What is oily skin & how to reduce it

Oily skin can be a concern for all ages, whether you have teenage skin, mature skin or during pregnancy. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about oily skin, from recognising its unique characteristics to effective strategies for managing it. Explore the key causes, skincare routines, and expert tips to achieve a fresh, healthy glow without the shine.

What is oily skin?

Oily skin happens when the skin’s sebaceous glands produce too much sebum, the natural oil that keeps skin hydrated and protected. While sebum is essential for healthy skin, an imbalance can lead to excess shine, particularly in the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin). This overproduction of oil can be triggered by hormonal changes, lifestyle factors like stress, and external influences such as pollution. Unlike dry skin, which lacks moisture, oily skin tends to have a surplus of lipids, creating a glossy appearance and a greater likelihood of clogged pores, blackheads, and blemishes.

Common signs of oily skin

Persistent Shine: Oily skin often appears shiny or greasy, especially around the T-zone as the day progresses.

Visible Pores: Pores may look larger and more noticeable, particularly in oil-prone areas.

Blackheads and Blemishes: The buildup of oil can cause frequent blackheads and breakouts.

Thicker Texture: Oily skin can feel thicker or coarser, especially where pores are more prominent.

These characteristics can help you identify your skin type and choose a skincare routine to keep excess oil in check while achieving a fresh, balanced complexion.

What causes oily skin?

We know that oily skin is caused by excess oil created from the sebaceous glands, but what causes it? The excess can be triggered by many things, from hormonal changes, such as puberty, pregnancy, or fluctuations in monthly cycles, as well as lifestyle factors like stress or diet. External factors such as hot weather, humidity, and pollution may also play a role. Genetics are another important factor; if your parents have oily skin, you may be more prone to it as well. Cleansing after make-up is also extremely important to prevent clogged pores that lead to oily skin.

How to reduce oily skin

Reducing oily skin starts with a few simple lifestyle changes and adopting a skincare routine that works with your skin type. Here are some effective tips:

• Use skincare products designed for oily skin: Look for gentle facial cleansers such as our Velvet Cleansing Milk, oil-free moisturisers, and non-comedogenic formulas such as our Lotus Treatment Oil that won’t clog pores.
• Incorporate key ingredients: Choose products with ingredients like salicylic acid, clay, or niacinamide to help absorb excess oil and keep pores clear.
• Avoid over-washing: Cleansing too often can strip the skin, prompting it to produce even more oil. Stick to washing your face twice a day.
• Keep hands off your face: Touching your face throughout the day can transfer oils and dirt, which can clog pores and increase shine.
• Maintain a balanced diet: Reduce sugar and processed foods, as these can sometimes aggravate oil production. Opt for fresh fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats.
• Manage stress levels: Elevated stress can increase oil production, so consider practices like exercise, meditation, or quality sleep to help keep stress in check.
• Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps maintain skin balance, which can prevent the overproduction of sebum.
• Remove make-up: It is essential after a long day to remove any makeup to prevent clogged pores, which could lead to more oiliness.

A skincare routine for oily skin

How should I care for oily skin? To achieve a beautiful complexion, use gentle products that work to eliminate excess sebum.

1. Start with a targeted cleanser

Morning and night, start with a targeted cleanser. This step is crucial for healthy skin to wash away excess sebum and impurities. Like dry and normal skin types, oily skin needs a targeted beauty routine. A targeted cleanser such as the Gentle Foaming Purifying Cleanser for Oily to Combination Skin is ideal.

2. Apply a serum that supports oily skin

Next, a serum such as the Clarins Double Serum, combines 22 powerful plant extracts, including the iconic turmeric extract, with 5 new pure active molecules to stimulate the skin's 5 vital functions.Its texture smoothes skin, creating an instant glow and a flawless complexion, even up close! Oily skin needs moisturising just as much as dry skin.

3. Apply a light moisturiser

Next, moisturise your skin with a light, non-greasy moisturiser to purify and mattify skin. Clarins offers a range of textures designed for combination and oily skin types for all its day and night creams. For example, the Clarins Hydra-Essentiel [HA²] Matte Gel will keep skin hydrated without adding shine.

4. Use a face mask regularly

Once or twice a week, treat your skin with a face mask, like the SOS Pure Mask with purifying green and white clay and organic alpine willow herb extract. Once rinsed off with warm water, the clay leave skin clean, refreshed and soft. It re-balances skin for a healthier, fresher and clearer complexion in just 10 minutes.

5. Protect with SPF

Don’t forget sunscreen to protect your skin from UV damage. Look for an oil-free, non-comedogenic formula that provides broad-spectrum protection. Some Clarins products, such as the Multi-Active Day Cream include SPF protection.

Improving the appearance of oily skin with make-up

Begin with a mattifying primer before applying makeup to control oil and create a smooth, long-lasting base. This step helps prevent excess shine and keeps makeup from sliding or smudging throughout the day.

During the day, control shine on oily skin a mattifying face powder. After applying the foundation, use a light dusting of powder to set the makeup in place. Focus on oil-prone areas like the T-zone for a matte, natural finish that controls shine.

Fix your makeup - Use a setting spray to lock makeup in place. A few spritzes can help reduce midday shine and keep makeup looking fresh longer

Myth and facts about oily skin

When it comes to oily skin, there are plenty of myths that can lead to ineffective or even harmful skincare habits. Let’s dispel some common misconceptions and explore the facts behind proper oily skin care.

Myth: Oily skin doesn’t need moisturiser

All skin types, including oily skin, need a moisturiser to stay healthy and hydrated. Skipping moisturiser can actually increase oil production, as your skin may overcompensate for dryness. Opt for a lightweight, oil-free moisturiser to keep skin balanced without adding shine.

Myth: Washing your face frequently reduces oil

Over-cleansing can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to an increase in sebum production as the skin tries to compensate. Stick to washing your face twice daily with a gentle cleanser for the best results.

Myth: Oily skin doesn’t age as quickly

Whilst oil can create a dewy look, all skin types experience ageing. Oily skin may show fewer fine lines initially due to increased moisture, but it still requires UV protection, hydration, and consistent care to age healthily.

Myth: Makeup worsens oily skin

Using the right, non-comedogenic makeup products won’t harm oily skin. Powder-based and mattifying products can actually help control shine. The key is to remove makeup thoroughly at the end of the day to keep pores clear.