Different types of skin require a different skincare routine and different formulas that would actually solve the purpose. Skin type is broadly classified into four categories – normal skin, dry skin, oily skin, and combination skin. While normal skin can adapt to most of the products, one needs to be very careful about the routine that they follow for oil skin and dry skin. Oily skin especially tends to be more prone to breakouts and acne, which need to be taken care of very carefully. Now, it is also important to understand what causes the skin to become oily in the first place.
Every skin type has a certain amount of natural oils present in their skin to keep it supple and nourished. This quantity of oil differs from person to person, and that quantity is what determines the type of skin that a person has. Oily skin is exactly what it sounds like – the presence of an excessive amount of oil on the face that causes it to appear shiny and greasy constantly. If the oily skin isn’t well cared for then, the pores start getting clogged and enlarge in size while the dead cells start to accumulate on the surface. Blackheads, pimples, and other types f acne issues are a common problem with this skin type.
The next question is about how this oil is produced on the skin? The skin acts as a top layer on several different types of glands that are present within it. One such gland is the Sebaceous Gland which is located within the skin and is responsible for secreting an oily substance referred to as the sebum. This sebum is what acts as a lubrication on the skin while protecting it from drying out or becoming irritated. This oil is secreted by the pores along with sweat. If this process of secretion goes smoothly, sebum successfully removes the dead skin cells and other irritants from the pores while also doing the primary job of lubricating the face. However, when overactive sebaceous glands produce an excess of sebum, the skin starts looking very shiny, and the pores start getting clogged, which leads to several other skin imperfections. If your skin exhibits any of the characteristics mentioned below, then we can indeed say that you have an oily skin type.
- Your face usually appears shiny and greasy during the later hours of the day.
- Makeup does not stay on easily and appears to “slide off.”
- The areas that tend to be oily also have the presence of blackheads, pimples, and other acne-related issues.
- The pores of your skin are visibly enlarged, especially on the nose, chin, and forehead.
Since oily skin is more prone to breakouts, there is a certain skin care routine that one must follow in order to take care of it. The steps that should be followed religiously are as listed below.
Cleanse your skin in the mornings and evenings:
The most important part of taking care of skin is to clean it thoroughly and regularly. While it is very important for everyone to use a cleanser and wash their face twice a day, it is especially important for those with oily skin to follow this step religiously. Although one might feel that the skin is clean from washing it the night before and that one could skip the use of a cleanser in the morning, it is necessary to keep in mind that the skin is still shedding skin cells and producing oils during the night even while one is asleep. Hence, using a cleanser with good exfoliation properties is highly recommended, especially one that contains salicylic acid. This would help clear away all the excess oil and dead skin while preventing any build up in the pores.
Use a toner:
Once the face has been cleaned and is free from makeup, dirt, or oil, it is extremely important to use a toner. A toner helps remove all the remaining traces of grime and dirt that is still sticking to the pores after washing the face while positively impacting the appearance and tightness of the pores. A good exfoliating toner containing either salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or lactic acid is highly recommended.
Moisturize the face after every wash:
It is a common belief and misconception that people with oily skin do not need a moisturizer for their skin. But this is the furthest thing from the truth since all skin types require a moisturizer. However, if you have oily skin, you have to be more careful about the kind of moisturizer that you use on your face. Recommended moisturizers would include formulas that are lightweight, free of oils, and water based in texture and composition. Any moisturizer that has been specially formulated for acne prone skin would also suffice the need for the same.
Some other steps that people with oily skin should be following for that extra bit of care and maintenance include the following. Keep in mind that these steps need not be followed on a daily basis and can be followed as and when required.
- Use blotting papers
Blotting papers have been designed to absorb the excess oil from the face, thus helping in reducing the shiny and greasy appearance and making the skin look fresher. Gently pressing the blotting paper against the skin would help absorb the oil. The process can be repeated throughout the day as and when required.
- Wash your face after exercise
In addition to washing your face twice a day, it is recommended to do so after exercise routines, especially if you do not plan on showering anytime soon. Doing so would help remove sweat, dirt, and oil that may build up while you are exercising. One need not follow a proper routine for this. Simply washing the face with a regular cleanser followed by a light moisturizer would successfully and effectively do the job.
- Choose your products wisely
Products that contain alcohol can cause an extreme increase in oil secretion, which would be a waste of money and effort for those with oily skin while also reacting adversely to the skin and its texture. Also, thick and greasy products like Shea butter, cocoa butter or Vaseline, and other such petroleum jellies should be avoided.
- Wear a sunscreen while you are outdoors
A sunscreen of a minimum of SPF 30 should be worn at all times when you are outdoors. A sunscreen that contains either titanium oxide or zinc oxide is highly recommended since it can help prevent breakouts. To make things easier, a daily moisturizer with SPF in it can also be used, which will ensure daily protection.
As mentioned previously, cleansing the skin thoroughly is the most essential step that needs to be followed for taking care of the skin, and choosing the right product for the same is an essential. Given below is a list of things that one should keep in mind while purchasing a facial cleanser suitable for oily skin.
