared to a standard cotton pillowcase, the fabric of satin is breathable and helps reduce wrinkles in the skin and breakage in the hair.
Avoid Touching Your Face
We’re all guilty of this one and I still do it to this day! However, touching your skin or resting your hands, and palms on your face is a big no-no. I remember growing up my mom was on me constantly about putting my hands on my face.
However, she had a point!
The dirt and oils transferred to your face from your hands are easily clogging your pores and drying out your skin. Not to mention the oil on your face is now transferred to other parts of your face leading to more clogged pores.
Take Your Vitamins
I admit I am terrible at remembering to take anything in pill form. However, with set reminders, you can conquer it too.
Taking a daily vitamin is beneficial for your overall health. With some simple research, you can find a list of vitamins that will help increase the effect on your face and body skin.
Some great vitamin options are vitamins A, E, C, and D, and some omega-3s for acne-prone skin.
I do want to note, I am not a medical professional and you should always consult with your Dr. before trying anything new.
I challenge you to make this routine to clear your skin a fun self-care activity of learning more about your skin and its needs. In due time you’re oily, acne-prone skin will be clear and you’ll feel so much better!
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