Secrets of an Oily Skin Survivor: Why Your Skin Needs More Moisturizer, Not Less

The idea of adding moisture to an already-slick face probably seems counterintuitive to someone who has struggled with excess skin oil all his or her life. But it turns out that what you knew about oily skin may not be true, and the very habits you utilize to sop up excess oil could be making the problem worse. By better understanding your skin’s oil production process and what products work best for oily skin, you may be able to fight oil with oil and see a huge difference in the tone and texture of your skin.

Oil Production

Your skin’s natural process for creating oil is meant to balance your skin’s needs and provide an appropriate amount of moisture. Unfortunately, sometimes your skin – for reasons like hormones, climate and even age – can make too much oil, which can result in a shiny complexion. Still, your skin is usually pretty efficient when it comes to producing the exact amount of oil your skin needs to stay healthy. So what’s the deal? When your skin is oilier than usual during a stage of life when your skin is generally fine, chances are that it’s probably a user error, rather than your skin suddenly going haywire.

Common Mistakes

With all of the various potions, powders, moisturizers, toners and everything else tailored to oily skin, you might get confused as to what your skin truly needs to stay healthy. In fact, some of your regular habits could be exacerbating your oiliness, making it worse as you fiddle with your skin’s natural balance. Skipping moisture or using harsh cleansers, for instance, actually strips skin of oil on a short-term basis, but can lead to increased oil production to make up for that change in balance. Certain makeup, sunscreen, and other skin care products, along with exposure to the sun and dry climates can also lead to oily skin.

Inner Beauty

Don’t forget that your skin’s texture isn’t just an issue for ointments, oils, and products. If you’re wondering how to get dewy glowing skin, look no further than your kitchen faucet. That’s because dehydration can often lead to dry skin, which causes oil production to ramp up and lead to oil slicks. By ensuring that you’re drinking plenty of water and staying adequately hydrated, your skin will reward you with a better balance of oil and dry. Working on your skin care from the outside-in may be the most effective way to combat skin issues.

Proper Moisture

Individuals with oily skin often make the mistake of believing that if they opt out of a daily moisturizer, it’ll help to dry oiliness. But skipping a daily moisturizer can result in skin that is positively parched, and produces more oil to cope. Make sure that your daily beauty routine includes a moisturizer. If you’re worried about increasing oil, look for one that is oil-free and won’t clog pores to avoid disrupting your skin’s balancing act. You can also choose a moisturizer that contains a sunscreen of at least SPF 15, since sun damage can also ramp up oil production and result in an oily, shiny face.

Makeup Tricks

While you’re waiting for your good hydration and new commitment to moisturizer to take effect, it’s fine to rely on makeup to help create the dewy – not oily – look that you crave. First, opt for a matte foundation in a powder formula, as powder can help absorb excess oil and create a smooth canvas for makeup. If you find that you get a little shiny throughout the day, invest in some blotting papers made from rice, which absorb oil without messing up your makeup. Want to know another secret? Keep a little cornstarch in your purse and tap it onto an oily T-zone to “mattify” makeup and soak up oil for a flawless complexion as a way to touch up your makeup.

Having excess oil can be a drag, but you might be the one perpetuating the cycle. By understanding the way your body processes and produces oil, you’ll be better educated on how to balance out your skin and make sure it looks healthy. It may sound counter-intuitive, but the best remedy for excess oil isn’t dryness – but plenty of moisture, hydration and keeping your skin healthy from the outside in.