Dewy, glowing skin is the complexion dream - too much shine definitely isn’t.

While most people have encountered a greasy t-zone at some point in their lives, others are left regularly dealing with the struggle that is oily skin.

We get it. You’ve tried every expensive skincare brand, avoid wearing your favourite foundation and your skin regime before bed consists of 15 minutes of intense scrubbing. The truth is, there are a number of causes of oily skin. From excessive cleansing of the face to hormones and genetics, we’re here to give you a heads up on what’s making you look and feel more greasy than glowy. 

The symptoms of oily skin can vary from person to person, but the most common symptoms include:

•       A greasy/ shiny facial complexion
•       Blackheads, clogged pores and visible/large pores
•       Occasional pimples or acne breakouts in severe cases

Noticeably oily skin occurs when the sebaceous glands under your pores start producing too much sebum. Sebum is a waxy and oily substance that not only protects your skin from irritants, but also keeps it hydrated to ensure that it remains healthy.

If you’re looking for answers that don’t involve frantically running to the toilet to blot your skin, keep reading to find out more about some simple habits that might be causing your oily skin to get even oilier.  

BLOCKED PORES

Make a conscious effort to stay away from heavy formulas that may potentially block the oil gland, pores or even hair follicles. Why? If you’re struggling with oily skin, you’re more likely to get breakouts as the sebum mixes with dead skin cells, further blocking up your pores. Finding products that your skin can handle will take some trial and error so don’t get disheartened when you don’t wake up with perfect skin overnight. Look for products that are labelled as non-comedogenic or rich in ingredients such as vitamin E and white sapphire. Our light and fragrance-free Pore Refiner blurs pores and intensely hydrates the skin. Say goodbye to clogged up pores and breakouts.

STOP SCRUBBING 

Beware that if you’re trying to fight your natural sebum by constantly trying to wash your face, it can actually make your skin even oilier. Too much cleansing  or using over-drying formulas will exacerbate skin breakouts. The worst part?  Drying up the skin can actually cause a counteract reaction as the skin feels like it’s losing all of its natural oils. In response, your skin tries to replace the lost oil by producing more, which actually causes oilier skin and irritation. 

OIL ON OIL 

Oily skin doesn’t mean that you can’t wear makeup. And believe it or not, you don’t have to stick to mattifying products only. Since your skin is already producing an excess amount of sebum, adding more layers of oiliness will only make your shine… shinier. Look to pore refining products formulated to minimise the appearance of enlarged pores, oil-free or lightweight foundations and products that deliver a satin matte coverage without being too heavy or cakey. 

Our creamy Dual Perfection Foundation offers a silky powder finish and is enriched with antioxidants and vitamins C & E – say bye to blotting paper and hello to complexion perfection. By avoiding overly oily makeup products, you’ll be better prepared to combat oily skin.

ADD MOISTURE 

Common myth: Moisturising too often leads to oily skin. Right? Wrong.  Far too often, women avoid moisturising their skin in fear that their oily skin will end up ‘too hydrated’. In fact, regularly moisturising will keep any excess oil production under control. In other words, don’t leave moisturising out of your skincare regime.

HORMONES & STRESS

Unfortunately, hormones and oily skin seem to go hand in hand. The hormones responsible for oil production are known as ‘androgens’, Often, during pregnancy, puberty, menstruation and menopause, they can fluctuate which stimulates an increase in sebum production. Excess sebum production? Oily skin. Try not to let it stress you out too much though… Why? The more stressed you are, the more the level of the body's stress hormone  known as cortisol rises. This can lead to an increase in oil production, causing your oily skin and other related skin concerns such as acne. 

LIFESTYLE & DIET

Often, skin health boils down to gut health. That means that if your gut is balanced and healthy, your skin is more likely to be too. If not? Say hello to oil and acne. Seriously. While we aren’t claiming that specific types of food directly cause oily skin, nutrient absorption from the gut definitely affects skin health. Main offenders? Too much dairy, sugar and gluten. What do you need more of? Omega-3 fats, probiotics, vitamins A, C, E and protein. 

DNA 

Now one of the main causes of oily skin boils down to genetics. Yep, that’s right - no matter how hard you pray to the skin God’s, your overactive sebaceous glands could run in the family. Simply tweak your skincare and makeup regime with our help.

Shine all day, the right way… with Innoxa

As always, we recommend seeing a registered dermatologist who will be able to work with you to understand your skin and identify the most suitable  treatments for you.