WHAT CAUSES OILY SKIN AND WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

We’re all striving to achieve a glowing complexion, but you might find yourself looking on the shinier side of glowing at times. Maybe your skin is feeling heavy and greasy after you’ve applied your skincare and makeup. Think about your skin for a moment – have you been battling against excess oil for years? Or is oily skin only a recent development? Read on to find out what can cause oily skin and how you can work with this skin type to get the best results for improving your texture and complexion.

The characteristics of oily skin

Oily or excessively oily skin is often characterised by a perpetually shiny appearance, frequent or recurring breakouts and enlarged pores. People with oily skin tend to feel greasy, even just a few hours after cleansing. This feeling is more technically known as an overproduction of sebum (skin oil). When an overproduction of sebum occurs, it creates an extra sheen that is often more pronounced with makeup.

The causes of oily skin

The causes of oily skin on the face can typically be attributed to several internal and external factors:

For people who aren’t typically prone to oily skin, elevated sebum levels might be triggered by humid weather.
Contact with trace amounts of dirt and bacteria that are found on clothing, makeup brushes, bedding and towels.
Improper use of skincare or makeup products or using products that aren’t suited for your skin type.
Hormone imbalances brought on by elevated stress levels.
Oily skin might simply be a matter of genetics rather than external triggers.

Tips for managing oily skin

Now that we have an idea of what oily skin looks like and what may be causing it, we can learn how to manage this excess oil and improve the skin’s overall appearance. While certain oily skin causes like climate and a genetic predisposition may be out of your control, it is possible to address other lifestyle triggers. Of course, this is best paired with the correct skincare and makeup products that specifically cater to your skin type. Read on to find out how you can combat your oil levels while maintaining the skin’s healthy glow.

Choosing appropriate skincare products

Be sure to avoid two common pitfalls: over-exfoliating and under-moisturising. This poor combination will remove the skin’s natural oils and your skin will compensate by producing more sebum, which could be what causes your excessively oily skin. You can achieve this delicate balance with oily skin-specific products:

A foaming cleanser like the Clarifique Cleansing Foam, which will remove impurities from congested skin.
Bolster this with the Tonique Douceur hydrating toner to further refine the skin’s texture.
A lightweight moisturiser such as the Clarifique Milky Brightening Day Cream will mattify the skin while offering balanced hydration.
Exfoliating products like salicylic acid and retinol will further help break down dirt, oil and dead skin cells to improve skin texture and control sebum production.

Choosing appropriate makeup products

If your makeup is sliding off your face throughout the day and you’re fighting a losing battle with your foundation, mismatched makeup products could be one of the causes of your oily skin. It’s time to update your makeup with a mattifying primer to reduce shine and minimise pores while maintaining the hydration that your skin still needs. When choosing a foundation for oily skin, it’s best to avoid dewy formulas. Much like a primer, you’ll find that a mattifying foundation will better absorb your excess oil and give you that flawless finish for the day. The Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation is a buildable, breathable matte foundation that boasts 24-hour wear but won’t feel heavy on your skin.

Identify and combat stress and anxiety triggers

The link between stress, anxiety and skin concerns has been well documented. When the body is stressed, stress hormone levels rise which can increase oil production. This can, of course, trigger breakouts and thus clog pores and continue the cycle of oily skin. While managing stress is difficult for everyone, identifying what causes oily skin can help combat your skin concerns from the inside. Irregularities in your skin’s appearance and texture can naturally be another source of stress, so stay consistent with your oily skincare and makeup routine to keep your skin nourished throughout stressful periods.

Minimise contact with external oils

Improvements in your skincare and makeup habits will equip you with the best tools to manage your oily skin, but there are other steps you can take to avoid unnecessary oils coming into contact with your skin. Trace amounts of oil, dirt and bacteria can make contact with your skin through sheets, towels, clothes (scarves and high-collared shirts in particular), makeup brushes and sponges – and even your own hair! These items could be among your oily skin causes, so wash them regularly – especially those makeup brushes – and keep hair off your face where possible.

Now you’ve read up on the causes of oily skin, consider introducing the benefits of peptides into your skincare regime.