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skincare routine for oily skin

What is the Best Skincare Routine for Oily Skin?

Regular skincare does not just aim to make one look good but it also aims to keep the skin healthy. Yes, the skin is a protective barrier for internal organs and that means it is the most exposed body part to the external environment. The most important factor while choosing skincare products is to consider the skin type. Broadly, skin types can be categorized into:

1. Dry Skin
2. Oily Skin
3. Combination Skin

Out of these 3 skin types, oily skin needs high maintenance. Oily skin is the result of overproduction of sebum from glands under the skin’s surface. Sebaceous glands produce too much oil which makes the skin look oily.

Oily skin feels greasy and shiny. Excess oil on the skin can further lead to clogging of pores that result in large open pores, blackheads, whiteheads, and acne. This is why it is crucial to have a skincare routine in place to control excess sebum production. Here’s an ideal skincare routine that Dr. Shikha Aggarwal suggests for oily skin:

1. Cleansing
Excess oil, dirt, and impurities built up on the skin and these can clog the pores if not removed. Thus cleansing is very important. Use a mild water-based cleanser in the morning. Using salicylic-acid-based products for cleansing help in clearing away excess oil and dead skin preventing any buildup in pores. One can wash the face multiple times a day with water and should use a face wash at least twice a day.

2. Exfoliation
Oily skin is prone to dead skin cell build-up, blackhead, and clogged pores. The skin can become dull, rough, uneven due to environmental damage. Exfoliation is necessary to prevent the clogging of pores and rough skin. But one must always choose a gentle exfoliant. Exfoliation helps in boosting the cell turnover to help lighten superficial dark spots, adds radiance to dull skin, and prevents breakouts. However, one must never exfoliate the skin if they have active acne on the skin.

3. Skip harsh drying products
Some skincare products claiming to fix oily skin can end up making the skin excessively dry. Most of these products contain harsh ingredients that strip the moisture of the skin. So, using such products can worsen skin health. Consulting a dermatologist to understand the suitable ingredients for a particular skin type is the ideal way to go about it.

4. Use toner
Toners help in getting rid of residual dirt and makeup. A good toner for oily skin will help in addressing oiliness and shine without making the skin dry. To maintain healthy skin, one must look for a toner that also balances the moisture. The toner which contains salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and lactic acid can be used.

5. Moisturize the skin
Light moisturizers will help in keeping the moisture intact in the skin. Gel-based moisturizers are suggested for oily skin. People with sensitive or irritated skin must look for moisturizers with a calming and soothing property that alleviate the irritation. Moisturizing is very important even if the person has oily skin. Often it is seen that people with oily skin tend to avoid moisturizer but all skin types need moisturizer. A dermatologist often recommends choosing lightweight water-based moisturizers that are free of oils.

Some additional tips for oily skin
People with oily skin must use blotting paper to control excess oil during the day. This helps in absorbing excess oil. Washing face after exercise is very essential as it will remove sweat, oil, and dirt that may build up after exercising. Products with alcohol must be avoided as it can increase the amount of oil secretion. Sunscreen must be applied without fail.

Managing oily skin may seem to be difficult, but with the help of a dermatologist, all skin concerns can be addressed.