Skincare

kOREAN SKINCARE FOR OILY SKIN

SkinTalks - October 22, 2024

Hey there, SkinTalks readers!

If you have oily skin, you're not alone. Many people struggle with excess oil production, which can lead to acne breakouts, enlarged pores, and a greasy shine. However, with the right skincare routine and products, you can keep your skin under control and achieve a healthy, radiant complexion.

This blog will discuss a Korean skincare routine for oily, acne-prone skin. It will also provide tips for individuals with oily, sensitive skin. We will explain the correct steps for a skincare routine for oily skin, helping you use your products effectively and achieve your best skin. Down below you will find the top skin care products for oily skin.

Why does my skin get so oily?

So, you know how sometimes your skin just feels like it's constantly greasy no matter what you do? That’s because of these hormones called androgens. Even though they're often tagged as "male" hormones, we all have them, and they play a big role in how much oil our skin produces.

When these androgens get a bit too excited, they tell your skin to produce more oil than it actually needs. Your pores can't always keep up with the overload. So, they stretch out to try and handle all that extra oil, and that’s when the trouble starts.

All that oil can mix with dead skin cells, and instead of leaving your pores like it should, it gets stuck. This is what leads to those annoying blackheads and whiteheads we all hate.

That’s why it’s super important to have a skincare routine that helps manage the oil and keeps your pores clear, so your skin doesn’t freak out as much.

Things to avoid with oily skin

If you have oily skin, there are a few things you’ll want to avoid to keep your skin balanced and prevent breakouts:

Heavy, oil-based products

Avoid thick creams, heavy moisturizers, and oil-based skincare or makeup products. These can clog your pores and make your skin even greasier. Opt for lightweight, oil-free, and non-comedogenic products instead.

Over-washing your face

It’s tempting to wash your face frequently to get rid of the oil, but over-washing can actually make things worse. Stripping your skin of its natural oils can cause it to produce even more oil to compensate. Stick to cleansing twice a day—morning and night.

Harsh, drying ingredients

Stay away from products with alcohol, sulfates, or other harsh ingredients that dry out your skin. These can lead to irritation and, again, prompt your skin to produce more oil. Instead, use gentle cleansers and hydrating toners.

Skipping moisturizer

It might seem counterintuitive, but oily skin still needs moisture. Skipping moisturizer can cause your skin to produce even more oil to make up for the lack of hydration. Just be sure to choose a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer.

Too much exfoliation

Exfoliating helps remove dead skin cells and keep pores clear, but doing it too often can irritate your skin and lead to more oil production. Limit exfoliation to 2-3 times a week with a gentle product.

Touching your face

Your hands carry bacteria and oils that can transfer to your face, leading to clogged pores and breakouts. Try to avoid touching your face throughout the day, and always wash your hands before applying skincare or makeup.

Skipping sunscreen

Some sunscreens can feel greasy, but skipping sun protection is a big no-no. Look for mattifying or gel-based sunscreens that offer protection without adding shine.

By steering clear of these common mistakes, you can help keep your oily skin under control and maintain a healthier complexion.

Skincare routine for oily skin

It may seem like a good idea to use products that dry out your skin, but in the long term that is not a good idea as they actually stimulate the production of more sebum.

Double cleanse

The first step in any skincare routine is to remove makeup, dirt, and oil from your skin. For oily, acne-prone skin, it's important to use a double cleansing method at night to ensure a deep clean.

Start with a cleansing balm, like the Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm, to dissolve makeup and impurities. Follow up with a water-based cleanser, like the Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser, to cleanse and purify the skin without stripping it of its natural oils.

In the morning it is important to only use the water based cleanser.

Exfoliate

Exfoliation is key for preventing clogged pores and removing dead skin cells and excess sebum. However, for oily, acne-prone skin, it's important to choose a gentle exfoliant that won't irritate or dry out your skin. We recommend the Some By Mi Miracle Toner, which contains organic black sugar and shea butter to gently exfoliate and nourish the skin.

Tone

Toning helps to balance your skin's pH level and prep your skin for the next steps in your routine. For oily, acne-prone skin, look for a toner that contains gentle exfoliants like AHAs or BHAs, which can help to unclog pores and prevent breakouts. We recommend the COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner, which contains alpha and beta hydroxy acids to gently exfoliate and reduce inflammation. We recommend this toner when you are not exfoliating your skin.

When you use a exfoliation, we recommend to use a hydrating toner such as the COSRX Propolis Synercy Toner. This toner has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and repairing benefits.

Treat

The treatment step is where you can target specific skin concerns, like acne or hyperpigmentation. For oily, acne-prone skin, we recommend IUNIK Tea Tree Relief Serum, which contains 67% tea tree extract to soothe and heal blemishes. It's also infused with centella asiatica and niacinamide, which help to calm redness and brighten the skin.

Moisturize

Even if you have oily skin, it's important to moisturize to keep your skin hydrated and healthy. Look for a lightweight, non-greasy moisturizer that won't clog your pores or cause breakouts. We recommend iUNIK Centella Calming Cream, which contains 74% snail mucin extract to hydrate and repair the skin.

Sunscreen for oily skin

Sunscreen is also very important. It is crucial for preventing sun damage and premature aging, so make sure to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every morning. We recommend the Madagascar Sun Serum by SKIN1004 which is a lightweight, non-greasy sunscreen that contains centella asiatica extract to calm and soothe the skin.

Does oily skin age better?

Yes, oily skin may age better. The natural oils keep the skin hydrated, which can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Oily skin is also often thicker, which might slow down the formation of wrinkles. However, it’s more prone to acne and enlarged pores, so good skincare is still crucial.

Skincare Products for Oily Skin:

Thanks for joining us on this journey to healthier, happier skin. Remember, skincare is for everyone, so let's embrace it together. Here's to looking and feeling your best, inside and out!

kOREAN SKINCARE FOR OILY SKIN

SkinTalks - October 22, 2024

Why does my skin get so oily?