An oil cleanser might seem counter intuitive but it could really help with your oily skin. Oil cleansers are great for dry skin because they’re gentle but they’re also great for oily skin because they can help you control your sebum production after several uses. Plus, they wash off easily and you don’t have to worry too much about it clogging your pores.

Skip the soap-based cleansers, they dry out your skin faster. Instead, opt for water-based cleansers that are softer on the skin and will leave it feeling more supple than ever.

Whether you’ve got dry or oily skin, a toner is important. It helps to balance out your skin’s pH value and preps it for any other product you’re going to put on. If you’re looking for a toner for oily skin, look for products that include either salicylic acid or glycolic acid. These acids help to reduce excessive oil production and prevents your pores from clogging up. Be sure to avoid toners with alcohol and ethanol because they could further dry out your skin and strip your skin of moisture.

Essences help to prep your skin and boost renewal rate after cleansing. Be sure to look out for natural humectants like aloe vera, green tea extracts and other plant or marine extracts that can help lock in moisture.

If your overactive sebum glands are causing your skin to break out and redden, opt for ingredients that soothe your skin when you’re looking for a serum. Once again, look for ingredients such as plant and marine extracts. They really help to soothe and hydrate your skin so it doesn’t break out as much and feel moisturised too.

You probably think that because you’ve got oily skin, you don’t need to moisturise as much but the truth is, you really should. However, skip the oil-based moisturiser. Opt for water-based ones that have a gel-like consistency. Look for ones with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, dimethicone and niacinamide because they help to hydrate and protect the skin.

Sheet masks are perfect for oily skin because they’re designed to be rapidly absorbed by the skin and improve its condition faster. If there’s a sheet mask you should try out, look for ones with clarifying ingredients like charcoal and kaolin, they help to absorb oil and mattify skin.

Retinol helps to keep pore tighter, in turn, stop them from emitting so much oil.

The key to exfoliating when you’ve got oily skin is to not overdo it. Scrubbing your skin too much can lead to skin that’s even more drying. Look out for ingredients like aloe vera, honey or better still! Make your own with honey and some sugar.

No matter what you, don’t skip the sunscreen. Look out for the words, “no sebum” or shop out list here.

This story first appeared on www.womensweekly.com

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