It’s one thing if you have greasy skin after sweating it out at the gym, but it hits differently when your skin looks shiny and oily throughout the day. Oily skin for men is a real downer, but it doesn’t have to be your reality forever.
You’ve got to take care of your oily skin so it doesn’t get out of control. During summer, when there is more moisture in the air, your skin can appear shinier. “Your sebaceous glands naturally produce oil that coats and protects the skin,” explains Dr Dilshaad Asmal, Cape Town dermatologist at Rondebosch Aesthetics. “These oils keep the skin moisturised, but in hot and humid weather, the sebaceous glands overproduce sebum,” she says. This results in a shiny complexion, clogged pores and increases the risk of acne breakouts. So how can you stop this? Just follow our oily skincare tips to look your best this summer.
Five ways to tackle oily skin
Use a lightweight face wash
Since you are washing your face so frequently to get rid of the excess oil, using a gentle, oil-free cleanser is a pro move. This way you won’t risk drying out your skin, which can happen even though you produce a lot of sebum naturally. It’s also worth looking for a cleanser containing salicylic acid – it’s a star ingredient to remove excess oil, dirt and dead skin cells.
Look for mattifying products
Thick and heavy moisturisers can make you look like an oil slick. The goal here is to invest in non-clogging mattifying products. They can help control oil on shiny areas of the face, without causing any skin irritation. All you need to do is apply it morning and night to keep your complexion grease-free.
Change up your sunscreen
It’s no secret that an effective sunscreen should be at the forefront of your skincare routine. Oily summer complexions can benefit from switching to an oil-free or gel-based sunscreen, which tends to absorb well and wear well. And don’t forget to reapply every two hours if you’re outdoors.
Touch up with blotting paper
Have you ever used blotting paper on your skin? If not, allow me to explain. Blotting paper is a thin sheet of paper that absorbs oil and reduces shine on the skin. When you need to remove any oil from your skin, lightly tap them over your T-zone (forehead, nose and chin) in the middle of the day. It’s really satisfying when you see the oil move from your greasy face to these little sheets. You get the impression that it’s working.
Add a spot treatment to your routine
Since oily skin makes you more prone to pimples, it’s a good idea to keep a spot treatment in your grooming arsenal. Put your trust in spot treatments that contain salicylic acid, sulfur and retinol. These compact solutions are quick and easy to use if you have occasional whitehead breakouts.
