The Product I Swear By For Controlling Oily Skin

Oily skin used to feel like a curse. A nose full of blackheads. A sweaty (no, not dewy) T-zone within hours of setting my makeup. Mascara running down my face after an hour on the dancefloor.

And who could forget the guy who told me I looked "shiny" on our first date?

'You mean glowy???" I replied.

But it was too late, the damage was done.

As I get older, I have realised that oily skin isn't so bad after all. Oily skin types may actually age at a slower rate due to all that juicy hydration. I recently discussed my oily skin on our podcast, and was sent this from one of our listeners via Instagram: 

“I take after my nanna. I have oily skin that has calmed down now I’m in my 40s, but 15 years ago I could literally wipe oil off my face. My nanna is now 100 and looks like she’s 75. Rock that glowy glorious oily skin!”

If you manage your oily skin with skincare and makeup designed for your skin type, you'll find that it's not so unmanageable after all. Dare I say, 'glowy' and 'glorious'?

What Causes Oily Skin?

Oily skin is caused when the sebaceous glands in the skin produce too much sebum. Sebum is an oily substance that protects and hydrates the skin and is vital for the health of your skin's barrier.

When you produce too much sebum, your pores may end up clogged, leading to those dreaded breakouts. Breakout that can then lead to post-inflammatory hyper-pigmentation, which are those little brown spots that linger well after your pimple disappears.

The best thing that you can do for your oily skin is to wash it properly. PSA: micellar water does not substitute for a proper cleanser!

Second to washing your face properly is finding (and sticking to) a skincare routine that keeps your breakouts under control. 

Enter, chemical exfoliation...

Why Use A Chemical Exfoliant?

Dead skin cells on oily skin types don’t flake off as quickly, leading to a build up on the skin, which can block pores and feed acne-causing bacteria. 

Regular chemical exfoliation will remove this build-up of dead skin cells, revealing smoother, clearer and brighter skin. However, you want to be careful not to over-exfoliate as this may accelerate skin-cell turnover to the point where your skin feels tight, sensitive and dehydrated. 

Over-exfoliation may also strip the skin causing your skin to overproduce oil, leading to - yep you guessed it - breakouts. You can read up on exfoliation for oily skin types in our guide here.

The chemical exfoliant I turn to D'Lumiere Esthetique AHA 20% Oily Skin Solution. If you've never heard of this brand before, it's the brainchild of dermatologist and leading Melbourne cosmetic surgeon, Dr Daniel Lanzer.

What Are The Benefits & How Do You Use It?

D'Lumiere Esthetique’s AHA 20% Oily Skin Solution is a 20% glycolic acid solution, specifically designed for oily and problematic skin types to help to:

  • Reduce the appearance of pigmentation with continued use

  • Smooth scaly or dry skin by gently resurfacing the epidermal layer

  • Clear and clean out congested pores 

  • Exfoliate dead skin cells away for a brighter, smoother complexion

It's also formulated with hydrating and soothing ingredients so that your skin doesn’t feel dry or tight after use. If you've got oily skin and usually turn to stripping ingredients, you'll be very familiar with that feeling.

If you’re not currently using a chemical exfoliator, introduce this solution once or twice a week and build up your skin’s tolerance to glycolic acid before increasing the frequency. You should also alternate with other acids and retinol to avoid freaking your skin out. 

Use this solution at night after cleansing and before your serums and moisturiser. And finally, do not forget your SPF in the morning!

How to Get Rid of Oil: Blotting Papers and More

Trying to get oily skin under control? While blotting papers have been trendy for a while now, they're far from being the only solution for dealing with shine.

With so many different options out there, you don’t need to live with an oily face. Here's everything you need to know about getting beautifully matte skin and fresh-looking makeup.

Oil-Blotting Papers

Blotting papers can be great for a quick fix. If you find your T-zone getting oily by midday, blotting papers are perfect. However, if you have seriously oily skin, papers are next to useless.

Oil-blotting papers are meant for normal or combination skin, so don’t expect miracles. If you want a quick fix for occasional oil, stash some blotting papers in your bag.

Blotting Sticks

If you have oily skin and blotting papers don’t make a dent, upgrade to a blotting stick. Clarins My Clarins Pore-Less Blur & Matte Stick can totally transform your skin.

Use a blotting stick to target oily spots for a long-lasting matte look. Use it solo or over your makeup.

Blotting Powder

If you're on the hunt for an oil-reducing powder to go over the top of your makeup, the IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores Loose Powder is going to become your best friend. This loose finishing powder sets makeup in place and erases the appearance of imperfections, all in a talc-free formula loaded with peptides and antioxidants. Not to mention it will help reduce shine.

Oil-Control Spray

Want long-lasting makeup and all-day matte look? You'll love Benefit Porefessional Super Setter Spray. This lightweight fixative creates a barrier over your skin to prevent makeup from settling into your pores or sliding off.

Video: My Oily Skincare Routine

If you're interested to know which other products I use in my skincare routine, you can watch a step-by-step of my oily skincare regimen below:

    Subscribe for beauty sales, free goodies, advice and SO much more!