Everything you need if you have oily or combination skin!
Living in a hot, humid climate like Malaysia is bound to leave many with oily or combination skin concerns. Although oily skin concerns aren’t life threatening, it does leave many with self-esteem issues. The most common concern would be T-zone with many brands formulating product lines targeted for those with T-zone skin types. Others would include excessive sebum production that may require constant oil-blotting throughout the day, or lead to frequent breakouts, inflammation or just general discomfort.
You might be thinking “How can skincare help diminish oily skin?”. It is often thought that oily skin is either largely due to genetics, hormones or the environment, which isn’t wrong. However, there are others that many aren’t aware of. For example, dehydration, yes you read right, when your skin is dried out this causes the oil glands to go full out to compensate for lost moisture. Another would be over-washing, this is caused by either using harsh products, using towels or tools that are too abrasive on the skin or over-exfoliating the skin (chemical and physical) which strips the moisture and causes the oil glands to over-produce. There are countless reasons behind oily skin and each is different to everybody. The remedies to treating oily skin is subjective to everyone, one method might not work on someone else. Below we’ve listed a variety of skincare products that are formulated to treat oily skin, read on more to find the one that catches your eye. Again, remember no same product can work for everyone!
Best cleansers:
COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser
Gentle cleansing is super important to all skin types. People with oily skin may think that they need a cleanser that leaves their skin squeaky clean after each wash but that actually worsens the oiliness. This foam cleanser is formulated with 0.5% Salicylic Acid that helps remove impurities, fight breakouts and regulate excessive sebum.
Another Salicylic Acid focused cleanser. This CeraVe cleanser contains Ceramides and Hyaluronic Acid to help moisturize the skin after a deep cleanse to ensure the skin doesn’t dry out.
The INKEY List Salicylic Acid Cleanser
This time, The INKEY List Salicylic Acid Cleanser is formulated with 2% Salicylic Acid and an added Zinc compound that work together to help with oil-control, reduces blackheads and breakouts.
Paula’s Choice Oil-Reducing Cleanser
Although this cleanser doesn’t contain any AHAs or BHAs, this cleanser effectively treats oily skin with every wash. It works to dissolve makeup, removes impurities, reduces enlarged, congested pores and refines the skin’s normal balance. It leaves your skin feeling clean without that tight feel after.
Best toners:
Some by Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner
With a blend of all 3 types of acids, this toner is best out there. It gently exfoliates the skin for visible radiance and improved texture. The blend of acids helps to remove impurities, reduces oiliness by balancing oil production and diminish breakouts.
A very, extremely gentle BHA toner with only 0.5% Salicylic Acid. This toner is suitable for those with oily and sensitive combo-skin, as well as daily-use. Don’t worry about it over-sensitising your skin. The BHA works to dissolve the oils in the pores, whilst the Aloe and Snail Secretion Filtrate guarantees hydration and nutrition.
Best serum/treatments:
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
A must have for those with oily skin! This serum features 2 of the most effective blemish and oil-battling ingredients on the market – Niacinamide and Zinc. It minimises enlarged pores, evens skin complexion, soothing inflammation, better moisture retention and definitely regulate sebum activity.
The INKEY List Niacinamide Serum
This serum contains 10% Niacinamide and 1% Hyaluronic Acid that helps to control excess sebum, reduce breakouts, redness and pigmentation. Niacinamide is a great ingredient to help treat excessive sebum production while Hyaluronic Acid delivers that boost of hydration.
COSRX Oil Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
A weightless, oil-free lotion that effectively calms and treats irritated skin. It’s lightweight consistency and texture makes it perfect for those with oilier skin types as it doesn’t leave a greasy feeling but it ensures that the skin is plenty hydrated. Although some lotions can be used as toners, do use this lotion after toning, before cream or sunscreen.
The INKEY List Beta Hydroxy Acid Exfoliant
This potent Salicylic Acid exfoliating treatment works to unglue dead skin cells and debris deep within the pores. It unclogs pores, reduces blackheads and regulates excess sebum, resulting in clearer and a more even skin tone.
Best moisturizers:
Benton Aloe Propolis Soothing Gel
Aloe Gel is a commonly used and recommend to those with oily and combination skin as it is lightweight, suitable and hydrating for all skin types. It won’t leave a heavy or oily residue after application which is crucial for oilier skin types. It can also balance oiliness and relieve feelings of irritation or discomfort.
COSRX Green Tea Aqua Soothing Gel Cream
This moisturizer has a gelly-like, cooling consistency that calms down the skin instantly, be it from the hot weather or any inflammation/redness/burns. Formulated with no oil whatsoever, this moisturizer is enriched with Green Tea and Aloe Vera extracts that delivers instant hydration that leaves your skin refreshed.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat Sebo-Controlling Moisturiser
A mattifying moisturizer formulated for those with oily skin with visible and enlarged pores and prone to excessive shine. This moisturizer controls oiliness and reduces excess sebum, contributing the shine-free matte skin for the whole day. Enlarged pores tends to lead to oilier skin as more oil is produced, this moisturizer tightens pores and makes them less visible.
Best masks:
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque
Perfect for those with acne prone, congested and oily skin! This clay and charcoal-blend mask is enriched with Salicylic Acid to dissolve the lipids on the skin’s surface, helping to remove dead skin cells. It also leaves the skin feeling refreshed and looking smoother and clearer. Not only does it have skin purifying ingredients, this mask also contains Squalane to help hydrate the skin.
The INKEY List Kaolin Clay Mask
This white clay mask is great for absorbing excess oil and even suitable for blemish-prone skin. It contains 2 types of clay, Kaolin Clay that helps remove skin impurities and Smectite Clay that helps absorb excess oil. Perfect for when you need that weekly deep cleanse.
Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask 2X
Innisfree is a household name when it comes to mud/clay masks. This 2X clay mask is formulated with Jeju Volcanic Clusters and Spheres that absorbs excess oil and helps to visibly tighten pores. It also contains AHAs that exfoliates the skin’s surface of dead skin cells and other impurities.
We hope this blog has helped anyone out there trying to navigate oily or combination skin through using skincare! Just remember that no skin is the same and no product will suit everyone. The list above is just to-go guide. For a longer list of oily-skin appropriate skincare products, click here! If you have anything to add or ask, feel free to leave a comment down below and we'll do our best to get back to you!
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