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How Do I Choose the Best Oily Skin Products?

Lainie Petersen
Lainie Petersen

When choosing oily skin products, look for those that are oil free, noncomedogenic, and that can help reduce facial shine. If you suffer from acne breakouts as well as oily skin, you should also look for products that can treat acne and that do not trigger breakouts. You should avoid harsh, drying products, as these can damage your skin's appearance and not do much to address oiliness. Carrying oil blotting papers can also help you to address shininess during the day or evening.

Some oily skin products can be overly harsh and may cause redness, irritation, and even dry patches. Be wary of products that sting and irritate your skin as soon as you apply them to your face. Instead, choose a mild, unscented, oil-free cleanser for your skin. Look for products that do not contain oils or waxes, as these can make your oily skin problems worse. Instead, look for oil-free products and don't assume that you have to use an entire regimen of oily skin products. If your skin is already oily, in some cases the less you put on it, the better.

A moisturizer for oily skin.
A moisturizer for oily skin.

If you have oily skin, you may not need to moisturize at all, but should still use a sunscreen. Some people who are prone to acne find that certain sunscreen ingredients trigger breakouts, so you may need to try different sunscreens to find a formula that works for you. Some cosmetic companies also sell mattefiers, which smooth your skin while also preventing shine, making them good substitutes for separate moisturizers. You can wear a mattefier under your foundation or on its own.

It's important to use the right skin care products for oily skin, but without over-cleansing and drying out the skin.
It's important to use the right skin care products for oily skin, but without over-cleansing and drying out the skin.

You may find that that mineral makeup, which does not clog pores and is typically non-irritating to the skin, can even out your skin tone without contributing to acne. A mineral powder formulation may also help absorb oil, improving your skin's appearance during the day. Oil blotting papers, which you can often buy at drugstores as well as department store counters, can also help you manage facial shine without the need to cake on additional pressed or loose powder.

Oily skin can benefit from using a toner.
Oily skin can benefit from using a toner.

In situations where you are already receiving medical treatment for acne, ask your doctor about what oily skin products he recommends. In some cases, skin care products can interfere with acne medications, so it is a good idea to clear the products you use with your doctor. Pay attention to symptoms of allergies or interactions, such as rashes and irritation, and discontinue using your non-prescribed skin care products until you can talk to your doctor about your symptoms.

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    • A moisturizer for oily skin.
      By: picsfive
      A moisturizer for oily skin.
    • It's important to use the right skin care products for oily skin, but without over-cleansing and drying out the skin.
      By: picsfive
      It's important to use the right skin care products for oily skin, but without over-cleansing and drying out the skin.
    • Oily skin can benefit from using a toner.
      By: mordeccy
      Oily skin can benefit from using a toner.
    • Witch hazel is often included in skin care products for oily skin.
      By: dianamower
      Witch hazel is often included in skin care products for oily skin.
    • People who have oily skin should still use sunscreen.
      By: maska82
      People who have oily skin should still use sunscreen.
    • Sunscreen can occasionally cause acne breakouts.
      By: badmanproduction
      Sunscreen can occasionally cause acne breakouts.