WHAT IS OILY SKIN?
Oily skin has overactive glands, which means they produce more oil than you need. Sometimes this is genetic and sometimes it can be caused by using the wrong skincare products – if you strip your skin of too much moisture, it compensates by overproducing excess oil. Your skin may appear shiny, with enlarged pores, and will be more prone to breakouts and blackheads.
AM ROUTINE
MORNING CLEANSER: THE ORDINARY SQUALANE CLEANSER
This is geared towards oily skin, so while it’s not super hydrating, it also doesn’t lather up enough to strip your skin. Instead, it gently foams so it works really well to cut through the oily residue that you find on your skin when you wake up. If you’re looking for a simple, refreshing cleanser that will mattify shiny areas, this is the one.
BHA SERUM: ALPHA-H CLEAR SKIN DAILY HYDRATOR GEL
Salicylic acid is a must-have ingredient for oily skin. It’s a super powerful BHA (a chemical exfoliant) which penetrates through the skin’s barrier to remove sebum and dead skin cells from your pores before they can reach the skin’s surface. It basically stops skin from looking greasy (AND prevents breakouts). Smooth this on post-cleanse to keep shine at bay all day.
MOISTURISER WITH SPF: MARIO BADESCU OIL FREE MOISTURISER SPF17
Oily skin needs moisturiser just as much as dry skin does – you just need to choose the right one. Look for something water-based and oil-free like this day cream from Mario Badescu (which has the added bonus of SPF protection). It’s light, silky, absorbs instantly, and works so well under makeup that you won’t even need a primer.
PM ROUTINE
MAKEUP REMOVER: YES TO COCONUTS ULTRA HYDRATING MICELLAR CLEANSING WATER
We’re low-key obsessed with micellar water, which removes makeup so much more effectively than face wipes. But how do you give it an upgrade for dry skin? Yes To has the answer – just add coconuts. Not just for hair, coconut provides a welcome source of hydration – and unlike most makeup removers, won’t strip moisture from skin.
CLEANSER: ALPHA-H BALANCING CLEANSER WITH ALOE VERA
Over-cleansing skin can strip it of the naturally-occurring oils which help to keep skin hydrated, so choose a gentle, cream cleanser for your second cleanse. This one contains dryness-fighting vitamin E And aloe vera to help balance skin’s moisture levels.
SERUM: ALPHA-H VITAMIN E
You might think you need to fight dry skin with heavy oils and hydrators, but those can be too thick and clogging to use on a daily basis. Instead, get your moisture fix via a serum instead. This highly concentrated formula of Vitamin E (a natural moisturiser) will soothe even the driest skin.
EYE CREAM: MARIO BADESCU HYALURONIC EYE CREAM
Even your eye area can (and should) be treated to a major dose of hydration. This has the moisture levels of a thick cream but applies with a weightless, cloud-like texture which gets rid of any rough texture or flakiness. Big bonus: it will also help to minimise the appearance of dark circles and fine lines.
MOISTURISER: NIOD HYDRATION VACCINE
This does exactly what it promises, delivering an intense shot of hydration to even the roughest, driest patches, and all without making skin greasy. Consider it an overnight facial helping to add moisture at every level – come morning, your skin will be unbelievably smooth, bright, and soft, and your makeup will apply like a dream.
EXTRAS
EXFOLIATING MASK: DR BOTANICALS CHARCOAL SUPERFOOD MATTIFYIGN MASK
Used once or twice a week, an exfoliating mask is a great way to maintain oil-control and give pores some deep clearing action. As well as PHAs, this one contains a power duo of charcoal and Moroccan clay, both of which are great for absorbing excess oil, drawing out impurities, and keeping skin calm and clear.
BLACKHEAD TREATMENT: STARSKIN SUNSET STRIPS 3-STEP ADVANCED BLACKHEAD EXPERT SYSTEM
Oily skin is more prone to blackheads – caused by sebum which builds up in pores and attracts dirt (causing a visible plug which clogs hair follicles). You’ll notice a lot of these around your nose because the nose has larger and more active sebaceous glands than the rest of your face… which is why these clever strips are designed specifically to wick away blackheads from that area. Leave on for 10-15 minutes then peel off to reveal clearer skin.
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