Note: All week this week I'll be featuring tips on how to deal with different skin types. Info from Allure and many other sources. If you have anything to add--a favorite product or great hint--please be sure to leave a comment!
Oily skin means shiny slick spots. And to combat it, products are often even more irritating since they strip away all the good oils you need in your skin. When it comes to taking care of oily skin, you need to find a balanced regime and be gentle!
- Use the right face wash. Try to find something that contains 2% salicylic acid. When the weather changes and winter comes, focus the salicylic acid cleanser on your oilier spots only (like your forehead, nose, and chin), and use something milder on your cheeks.
- Keep your T-Zone shine free. Avoid any toners or products containing alcohol, but feel free to use an alcohol-free salicylic acid containing toner on your t-zone only. Apply it with a cotton ball only where you have oil issues.
- Don't skin the moisturizer. It may seem weird to apply moisturizer to already greasy skin, but just because your skin is oily doesn't mean you can forgo hydration. You'll want to use a very lightweight moisturizer or a matte or oil-control face primer to keep your shininess at bay.
- Go easy. You may be tempted to exfoliate a lot or use harsh products, but doing so won't make your oily skin any better. If you want to give yourself a face treatment, try for a mask with salicylic acid and use it once a week. For a special treat, try an at-home peel with glycolic acid once a week (not the same day as the salicylic acid mask, of course!).
- Wear your sun screen! Every day. No matter what.
- DDF Salicylic Wash, $35 (therapeutic but mild facial cleanser)
- Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel with Pump, $24 (oil-free, light-weight moisturizer)
- Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control Triple-Action Toner, $7.50