It took me years to finally find the right skin-care routine for my oily complexion. After high school, I thought my shiny face days were behind me–boy was I wrong! Eight years later and I'm still struggling with excess oil, large pores and random breakouts. The only difference now is that I know how to take care of it. And sticking only to oil-free products isn't exactly the way to do it!
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Forget everything you thought you knew about oily skin. Lose the witch hazel and the foamy cleansers and start adding some actual oil into your routine. That's right girl, there's a reason why women with oily or even acne-prone skin are using cleansing oils on their faces these days and that's because it actually helps balance all the oils. Sounds ironic, right? But it's not and neither are some of these other genius tips I've been using to keep my skin on check. Here are 5 HUGE skincare mistakes every chica with oily skin makes!
Cleanse with a foamy or drying cleansers: Most cleansers targeted for oily skin types are made with harsh sulfates and sodiums that not only remove TOO much oil from the surface of your skin but also leave it incredibly dry. So dry, in fact, that it wounds up counter-reacting and causing your skin to create more oil after all. It's one big, frustrating process. I recommend using a gentler formula, like Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser ($6).
Have a complicated acne routine: I've used every product under the sun to banish acne and in my case, the more complicated my routine the less results I saw. These days I simply cleanse my face twice a day using SheaMoisture African Black Soap Face & Body Bar ($5). You'd be surprised how amazing this thing is!
Don't use oils: You have oily skin so you figure the last thing you should be putting on your face is more oil, right? Wrong, chica! Certain oils don't just moisturize but also help balance acne-prone skin. Look for a light-weight one that won't clog pores. I like removing my makeup with By Terry Cellularose Cleansing Oil ($68). Then I apply a thin layer of Josie Maran 100 % Pure Argan Oil Light ($48) underneath my moisturizer.
Don't keep skin hydrated: The biggest mistake anyone could make, whether you have oily skin or not, is not keep your skin hydrated. Not only does lack of moisture cause skin to over-produce oil but it also speeds up the aging process. Look for a nice, non-greasy formula like Philosophy Take a Breath Oil-Free Energizing Oxygen Gel Cream Moisturizer ($35).
Skip SPF: Sorry, girl, but sunscreen is a must-have. Doesn't matter your skin type or the time of year. If you're acne-prone, try a light moisturizer with built-in SPF, like Elizabeth Arden Flawless Future Powered by Ceramide Moisture Cream SPF 30 ($50).
Don't use serum: Most serums are gel or water-based, so they won't make you break out. Layered under your face cream, they actually help lock in moisture. I'm obsessed with Clarisonic Brightening Activator Serum ($65). It keeps my skin clear and bright!
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