Think winter, think dry skin and moisture loss. Sadly, the cooler months require as much attention to your skincare routine as summer. If you haven’t already adjusted your skincare routine to match the weather (beyond simply continuing to apply sunscreen), you might want to consider these winter skincare tips to make your skin glow.
Tip One: Exfoliate
Nobody wants to do a full-body exfoliation when it’s cold, but you accumulate more and more dry skin on the surface of your skin when you don’t. This makes skin look scaly, dry, and wrinkled – or older than it is. The problem is made worse with age as the rate of our natural outer skin shedding (desquamation) goes from 28 to 40 days.
Tip 2: Take Care of Your Lips
It is tempting to keep drinking scorching drinks in the winter, but doing so means that your lips are constantly exposed to hot surfaces and burn. This contributes to increasingly chapped lips that no amount of lip balm can seem to fix. Also, if you are South Asian, you may notice your lips become darker during the winter – I believe the excessive hot drinks makes this worse. Exfoliating your lips, even with just a simple mix of sugar and honey, will reduce the dryness. My favourite lip product is NIOD’s Bio-Lipid Concentrate, which evens lip colour over time.
Tip 3: Use a Mild Soap and Don’t Take Scorching Hot Showers
Hot showers increase the rate of trans-epidermal water loss, which causes the skin to lose more water (moisture) and become dehydrated. Your skin will thank you for taking short and warm showers instead. Also, use a milder soap as the surfactants (cleansing agents) are less harsh on your skin. The mildest soaps (with fragrance) that I have used are from Forest Essentials – the brand makes excellent handmade silk soaps that I absolutely love. As the product contains very few hardening agents, I take it out of the shower and allow it to dry between uses. Otherwise, it will just turn into an unattractive puddle!
Tip 4: Apply Moisturiser Straight Out of the Shower
You have a couple of minutes when you come out of a shower before the rate of trans-epidermal water loss from your body starts to increase, so be sure to reach for your body and face cream to moisturise! Also, penetration of moisturisers is easier when the skin is damp. Damp skin in the winter is the perfect time to use body butter as the oil forms an occlusive layer (essentially, a film) on the epidermis, thereby preventing water loss.
Tip 5: Use a Mild Cleanser and an Overnight Face Mask
Our facial skin takes a real beating during the winter. The temperature indoors and outdoors can vary widely, and this difference can make your skin barrier very sensitive. Be kind to your skin and use a mild cleanser or cut down on your current cleanser. An overnight face mask adds more hydration to your skin without much effort.
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Back To Basics: The Skincare Routine For Oily & Acne Prone Skin
A simple and effective way to care for oily and acne prone skin types.
In our last Back to Basic Skincare Series we looked at how to implement a minimalistic skincare routine for dry and dehydrated skin with the right products. In this blog, we are reviewing a skin care routine for oily skin and sharing with you the best skincare routine for oily skin, and best products and formulations to keep your skin healthy and looking its best!
We know how difficult it can be to care for and balance out an oily skin type. The challenge is even greater for those suffering from regular acne breakouts with the wrong oily skin care routine. Although we can’t make them disappear overnight, there are ways to diminish their appearance and get your skin to be less reactive with a concise and effective regime. In order to achieve those results, we need to clear up some popular myths surrounding the skin care routine for oily skin, excess oil production and breakouts.
Oily or combination skin types are genetically predisposed. This is the type of skin that you were born with and not a condition you can treat and cure. Oily skin types exist when there is an overproduction of sebum from the sebaceous glands of the dermis which gives a shine and greasy look to the skin. This hyperactivity produces excess oils that overfill the pores and enlarge them. The sebum in the pores mixes with dirt and bacteria. Dead skin cells get trapped and form blackheads and whiteheads under the surface of the skin. Blackheads and whiteheads are a different type of skin condition collectively known as acne.
How Do I Know if I Have Oily Skin?
You can look out for the following signs and characteristics such as excessive shine. Oily skin tends to have a persistent shine, particularly in the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin). This shine can be noticeable throughout the day, even after washing your face. One might even notice enlarged pores. Oily skin often has visibly larger pores, especially in the aforementioned T-zone area. These pores can be more noticeable and may even be clogged with oil, debris, or blackheads.
If you suffer from frequent breakouts, that’s because oily skin is prone to acne breakouts, including whiteheads, blackheads, and other forms of pimple-like blemishes. See if your breakouts appear more frequently and may be concentrated in the T-zone. This is a sign of oily skin.
