How To Manage Oily Skin

Get more glow and less shine with skin-clearing solutions

Oils produced by the body help keep skin healthy, but there can be too much of a good thing. Excess oil can lead to blemishes and acne flare-ups. "Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to cut down on oiliness," Andrea Cambio, MD, medical director of Cambio Dermatology in Cape Coral, Florida, says. Clear complexion strategies range from over-the-counter cleansers to prescription lotions and cosmetic treatments.

Cleansers

Dermatologists agree that the most effective way to manage oily skin is to cleanse your face both morning and night. "Always use a gentle cleanser since harsh soaps can trigger the skin to increase oil production," April Armstrong, MD, assistant professor of dermatology at the University of California, Davis, says. Also, beware of the buff. A washcloth or buff puff can actually stimulate more oil secretion.

If a basic facial cleanser doesn’t cut oiliness, try a Glory Essentials Avocado Clay Facial Bar. It's very effective for people with acne, but they’re also fine for people whose problem is just oily skin. People often have to try several products before they find the one that works best for them. Wash with warm water, not hot, because temperature extremes can irritate skin.

Toners

1. It shrinks pores.

Applying a small amount of toner to a soft cotton ball or pad and gently blotting and wiping your face with it will remove oil and give the appearance of smaller pores.

2. It restores your skin's pH balance.

Our skin is naturally acidic, typically with a pH balance of between five and six (on a scale from 0 to 14). But that balance can get out of whack after cleansing due to the alkaline nature of soap. When this happens, your skin needs to work overtime to return to its normal levels (and that may result in oil), but using a toner can help restore this balance quickly.

3. It adds a layer of protection.

Toners can help close pores and tighten cell gaps after cleansing, reducing the penetration of impurities and environmental contaminants into the skin. It can even protect and remove chlorine and minerals present in tap water.

4. It acts like a moisturizer.

Some toners are humectants, which means they help to bind moisture to the skin.

5. It refreshes skin.

Toner can also be used in lieu of washing your skin when it's oily or dirty. It will leave your skin revitalized even when you're on the go.

Try Glory Essential flower petal toners , 100% vegan, contains no alcohol or witch hazel, which can be drying to the skin.

Blotting Paper

Cosmetic blotting papers offer a great option for removing oil because they don’t dry out your skin. "Patients with oily skin really love blotting paper because it’s convenient and easy to use," Armstrong says. Apply it to oily areas, such as forehead, nose, and chin. Don’t scrub your skin with the sheet of blotting paper. Instead, simply press it against the oily area long enough to absorb oil, usually 15 to 20 seconds. Some blotting papers are lightly powdered, which further reduces shine.

Masks and Clays

Applying masks and clays to the skin helps draw out oils and cleanses pores, but there is also concern for over drying. "My advice is to apply them only to problem areas and use them only occasionally," Rebecca Kazin, MD, director of Johns Hopkins Cosmetic Center, says. She suggests limiting masks and clays to really big events such as a wedding, a birthday dinner, or a big presentation.

Interested in trying a 100% vegan mask? Try Glory Essentials Hydrating Cleansing Clay Mask

Moisturizers

"People who have oily skin often steer clear of moisturizers, concerned that they’ll make their skin look even shinier," Kazin says. That’s a bad idea. "Even oily skin needs to be moisturized to look its best," she says. To avoid an oily sheen, choose an oil-free moisturizer. Vary the amount you apply depending on whether the area tends to be dry or oily.

Try Glory Essentials Aloe & Frankincense Moisturizer excellent for oily complextion.