Oil might be great in your favourite salad, but it’s not so desirable on your face. While the dewy skin look is on-trend, if you’ve suffered from oily skin all your life, you’ll know the frustration of makeup sliding off your face before the day is through.

Oily skin isn’t necessarily unhealthy – the issue is that your body is producing far too much sebum, which when left untreated, can produce blackheads, acne and other skin imperfections. In fact, the good news is (yes, there’s some good news), you’re less prone to premature wrinkles because you have more moisture in your skin.

Here’s the not-so-fortunate news: oily skin is a combination of hereditary factors, as well as the environment and even a heightened hormone level. Whether you inherited your skin condition from your parents or not, there’s still hope. Your oily skin can be kept under control with a stringent beauty regime.

Different types of skin require different skincare routines, but before you try to solve your oily skin issues with a new beauty routine, you may need to first understand the type of condition your skin is in.

Do I have oily skin?

Oily skin is more common than you think, with up to 85% of Australians developing acne during their lifetime. Having oily skin is exactly what it sounds like: excess oil on the face that consistently produces a shiny or greasy appearance.

So, how can you tell whether you’ve got persistent oily skin? Simply put, if your skin is shiny throughout the day, your pores are obvious, and/or acne and blackheads constantly appear. Tackling oily skin can be a constant struggle, but with proper understanding of your skin’s blueprints and a simple yet reliable skin care routine, you can get your excess oil under control.

What products should I avoid if I have oily skin?

While oil-based skincare products aren’t necessarily bad for skin that produces excess oil, it might mean being more careful with your makeup choices. This means coconut and argan should generally be avoided, as they are highly irritating and clogging for your oily skin. You should also take minimal care in using products that contain shea butter, as this highly emollient ingredient can block your pores, which can lead to more breakouts.

Paradoxically, using too many drying products can also dehydrate your skin. Ingredients such as retinol, alcohol, and benzoyl peroxide may be fine to use as a standalone treatment, but when mixed together and often, your face might end up rough, flaky and irritated. 

It might be a juggling act when you’re prone to oily skin, but with the right products, you can minimise pores, reduce breakouts and achieve a healthy complexion.

Solutions for oily skin

There’s no point filling up your makeup bag with products that combat your oily base if you haven’t worked on your skin first. If you’re looking for an oily skin treatment that works, we’ve got it right here. By making these small changes in your daily beauty practice, you’ll be better prepared to reduce oily skin (and your makeup will glide on and stay put, too.)

Cleanse: Resist the urge to wash your face several times a day or use alcohol-based products to achieve that dry, tight feeling – all that’s needed to rid your face of dirt and excess oil is to wash your skin with a gentle yet deep pH balanced cleanser in the morning and in the evening. Bonus points if it contains salicylic acid.

Exfoliate: Removing dead skin cells from the surface of your face just three times a week will help dissolve and dislodge any dirt or dead skin that’s blocking your pores and causing your foundation to look cakey. Using your favourite scrub, move in small, gentle and circular strokes around your face. Rinse with warm water so as not to irritate your skin.

Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise: Just because you have oily skin, it doesn’t mean you can forego the moisturiser. In fact, without moisture, your skin will become dehydrated and produce more oil to compensate. Don’t be afraid to nourish your skin – it’s all about finding the right product for your needs. Gel or water-based face cream won’t block your pores, and is best suited for oily skin.

Now, your skin is most likely prepped and ready to apply makeup. Don’t forget to use a pore refining mattifying primer before applying your foundation to help control shine and create a youthful, airbrushed look. Similarly, finish off your look with an Anti-Redness Finishing Powder that will neutralise any mild skin redness.

At Innoxa, we’re here to help provide effective treatment for oily skin . Don’t let your face out-shine you: treat your skin with our range of dermatologically tested skincare and makeup products today. From the best gel cream for oily skin to finishing spritzes, take control of your shine now.