There are six basic skin types and each one has its own unique set of characteristics and best care practices. ChitoCare beauty has rounded up some essential skincare tips for each one. In this article, we look at oily skin. 

Understanding what skin type you have will help you chose products that suit your skin’s needs and it will help you develop a skincare routine that works best for your skin type. Irrelevant of skin type, however, consistency plays a major role in maintaining healthy, glowing, youthful skin.  

Oily skin is skin that produces excess sebum. Sebum is an oily, waxy substance produced by the skins sebaceous glands. Sebum is responsible for protecting your skin by coating it in natural oils that help to lock in moisture, keeping your skin hydrated. Excess sebum production can cause skin issues such as oiliness and acne. Let’s look at what oily skin looks like and what skincare habits keep it healthy. 

Characteristics of oily skin 

Oily skin produces more sebum than normal skin. An overproduction of sebum can result in the skin taking on a greasy or shiny appearance, and visible or enlarged pores. When excess sebum combines with dead skin cell build-up, the result can be acne breakouts, pimples or blackheads due to clogged pores. Characteristics of oily skin include: 

• A shiny, greasy or glossy appearance 
• Visible or enlarged pores 
• A humid or porous texture 
• A thicker, paler look 
• A tendency towards breakouts, especially in the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) 

Skincare routine for oily skin 

Skincare routines for people with oily skin typically require sufficient cleansing but not over-cleansing, frequent moisturizing but not under-moisturizing, and toning and exfoliating. Therefore, it is important to choose products and develop a skincare routine that helps counteract and balance excess sebum production without accidentally causing oxidative stress due to dehydration. 

Weather protection 

Year-round photoprotection is a crucial part of any skincare regime, and that includes oily skin types. Applying sunscreen every day before stepping outside – even in winter or on cloudy days – will keep your skin protected from UV light, which is the primary cause of premature skin aging, fine lines, wrinkles, sunspots, even damaged skin cell structures. For oily skin types, light, non-greasy lotion sunscreens work better than thick, heavy or oil-based sun protection products, as they won’t clog pores further. For skin that has experienced sunburn, use ChitoCare medical Healing Spray. It will soothe red, itchy or sunburned skin, promote the skin’s natural repair process and protect the skin from external factors. 

Cleansing and toning 

There are two common mistakes made by people with oily skin: over-cleansing and not moisturizing. Even though it may seem counter intuitive, cleansing too often can in fact lead to further oiliness. This is because over-cleansing leads to dryness. To compensate for the lack of moisture, the skin produces even more oil, resulting in even oilier skin. Oily skin types should opt for lighter, water-based gel-based or foaming formulas that will not add more oil. Cleansing at least twice a day will wash away dirt, grime, excess oil, and pollution that remain on the skin and lead to clogged pores, blemishes and acne. If you feel you need to wash your face more frequently, do so with plain water to avoid dehydrating your skin. Always wash with lukewarm water, as hot water can lead to dryness, and always pat dry your face to avoid micro-abrasions or soreness. Additionally, a toner will help even out skin tone and moderate blemishes. Opt for a toner that is alcohol-free, so it does not dry out your skin or cause irritation. 

Moisturizing 

A lot of people with oily skin tend to skip moisturizing, hoping to avoid excess greasiness. However, skin that is not moisturized properly suffers from dehydration. To compensate for the lack of moisture, the skin produces more oils, leading to even oilier skin. Oil-free moisturizers can help the skin lock in moisture and hydrate the skin. Clay masks can also help absorb excess oil, mattifying the skin and keeping it free from blemishes and acne. Non-comedogenic moisturizers work best for oily skin types, as they won’t clog pores. ChitoCare beauty Face Cream is a non-comedogenic, non-greasy moisturizer that contains antioxidants, SPF (Sun Protection Factor) 15 and marine chitosan that improves skin hydration, elasticity and smoothness. 

Exfoliating 

When excess sebum production in oily skin combines with dirt, grime and make-up, it can cause acne breakouts, blackheads, whiteheads or bumpy, irritated skin. To slough away dead skin cell build-up, exfoliate oily skin two to three times a week with a gentle scrub. Exfoliating will unclog pores and make way for new skin cell growth. Oil-free scrubs, like ChitoCare beauty Body Scrub that can also be used on the face, will cleanse and brighten the skin. Hyaluronic acid helps to hydrate the skin, while bamboo stem powder and walnut shell microgranules naturally exfoliate the skin, leaving it smooth and soft. 

Make-up free, nutrient rich 

Sleeping with make-up on is a major no-no in skin care. Make-up, foundation and powder clog pores and add to skin oiliness. Heavy or oil-rich cosmetic products can cause further oiliness or acne breakouts, so people with oily skin should ideally chose products that are lightweight and non-comedogenic to avoid a greasy complexion. All skin types should always remove make-up at the end of the day using a product that is suitable for their skin type, making sure to follow up with a refreshing cleanser. 

Additionally, maintaining a healthy diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables can further help balance oily skin. As the skin and the gut are connected via the skin-gut axis, what we eat can affect our skin health. Cutting down on fried, sugary and processed foods can help control oil production in the sebaceous glands, while drinking plenty of water will help flush out toxins. Adding a dietary supplement to your skincare regime, such as ChitoCare beauty Liposan Fibers & Vitamin C, can help maintain normal blood cholesterol levels, while reducing intestinal lipid absorption. Reduce calorie intake and boost your immune system, thanks to natural, bioactive chitosan and Vitamin C. 

Pampering 

Apply a soothing face mask once a month to treat your skin to some additional nutrients. ChitoCare beauty Serum Mask is ideal as a monthly treatment, as it deeply hydrates the skin, supports collagen and elastin production, and leaves your skin feeling soft and moisturized. 

End note

Keep in mind that, even though we are each born with a specific skin type, skin type can change as we age, or due to intrinsic or extrinsic factors. The trick with any skincare regime is to keep it consistent and to pay attention to how your skin reacts – to new products, to weather changes, or to hormonal imbalances, such as those during menstruation, puberty or menopause. 

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ChitoCare beauty is the first skincare brand to incorporate marine chitosan into its products. Scientifically proven properties of chitosan include film-forming, moisture control and powerful skin repair.