Have you noticed your makeup melting? If your makeup tends to slide off or lose its matte finish quickly, it could be an indication of oily skin. The excess oil can interfere with the adherence and longevity of makeup products.
Let’s talk about greasy texture. Oily skin often feels greasy or slick to the touch, especially on the surface of your face. When you blot your skin with a tissue or blotting paper, you may notice oil residue on the paper.
If you experience a combination of these signs, it is likely that you have oily skin.
Step-by-Step Skin Care Routine for Oily Skin
The best way to address oily skin care routine, oily skin types and reduce acne is to follow a good skin care routine for oily skin that helps balance out the oil production on the skin while keeping it well hydrated and avoid any disruption on the dermis barrier. Avoid the use of any harsh or drying products such as alcohol and other astringents, or irritating ingredients like menthol, lemon, eucalyptus as well as, aromatic oils and solid rich formulations such as bar soaps that clog the pores, making matters worse by exacerbating the oil secretion on the skin.
For a simple and effective skin care routine for oily skin we recommend the following steps:
Step 1: Cleanser
Cleanse your skin twice daily, in the morning and night, using a mild water-soluble facial cleanser to remove excess oils and avoid buildup in the pores. As mentioned above, avoid any aggravating ingredients and/or harsh scrubs and cleansing tools. Remember, the tingling sensation does not equal cleaner skin, it’s a sign of irritation that is not good for any skin type.
Our picks:
Clean & Clear daily pore cleanser oil free
Garnier skinactive micellar foaming gel cleanser combination to oily skin, even sensitive
Cerave renewing SA cleanser
Kiehls ultra facial cleanser for all skin types
Oil-Free Daily Pore Cleanser, PRP AED 21.95, available at head2toes.ae
Micellar Gel Face Wash Sensitive Skin, PRP AED 25, available at asos.com
Foaming Cleanser Normal To Oily Skin, PRP AED 50.31, available at caretobeauty.com
Ultra Facial Cleanser, PRP AED 98, available at kiehls.ae
Step 2: Toner
This is one of the most important steps of a skin care routine for oily skin. A well formulated, alcohol-free exfoliating toner will replenish your skin with antioxidants and calming ingredients, minimize the appearance of enlarged pores and remove any residues of makeup or dirt that could possibly clog the pores. An exfoliating toner that contains BHA’s such as salicylic acid is a fantastic fit for oily skin types as it is oil soluble and can get deep down in the pores unclogging them from the roots and keeping those black and white heads at bay.
Our picks:
COSRX BHA blackhead power liquid
Bioderma sebium pore refiner
The Inkey List PHa toner
Derma e soothing toner with anti-aging
Bha Blackhead Power Liquid, PRP AED 120.15, available at carethy.net
Anti-Wrinkle Toner, PRP AED 49, available at asteronline.com
Step 3: Moisturiser
Contrary to common belief, oily skin types need to stay well hydrated to keep the dermis acting and looking healthy. Proper levels of hydration on the skin are fundamental to keep it functioning and regenerating at is best. To learn more about the differences between dehydrated and dry skin check our first Back to Basics skincare instalment. When choosing a moisturiser focus on an oil-free, lightweight water-based formulation, that will effectively hydrate your skin without clogging your pores or leaving a heavy and greasy feeling to it.
Our picks:
Clinique moisture surge hydrating lotion
Glow Recipe watermelon glow pink juice moisturizer
Elf oil control liquid lotion
Drunk Elephant f-balm electrolyte waterfacial
Moisture Surge Eye™ 96-Hour Hydro-Filler Concentrate, PRP AED 220, available at sephora.ae
Watermelon Glow Pink Juice Moisturizer, PRP AED 97.50, available at cultbeauty.co.uk
Oil Control Liquid Lotion, PRP AED 70.99, available at amazon.ae
F-Balm Electrolyte Waterfacial, PRP AED 195, available at cultbeauty.co.uk
Step 4: SPF
Nowadays they are so many elegant and sophisticated sun block formulations that are oil free and non-comedogenic. The Gaggler prefers products in a lotion form that contain the active ingredients zinc oxide and or titanium dioxide which have been proven to prevent acne breakouts. In addition, proper sun protection as part of a skin care routine for oily skin helps you prevent any pigmentation scaring.
