The natural oils your skin produces help retain moisture, but too much oil can end up causing breakouts and leave you with a greasy complexion. So, how can you ease up on oily skin while maintaining a healthy level of natural oils? This guide will explain what causes the oily skin type and offer skincare tips for controlling it.
What Causes Oily Skin?
Oily skin can be frustrating to deal with, but some oil is actually good for you. Your sebaceous glands naturally produce an oily substance called sebum to protect and lubricate your skin. Skin oils keep your skin plump and hydrated and can even reduce your risk of wrinkles. However, excess oil can mix with dead skin cells and clog your pores, causing acne. Oily skin can be the result of many factors, including genetics, environmental factors such as smog and humidity, hormones, and stress.
How Is Oily Skin Treated?
In most cases, oily skin isn’t permanent, as the skin changes over time. While you don’t want to eliminate the natural oils on your skin completely, there are steps you can take to reduce oiliness and embrace smooth, healthy skin, including the following:
- Use blotting papers to absorb excess oil
- Avoid sleeping in makeup
- Don’t touch your face
- Stay hydrated
- Apply mattifying makeup
- Wash your face twice daily and after exercise
- Follow the right skincare routine
5 Step Skincare Routine for Oily Skin
A thorough skincare routine is important to keep the skin as healthy and fresh as possible. We’ve put together the perfect regimen of products for oily skin to get overactive sebaceous glands under control.
1. Exfoliate
Exfoliating your skin before cleansing gets rid of dead skin cells that contribute to clogged pores and breakouts. Buffing away this build up prepares your skin to absorb hydrating serums and moisturizers. If your skin is particularly acne- and oil-prone, you might like our Seaglow Resurfacing Scrub. This hard-working cleanser exfoliates deep into your pores to dig out excess oils and impurities, leaving your skin feeling fresh and clear. For a more full-body exfoliating experience, check out our Plant-Based Body Brush. This handy brush buffs away dead skin cells on your legs, arms, and body, leaving you with a smooth, even surface.
2. Cleanse
Washing your face with a harsh cleanser will strip away your natural oils and irritate your skin, so it’s best to go with a gentle cleanser. Cleanse in the morning, evening, and after exercise using soft circular motions rather than scrubbing. Our crowd-pleasing Ocean Cleanser gently exfoliates and cleans out your pores, removing impurities and extra oils without stripping your skin.
3. Tone
After cleansing, refresh and nourish your skin with a toner. Toner is crucial to any skincare routine for oily skin, as it cleans away any lingering dirt or grime left behind during the cleansing phase. A few spritzes of our Sea Minerals Mist will provide the ultimate boost of cooling hydration and give your face a dewy, glowing finish./p>
4. Apply a Serum
Serums are an essential step in strengthening your skin’s moisture barrier. After misting with the toner, apply our Hyaluronic Sea Serum. Formulated to replenish and seal in moisture, this serum will keep your skin nourished all day².
For nighttime hydration, use the Seaglow Overnight Serum two to three times a week. This AHA treatment gently exfoliates your skin before bed, promoting renewal and an even skin tone and texture as you sleep³. You’ll start your day with a fresh face and a healthy glow!
5. Moisturize
There is a common misconception that those with oily skin don’t need to moisturize, but sebaceous glands may overproduce sebum when the skin isn’t hydrated. That means that moisturizers are a must. Opt for a water-based moisturizer like our best-selling Seabiotic® Water Cream. This ultralight facial water cream replenishes the skin’s moisture barrier and is clinically proven to hydrate for 72+ hours⁴.
If you’re constantly dealing with acne, try our Blemish Balm. Specially formulated for oily skin, this lightweight moisturizer absorbs quickly and delivers balanced hydration, clarifying your skin and minimizing shine. It’s also rich in antioxidants, amino acids, and essential nutrients to promote healthy skin and a strong moisture barrier.
It’s not just your face that gets thirsty. Nourish your body with Undaria Collagen™ Body Lotion, a lightweight and super-moisturizing formula that provides lasting hydration for revitalized skin without feeling heavy or greasy⁵.
Your skin is unique, so what works best for you might take some trial and error. With time, the right routine, and some TLC, you’ll achieve smooth, balanced skin.
Sources
1. Sebaceous Glands. Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved on August 1, 2023, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/24538-sebaceous-glands
2. Based on a third-party clinical study conducted over 4 weeks on 32 women ages 37-65 (including; expert skin grading, instrumental measurements & consumer perception study).
3. Based on a third-party consumer perception study conducted over 4 weeks on 32 women ages 37-65.
4. Based on a third-party consumer perception and clinical study conducted over 4 weeks on 31 women ages 25-65.
5. Based on a third-party consumer perception study conducted over 2 weeks on 31 women ages 24-61.