Are you tired of your oily skin? Are you frustrated no matter how much your try your skin becomes sticky by the afternoon? Then this blog is for you. Oil skin is a skin type that results from the overproduction of sebum, an oily substance that protects the skin. Oily skin can appear shiny, greasy, and have enlarged pores, especially in the T-zone i.e. forehead, nose and chin.
The main cause of oily skin is genetics and hormones, but certain medications and diet can also play a role in oily skin. In this blog we will understand how to treat oily skin with nutrient rich skincare routine.
What is Oily Skin?
Oily skin is a type of skin caused by an over secretion of sebum, which is the waxy substance that seals in moisture. Too much of this sebum can cause acne and too little can cause dry, cracked skin. It is important to understand the signs of oily skin and what the cause of oily skin is.
Causes of Oily Skin
· Genetics
· Hormonal
· Medications
· Diet
· Skincare Products
· Environmental Factors
· Age
Signs of Oily Skin
· Shiny Skin – Skin appears greasy around the forehead, nose, and chin
· Enlarged Pores- Pores appear large and more visible
· Blackheads and Whiteheads - These are common blemishes associated with oily skin
· Breakouts - Frequent breakouts, acne, and clogged pores
Myths about Oily Skin
· Oily Skin does not need moisturiser
Oily skin needs to moisturise to regulate oil production in oily skin.
· Sunscreen makes oily skin worse
Sunscreen is essential to prevent sun damage
· Oily skin needs more cleansing
Over-cleansing can strip the skin of its natural oils and lipids
· Fatty foods cause oily skin
Fatty foods are not the primary cause of oily skin.
· Oily skin is same as acne prone skin
Oily skin and acne-prone skin are not the same.
Nutrient-Rich Ingredients to Look for in Oily Skin Skincare
1. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is one of the best natural ingredients for oily skin. Lack of hydration in cells can cause the body to make more sebum to protect the skin. Vitamin C helps to draw moisture in the cells and effectively hydrate the skin. Oily skin often attracts dirt and microbes that can clog the pores. Vitamin C helps to strengthen the lipid barrier of the skin that prevents the invasion of harmful microorganisms (1).
2. Niacinamide
Niacinamide is considered as a powerhouse in regulating sebum production. Niacinamide helps to prevent excessive oil production which in turn helps prevent blemishes from appearing in the first place. Excess oil production can cause acne. Niacinamide helps reduce the swelling and redness of acne and can lead to fewer blemishes over time and improved skin texture (2).
3. Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is an excellent cleanser for oily skin. It deeply cleanses skin, removes excess oil and removes dead skin. It also helps to prevent whiteheads and blackheads in the T zone.
4. Green Tea Extract
Green tea extract is another natural ingredient that helps to prevent oily skin. Green tea contains polyphenols, an antioxidant that prevents the sebaceous glands from producing too much sebum, or oil. Green tea extract also helps to prevent acne.
5. Hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid helps to moisturise the skin that eliminate dry skin, which can lead to excess oil production. Hyaluronic acid helps to reduce the size of the sebaceous glands, which are the glands that produce oil. According to a study hyaluronic acid can reduce oil production (3).
The Importance of Nutrient Rich Skincare for Oily Skin
Natural ingredients like vitamins and essential fatty acids provide benefits like antioxidants, hydration and protecting skin pores to prevent oily skin. Vitamins like A, C, E, and B5 help balance oil production, support skin repair, and combat inflammation. Fatty acids help to improve skin barriers and protect excessive oil production.
Building a Nutrient-Rich Skincare Routine for Oily Skin
· Step 1 - Cleanse
Look for ingredients like salicylic acid, niacinamide and green tea extract. Avoid harsh scrubs or products with alcohol.
· Step 2 – Exfoliate
Exfoliation helps prevent clogged pores but should be done 1-2 times per week. Choose gentle exfoliant like lactic acid.
· Step 3 – Toner
Use a toner that contains vitamin C that helps to regulate oil.
· Step 4 – Moisturise
Use a moisturiser with vitamin C or hyaluronic acid that will help to hydrate the skin and avoid excess oil production
· Step 5 – Sunscreen
Choose a sunscreen with a minimum sun protection factor of 30. Sunscreen helps to protect from UV damage without clogging pores.
Conclusion
Oily skin can take away shine from your personality. Oily skin is a result of excess oil production by the body. While there are multiple products like serums and face cream, it is important to remember to choose products which are nutrient rich. Nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, niacinamide, salicylic acid are best nutrients for oily skin. Follow a good skincare routine to treat oily skin. Consult a dermatologist if the oily skin issue is severe.
FAQs
1. What should be a skincare routine for oily skin?
The best skincare routine for oily skin includes cleansing, exfoliating, toner, sunscreen and moisturising.
2. What skincare is best for oily skin?
Natural skincare that contains natural ingredients is best for oily skin.
3. Which supplement is best for oily skin?
Chicnutrix Outshine is the best supplement for oily skin
4. What vitamin deficiency causes oily skin?
Deficiency of vitamin B2 causes oily skin.