If you experience oily skin, you are not alone. Oily skin is common and comes with a lot of misconceptions. Just like dry skin, all it requires is the right routine to feel cared for and protected. From makeup to skin care, read on as Geetha Kalahasti, Associate Principal Scientist of Upstream Research, Clinical Research and Scientific Credentialing at Mary Kay, shares her thoughts on skin that’s oily.
What causes oily skin on the face and body?
When the sebaceous glands produce too much sebum – a waxy, oily substance that protects and hydrates the skin – it results in an oily feeling and appearance. Age-related hormone fluctuations, genetics, environment and sometimes lifestyle choices can affect sebum production.
How do I know if I have oily skin?
A shiny or greasy appearance is one of the main indicators of oily skin. Beyond an oily appearance, excess oil can cause acne, result in clogged pores or breakouts, and cause makeup to crease or look cakey. A simple way to know whether you have skin that's oily is with a blot test. Wash your face with your favorite
Mary Kay® cleanser and wait a few hours, then use
Beauty Blotters® Oil-Absorbing Tissues. When dabbed on your skin, the tissue will become more transparent as it picks up excess oil. Oily skin types will likely pick up oil from all over the face while combination-to-oily skin types might only pick up oil from the forehead, nose, and chin, also known as the T-zone.
Can I prevent excessively oily skin on the face and body?
A consistent
skin care routine that includes four key steps – cleansing, exfoliating, moisturizing and sunscreen – works wonders for all skin types. Additionally, alcohol-based products and over-cleansing should be avoided as these practices can lead to increased sebum production.
How do I get rid of oily skin?
You can’t really get rid of the oil on your skin, and you may not want to. Though skin that's oily results from too much sebum, sebum is rich in lipids that protect and keep skin moisturized. Sebum also contains vitamin E and squalene – crucial components for healthy skin barrier function. Plus, oily skin types typically have fewer wrinkles! But if oil is a concern for you, there are certainly ways to care for and manage it.
How do I care for oily skin?
What you probably dislike about oily skin is really the excessive shine often seen in the T-zone (forehead, nose and chin areas) but it can also occur all over the face. A basic
skin care routine of cleansing, exfoliating, moisturizing and sunscreen can help care for oily skin. Because oily skin can attract and keep dirt and dead skin cells on the skin, potentially clogging pores and exacerbating acne, it’s important to maintain a consistent skin care routine.
Look for skin care products designed specifically for oily skin and
cleansers or
toners with astringents. Additionally, you can manage oily skin with makeup products like
Mary Kay® Translucent Loose Powder and
Beauty Blotters® Oil-Absorbing Tissues. These won’t stop the production of sebum but can help create a shine-free appearance.
What skin care products do you recommend for oily skin?
Often those with oily skin dislike richer-feeling products like thick creams. These products won’t cause any harm, but they might not feel as comfortable. That’s why lighter options like gel cleansers (look for one with
salicylic acid!) and gel moisturizers are good options for oily skin individuals. Clay masks, like the
Clear Proof® Deep-Cleansing Charcoal Mask, are also great for oily skin.
What makeup products do you recommend for oily skin?
Always look for products with a non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores) claim – this applies to skin care, too! Additionally, products with a mattifying finish like
TimeWise® Matte 3D Foundation are ideal for oily skin. Powder products like
Mary Kay® Silky Setting Powder can help manage or absorb oil from the skin over time. And
translucent powder or
blotting papers, as noted above, can help absorb excess oil and temporarily remove the look of greasy skin throughout the day.
Are there any oily skin misconceptions?
Yes. In fact, there are several.
1. It’s often thought those with oily skin can’t use products containing oil, but they can. The product should just be labeled non-comedogenic.
2. It might seem like additional cleansing would help with the overproduction of sebum, but it won’t. It can cause even oily skin to dry out, which presents a new set of concerns. Cleansing twice a day is enough for all skin types.
3. Because skin can look and feel oily or greasy, it’s thought that one shouldn’t moisturize oily skin because it could lead to an even oiler appearance. But all skin types require moisturization. Just find a moisturizer that feels comfortable on your skin and is formulated for oily skin types.
4. And finally, you may be tempted to apply layers of foundation throughout the day, thinking it can help cover up or get rid of the look of oily skin. But doing this can lead to clogged pores in addition to makeup that looks cakey or begins creasing. A better approach is to apply your usual amount of makeup and then manage excess oil production throughout the day with blotting papers or a lightweight powder. I also recommend always cleansing and moisturizing before applying makeup to help prevent caking from the start.
Find Your Oily Skin Routine
If you have oily skin and struggle with finding the right skin care and makeup routine, contact or connect with a Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant! As your personal skin care advisor, she can help you love your skin and try the latest makeup looks with one-on-one consultations and small gatherings — virtually or in person!
Geetha Kalahasti, Associate Principal Scientist of Upstream Research, Clinical Research and Scientific Credentialing at Mary Kay, has a passion for science and loves skin care. She enjoys designing spaces and spending time with her two sons and fur child – Yogi Bear. Her go-to products are TimeWise® Moisture Renewing Gel Mask and the Mary Kay Clinical Solutions™ Retinol 0.5 Set.
Molly McGonigal is a writer who is alliteration-obsessed and loves a good dress. She has combination-to-oily skin, and loves the cooling gel texture of Mary Kay® Oil-Free Hydrating Gel – it’s one of her favorite Mary Kay® products.
