5 Oily Skin Mistakes You’re Probably Making (And What to Do Instead)
Emily Algar is a freelance writer, content consultant and creator, beauty journalist and great skin-haver.
I’ve always been at odds with my oily skin.
It’s tricky, persistent, and with it comes a stack of secondary issues: large pores, blackheads, whiteheads — the whole nine yards.
It was only after I read an interview with Victoria Beckham that I realised having oily skin isn't a bad thing.
The designer and former Spice Girl explained how she learnt to love her oily, shiny skin, because it meant in the long run, she would 'age slower'.
What she meant was that oily skin is less likely to show signs of ageing like fine lines and wrinkles because oil keeps the skin moisturised...
... Either way, now I’m inching towards 30, this sentiment really resonates.
So nowadays, instead of worrying about how to get rid of oily skin, I've found ways to manage those aforementioned oily skin skin concerns.
And in the process, learnt that many of the oily skin “rules” you read about online telling you what you can/can't do are blasphemy.
So in the spirit of sharing, I’ve compiled all the oily skin rules to follow (and rules to break) right here.
But first let’s cover off some basics.
What Is Oily Skin?
Simply put, oily skin is a skin ‘type’ where the sebaceous glands are overactive, resulting in shiny or greasy-looking skin, large pores and congestion (fun).
We're all born with a skin type, which is mostly determined by genetic factors.
Not sure if you have oily skin? An unscientific but also useful test is to press a tissue across your t-zone around midday.
If it sticks, there’s a good chance you’re oily.
Like all skin types, oily skin has its positives. Like Posh said, oily skin creases less, meaning things like fine lines, wrinkles and skin laxity are less of a concern in the long run.
A silver lining if there ever was one.
You can learn more about how to work out your skin type in this YouTube video below.
Oily Skin Mistakes.
Now, let's debunk some oily skin myths and mistakes.
From not moisturising at all and over-cleansing your face, to avoiding dewy foundations and applying heaps of powder, here are some oily skin tips.
1. Moisturiser For Oily Skin.
The myth:
The number one oily skin myth I would like to debunk is if you have oily skin, you shouldn't use moisturiser.
Not properly moisturising your skin with the best moisturiser for oily skin will only cause irritation and dehydration.
Plus, your skin will probably produce more oil in an attempt to moisturise itself.
You can learn more about how to moisturise properly and choosing the best moisturiser for your skin type in this YouTube video below.
Oily skin tip:
Instead of layering on thick creams, the best moisturiser for oily skin is a lightweight, water-based gel or lotion free from common pore-clogging ingredients.
Hydrating serums and skincare essences are other ways to get moisture and hydration into the skin - a great alternative if your skin is really, really shiny.
Medik8 Advanced Day Total Protect 50ml is my personal favourite moisturiser for oily skin, as it’s a really light fluid consistency that still has a lovely glow to it.
Shop it here:
Medik8 Advanced Day Total Protect 50ml$125.00
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2. If You Have Oily Skin, You Can't Use Face Oils.
The myth:
So there's this belief that using oils can “regulate” oily skin.
While there is some truth to it, Dr Michelle Wong from Lab Muffin Beauty explained on the Skincare School podcast that this is not entirely the case.
Our skin can’t actually gauge how much oil we’ve applied and react accordingly. But adding the right oil can nourish, balance and soothe, so it’s a mistake to rule them out completely.
Learn more about face oils for your skin type in our YouTube video below.
Oily skin tip:
As we touched on in our wrap up of face oils for skin types, oils high in linoleic acid and essential fatty acids (EFAs) are particularly beneficial for oily and acne-prone complexions.
Look out for face oils that contain rosehip, grapeseed, jojoba, evening primrose, hemp seed, safflower, flaxseed and borage seed oils.
So if you’re a face oil fiend, you don’t have to give it up just yet!
products like The Jojoba Company Australian Jojoba 30ml or Pai Rosehip Bioregenerate 30ml — are particularly beneficial for oily and acne-prone complexions.
Shop face oils for oily skin here:
DISCIPLE Good Skin Face Oil-Serum 20ml$20.00 $40.00 - Currently not available
The Jojoba Company Australian Jojoba 30ml$19.95
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3. Washing Your Face Too Often.
The myth:
This is another doozy.
I get the appeal of squeaky clean skin, but over-cleansing with harsh, stripping cleansers will again just confuse your face, irritate your skin barrier and thus, add fuel to the oily fire.
Oily skin tip:
Wong tells us the two most important “harsh” ingredients to avoid in cleansers are sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and true soaps.
Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel 250ml is the best cleanser for oily skin in my eyes because it’s light and foaming, but doesn’t strip the skin.
Shop it here:
Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel 250ml $74.00
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Learn how to cleanse properly and the best cleanser for your skin type in this YouTube video below.
4. The Best Foundation For Oily Skin...
The myth:
Often, you'll read that the best foundation for oily skin will be matte, full coverage and/or long-wearing.
Oh, and you'll need to powder your t-zone every hour, on the hour.
But actually, the best foundation for oily skin is truly a personal preference.
I’ve found in my own experience that wearing too many matte products can just create caking.
Oily skin foundation tips:
- Beauty IQ Uncensored podcast co-host Hannah always preps her oily skin with dewy skin products before applying foundation.
- Try using a primer for oily skin like MAKE UP FOR EVER Step 1 Shine Control Primer 30ml only in the areas you get oily.
- Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Hydrating Primer 30ml applied over the rest of the face will give a soft, naturally-radiant finish.
- Love dewy foundations? Try layering a very fine, silky soft powder like Koh Gen Do Face Powder only where you need it using a small brush, on top of your regular foundation.
Get more oily skin foundation tips in our YouTube video below.
5. Sunscreen For Oily Skin.
The myth:
I get it — sunscreen for oily skin is hard.
But sunscreens these days aren't super thick, gluggy, greasy and shiny. And regardless, everyone should be wearing and reapplying an adequate amount of sunscreen every single day (read the label and use as directed).
Oh, and also wearing protective clothing, a hat and sunnies, and seeking shade when possible. You know the drill.
Oily skin tip:
Ultra Violette Lean Screen SPF50 Sunscreen 75ml is my personal recommendation for break-out prone and sensitive skin.
It’s a broad spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen with mineral filters that has a fresh, matte finish.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Anti-Shine Dry Touch Facial Sunscreen SPF50+ is also a suitable sunscreen for oily skin because it has a truly zero-shine finish.
Shop them here:
La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Anti-Shine Dry Touch Facial Sunscreen SPF50+$38.95
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For more oily skin tips and product recommendations? Check out this oily skin YouTube video below:
Want to read product recommendations for oily skin? Check out these guides below...