Our picks:
Shiseido ultimate sun protection SPF 50 sunscreen + wetforce for sensitive skin + children
Peter Thomas Roth Mineral Naked Broad Spectrum SPF 45
Neutrogena ultra sheer face sunscreen SPF45
La Roche Posay anthelious 50 mineral ultra light sunscreen fluid SPF50 face
Expert Sun Protection Lotion Wetforce SPF50+ Face And Body, PRP AED 147.70, available at sweetcare.com
Max Mineral Tinted Broad Spectrum SPF 45, PRP AED 153.86, available at revolve.com
Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF45, PRP AED 114, available at noon.com
Anthelios Spf50+ Shaka Fluid, PRP AED 110, available at uae.sharafdg.com
Step 5: Specific treatments and serums
If you suffer from acne prone skin and regular breakouts you would want to introduce a treatment serum on your regime that contains benzyl peroxide to help regulate oil production during the day while reducing redness and inflammation; and a retinol serum to keep skin clear and rejuvenated at night time. Another great ingredient you can include in your regiment is the powerful antioxidant niacinamide that helps out with the appearance of enlarged pores, while also soothing and calming the skin and providing anti-aging benefits.
Our picks:
Drunk Elephant framboise glycolic night serum
The Ordinary Niacinamide 2%
Proactiv emergency blemish relief
La Roche Posay effaclar duo corrective unclogging care
Framboos Glycolic Night Serum, PRP AED 450, available at noon.com
Niacinamide Plus Zinc Serum, PRP AED 41, available at lookfantastic.ae
Emergency Blemish Relief, PRP AED 173, available at noon.com
Effaclar Duo[+] Corrective Unclogging Care, PRP AED 81.27, available at caretobeauty.com
Things to Avoid
When it comes to caring for oily skin, there are a few key things to avoid. Firstly, steer clear of heavy, oil-based moisturizers and skincare products that can exacerbate the oiliness. Instead, opt for lightweight, oil-free or water-based alternatives that won’t clog pores. Secondly, avoid harsh cleansers or soaps that strip away too much oil, as this can lead to increased oil production. Opt for gentle, non-comedogenic cleansers that won’t disrupt the skin’s natural balance. Next, refrain from over-washing your face, as this can strip away essential oils and trigger more oil production. Stick to washing your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser. Lastly, try to avoid heavy makeup and opt for oil-free or non-comedogenic formulas to prevent clogged pores and breakouts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best night skincare routine for oily skin?
A night skincare routine for oily skin should focus on controlling excess oil production and preventing breakouts. Start by thoroughly cleansing your face with a gentle, oil-free cleanser to remove dirt and sebum. Afterward, use an exfoliating toner containing salicylic acid to unclog pores and reduce oiliness. Next, apply a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer to hydrate your skin without adding extra grease. Consider using a spot treatment on any active acne or blemishes. Lastly, before bed, apply a thin layer of oil-free or gel-based night cream to help balance oil production while you sleep.
How do you take care of oily skin everyday?
To take care of oily skin everyday, start by cleansing your face twice a day with a gentle, oil-free cleanser. Use oil-free or gel-based products that won’t clog pores. Apply a good sunscreen to protect your skin. We do strongly recommend the use oil-absorbing sheets throughout the day to control excess oil. It’s best to not use heavy, pore-clogging makeup and hydrate your skin with a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer.
How can I maintain my oily skin naturally?
The mantra is simple: Cleanse, Hydrate, Exfoliate!
Opt for natural exfoliants like sugar or oatmeal. Our team at The Gaggler recommends natural exfoliating recipes:
Use a Sugar Scrub: Mix equal parts of brown sugar and coconut oil. Gently massage onto damp skin in circular motions, then rinse off with warm water.
We love a good Oatmeal Scrub: Combine ground oatmeal, honey, and a few drops of lemon juice. Apply to your face, let it sit for a few minutes, then gently scrub and rinse off.
Weekend Coffee Grounds Scrub: Mix used coffee grounds with a bit of olive oil or honey. Massage onto the skin in circular motions, then rinse off.
The Famous Baking Soda Scrub: Create a paste by mixing baking soda with water. Apply to damp skin and gently rub in small circular motions before rinsing off.
A controlled diet is always recommended. It’s best to consume a balanced diet with less greasy or fried foods, as they can contribute to oiliness.
Staying hydrated is the secret sauce to great skin regardless of the skin type Drink enough water to keep your skin hydrated from within, which can help balance oil production. Try our latest water bottles to help you reach that 2 litre goal!
The Gaggler team is passionate about finding and sharing great products with our readers. We take pride in researching and testing products to find the best of the best, and we only recommend things that we love and think you will, too.
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