Pollution, hormones and overly powerful chemicals are all factors that do no favours for oily skin.
But, in an attempt to combat these everyday aggressors and attain a dewy glow, we can often accidentally over-stimulate our skin with too much (or simply the wrong) product. Misdiagnosing our skin can do more harm than good and using the wrong products to combat the issues we think we suffer with can actually exacerbate our problems. This can cause an over-production of oil and reduce our skin's ability to function properly.
How do you know if you have oily skin?
The key is to properly identify your skin. Oil-prone skin is often shiny with visible pores and a tendency towards blackheads and blemishes. It's usually sensitive and reactive, requiring niche products that combat sebum and secretion, without nuking the skin's delicate surface completely.
Whilst it's tempting to use ultra powerful cleansers and exfoliators to strip away the oil, this can lead to an imbalance in our skin, making it inflamed and dry. Very rich products can also pose a problem, clogging pores and leading to breakouts.
Instead, opt for lightweight lotions and gels, gentle cleansers and exfoliators and ingredients like salicylic acid and glycolic acid that can deep clean and de-gunk – but only in moderation (start slowly – once or twice a week – and build up your usage to see how your skin reacts).
Below are some absolute superstars in this field, cleverly concocted with these issues in mind. So, if you are fighting the good fight, see our guide to the top foundations for oily skin, and say hello to your little warriors...
Dry skin? Check out our favourite hydration-boosting products here.
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