Oily skin is down to genetics – if you have it you’re not doing anything wrong. You are likely; however, to then gravitate towards a regime that will involve harshly scrubbing without moisturization, which can leave your skin looking dull and feeling damaged. Dedicate yourself to your skincare routine and you can achieve shine-free skin without stripping or over-drying the skin.
Step #1: Purify your skin
Firstly, make sure you use a matting and purifying cleanser. Oil is the best way to get rid of oil. This sounds unlikely but it’s true! Oil attracts oil, therefore using a bit on your skin can clear away makeup with ease. For those battling blackheads and clogged pores, try one of our charcoal products – which clear your complexion by sticking to dirt and drawing out impurities.
Step #2: Exfoliate
Using an exfoliator can sweep away excess residue and persistent sebum, keeping oiliness and blemishes to a minimum. Using a deep cleansing face-mask such as Strictly Professional’s once a week can make a huge difference, whilst other daily products like Elemis’ Cleansing Balm can be used at the start and end of your day to make sure you’re fighting off bacteria and keeping shine to a minimum.
Be cautious of scrubbing your skin too much as this may cause dryness, stimulating the sebum flow meaning skin will become even more oily!
Step #3: Moisturise
While using moisture on your skin seems counter-productive, an effective moisturiser can mean skin does not produce more sebum after being scrubbed and exfoliated. Moisture is also effective as a barrier, keeping out free radicals and nasty toxins that are picked up throughout the day. The secret is choosing a light, mattifying formula such as Clinique’s, as a thicker one will further clog pores and be too heavy.
Be sure to use a mask every now and then, to dry oil whilst keeping the face hydrated – to remove simply massage with warm water. This can be done up to three times a week – at Justmylook we do it whenever we have the chance! Nothing like a Friday night in with a mask and a bar of Cadbury. Mmmmm!
Step #4: Go Oil Free
The last thing to consider, when attempting to keep oily skin at bay, is which makeup you should use. Again, a mattifying formula is usually the most effective in preventing shine – so why not start with a primer such as Dermacol’s Matte Control, which will keep your makeup firm and in place. Light, oil-free makeup is ideal for concealing blemishes whilst not over-clogging the follicles. A damp foundation sponge can also be useful in smoothing out makeup throughout the day.
