Oily-skinned girls, get acquainted with these shine-control saviours
Pollution, hormones and overly powerful chemicals are all factors that do no favours for oily skin.
But, in an attempt to combat these everyday aggressors and attain a dewy glow, we can often accidentally over-stimulate our skin with too much (or simply the wrong) product. Misdiagnosing our skin can do more harm than good and using the wrong products to combat the issues we think we suffer with can actually exacerbate our problems. This can cause an over-production of oil and reduce our skin's ability to function properly.
How do you know if you have oily skin?
The key is to properly identify your skin. Oil-prone skin is often shiny with visible pores and a tendency towards blackheads and blemishes. It's usually sensitive and reactive, requiring niche products that combat sebum and secretion, without nuking the skin's delicate surface completely.
Whilst it's tempting to use ultra powerful cleansers and exfoliators to strip away the oil, this can lead to an imbalance in our skin, making it inflamed and dry. Very rich products can also pose a problem, clogging pores and leading to breakouts.
Instead, opt for lightweight lotions and gels, gentle cleansers and exfoliators and ingredients like salicylic acid and glycolic acid that can deep clean and de-gunk – but only in moderation (start slowly – once or twice a week – and build up your usage to see how your skin reacts).
Below are some absolute superstars in this field, cleverly concocted with these issues in mind. So, if you are fighting the good fight, see our guide to the top foundations for oily skin, and say hello to your little warriors...
Dry skin? Check out our favourite hydration-boosting products here.
The Oil Cleanser
Vitamin C+ Skin Renew Cleansing Oil, £10.99, Superfacialist
It’s a common misconception that oil-prone skin shouldn’t be cleansed with an oil cleanser. This budget buy strips your face of excess oils produced during the day and night while gently nourishing our skin's necessary oils at the same time. It also zaps stubborn mascara with ease.
The Gel Cleanser
Ceramic Slip Clay Cleanser, £28, Sunday Riley
Clay's nourishing minerals and absorbent qualities allow it to deeply purify, exfoliate and rejuvenate. Infused with vitamin C and black pepper (a brilliant circulation stimulator), this gel cleanser will remove any excess oil your oil cleanser has missed, fully prepping the skin for the steps that follow.
The Milk Cleanser
Cleansing Milk with Sage, £73.50, Sisley
For oily skin that verges on sensitive, cleansing milk is your answer. This gentle emulsion removes makeup and impurities, while the infused sage soothes.
The Chemical Exfoliator
Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, £26, Paula’s Choice
This leave-on exfoliant has been heralded as a miracle product by many and it’s easy to see why; the 2% liquid salicylic acid is oil soluble, loosens dead skin cells and dissolves blackheads. This, in turn, results in the appearance of pore being diminished, reduced redness and a retexturing of the skin, as well as being totally irritant-free (perfect if you have sensitive skin but struggle with acids).
The Peel
PHA+ Bio Peel Resurfacing Facial Pads, £65, Zelens
For those with oily skin (and larger pores), these pads are a gift. They contain a trio of PHA’s, AHA’s and BHA’s for some more powerful exfoliating. Make sure you build your way up to this starting with some lighter exfoliating.
The Purifying Mask
Rescue Mask, £35, Eve Lom
There’s a reason this has won every award under the sun in its category - a clever mix of kaolin clay, camphor, honey and almonds it decongests skin gently.
The Toner
Pore Purifying Toner with Saw Palmetto & Mint, £17.50, Origins
Oily skin types are best off avoiding alcohol-based toners which are often too drying. Instead, an astringent containing salicylic acid is preferable. It dissolve bacteria and sebum while soothing complexions.
The Serum
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Face Serum, £5, The Ordinary
This serum is magic for pore minimising and decongesting and helps to balance sebum production and the appearance of oily skin. Apply it before your moisturiser for a little more oil control, but be careful not to mix it with vitamin C.
The Face Oil
Lotus Face Treatment Oil, £34, Clarins
A face oil for people with too much face oil? Trust the ever-innovative Clarins to figure out the formula. A gentle combination of plant extracts and essential oils, this natural astringent rebalances and reinvigorates for hydrated, dewy skin free from unhealthy oil.
The Moisturiser
Dramatically Different Moisturizing gel, £31, Clinique
A moisturising cream (or cream of any form) can be too heavy for oil-prone skin; instead opt for a gel that's oil-free and lightweight. They can more effectively penetrate into the epidermis and hydrate the skin without increasing oil production. Moisture Surge is a brilliant option should you have combination skin that requires intense hydration without creating oiliness.
The Moisturiser with SPF
Oil-control Mattifier SPF15, £35, Murad
SPF is absolutely vital, especially if you're treating your skin with potent ingredients. This non-comedogenic moisturiser is light, hydrating and reduces shine whilst protecting skin against UVA and UVB.
The Night Treatment
Advanced Night Repair Recovery Mask-in-Oil, £57, Estee Lauder
As overnight products tend to be emollient (thick or greasy), this one-of-a-kind mask-in-oil is a great alternative. The lightweight oil is packed with antioxidants and fortifying barrier repair technology to stimulate and support nighttime recovery. It's a great way to strengthen, nourish and rebuild your skin after a day of mechanical or chemical exfoliants. Think of it like a boosting cocoon, helping to lock in and maximise all the goodness from the products that come before.