- Ingredients
The ingredients that have been used in the face wash form the base for the formulation and acts as the primary deciding factor regarding whether the face wash would suit the skin of a person or not. Face washes that have been formulated with natural ingredients like tea tree oil, neem extracts, papaya, and aloe vera are highly recommended for oily skin. They help to balance the oil and have a calming effect on the skin. Also, other ingredients like AHA and BHA are also recommended. They have an exfoliating effect on the skin and help to prevent acne. Soap based formulas should be avoided since they tend to dry out the skin and cause unnatural tightness. A cleanser without added SLS and Parabens would be another added benefit.
- Fragrance-free formulas
Additional synthetic fragrances and parfum might cause irritation, redness, and rashes on the skin, and avoiding them is recommended while buying new products.
- Quality
Clinically tested and dermatologically approved face washes are highly recommended for oily skin since they help reduce any possible skin irritation that could happen otherwise.
- User Reviews
- It is very important to go through user reviews to understand the reality behind the effectiveness of the product and the tall claims made by the company. It also gives a fair understanding of the side effects, if any.
While keeping the points as mentioned above in mind, a list consisting of the three best facial cleanser options that work best for oily skin types has been curated below.
Our Recommended Best Products In India:
Product Name | Product Image | Product Price |
Himalaya Herbals Purifying Neem Face Wash |  | |
Neutrogena Deep Clean Facial Cleanser |  | |
Plum Green Tea Pore Cleansing Face Wash |  |
Himalaya Herbals Purifying Neem Face Wash.
Himalaya is an old and trusted brand that comes up with multiple herbal formulations to suit your skin type. Himalaya Herbals Purifying Neem Face Wash is a soap-free gel-based formulation that helps to clean all the impurities thoroughly while also clearing the pimples. The natural blend of neem and turmeric successfully combines their antibacterial and antifungal properties to prevent the recurrence of acne over time. The product is known for its antibacterial properties and helps improve the general health of the skin and immunity while combating bacterial infections like acne, boils, and ulcers. Neem tackles bacteria from the roots and helps to prevent the pimples and blemishes from re-occurring over time. Turmeric is considered to be a boon owing to its antiseptic properties and has been regarded as nature’s best healer for centuries now. The presence of turmeric in the face wash helps to even out skin tone and color and helps retain the elasticity of the skin while making it feel soft and supple. The anti-inflammatory properties also help to soothe the skin.
Packaging: The product comes in multiple packaging and quantities. The packaging ranges from flip top tubes to flip top cap bottles to pump bottles, depending on the quantity of the product. The small sizes come in tubes and are easy to carry, while the higher quantity of the product is available in pump bottles and flip top cap bottles and are not that travel friendly. The product retails for a price of Rs. 170 for 200 ml of the product.
Texture: The product has a beautiful light green color to it and comes in a thick gel like consistency. The product foams really well and helps to effectively clean all the dirt, grime, and pollution from the skin to give healthy and clear looking skin.
Ingredients: The product is packed with the goodness of Turmeric and Neem.
Neutrogena Deep Clean Facial Cleanser.
Neutrogena Deep Clean Facial Cleanser is a deeply penetrating formula that thoroughly cleanses the skin from deep within to improve the look and feel of the skin. This is an oil-free cleanser that leaves the skin feeling smooth and soft. This deep clean facial cleanser from Neutrogena effectively cleans every pore and dissolves the dirt and makeup to reveal crystal clear radiant skin after every use. Its non-comedogenic effect cleanses the skin without leaving behind clogged pores and removing all the dead skin cells to reveal the healthy, smooth skin that lies beneath. Every use of this face wash leaves the skin feeling fresh and rejuvenated while improving the complexion and giving glowing skin at all times. It also keeps a check on pimples and acne.
Packaging: The product is available in 2 different sizes, which come in two different packaging. The bigger size of the product is available in a pump dispenser bottle, while the smaller size comes in a tube with a flip top cap. The product is priced at Rs. 399 for 200 ml of the product.
Texture: The product is gel like in consistency with a light beige colored tinge to it. It is highly penetrating in nature and does thorough cleansing of the skin.
Plum Green Tea Pore Cleansing Face Wash
The Plum Green Tea Pore Cleansing Face Wash is a naturally formulated mild facial cleanser that has especially been curated for oily skin and is very effective in gently cleansing away all the dirt, grime, and dead skin cells after every wash. It is very rich in antioxidant green tea that targets the primary issue of sebum production thus making the skin free of all acne breakouts. It also contains glycolic acid that works very effectively in brightening the skin. The face wash is very gentle and foams quite well while mildly exfoliating the skin and leaving the skin feeling fresh and energized. Cellulose beads have been used for the exfoliation purpose since it scrubs the skin softly without damaging the skin.
Packaging: The product comes in two different tube sizes. The tubes have a flip top cap that shuts tightly and prevents any mess or spillage. The product is priced at Rs. 345 for 75 ml quantity of the product.
Texture: The product has a clear gel like consistency with tiny blue beads that act as the exfoliator. These beads are very gentle on the skin and do not cause any harm.
Ingredients: The product is a wonderful blend of Green Tea Extracts, Glycolic Acid, and natural Cellulose Beads that help in a thorough cleansing of the face to give clean and glowing skin.
Now that we know of all the things that one should keep in mind while they deal with oily skin, it becomes easier for us to try and follow a well curated skin care routine that helps us maintain a shine-free and non-greasy look while we also successfully manage to keep that impromptu acne and breakout at a safe distance away from us.