How to prevent excess oil on your face

The face naturally produces oil as a form of self-protection, but what can you do when it produces too much and you want to control it? Oily skin often leads to acne and may affect your confidence. Fortunately, there are many simple skincare methods to help reduce oil production on the face.

Use a gentle facial cleanser. Cleanse your skin with a mild cleanser to avoid irritation. Using a cleanser with harsh cleansing agents can trigger the skin to produce even more oil to compensate for the natural oils washed away.

• If a mild cleanser doesn’t seem effective, try one with benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or beta-hydroxy acid.

Avoid scrubbing your face too hard. Using a towel or abrasive sponge on your face can trigger the skin to produce more oil in an effort to replace the natural oils that were washed away. If you use a towel to cleanse your face, be gentle with the pressure.

Wash your face in the morning and evening. Cleansing twice a day is essential for controlling oil levels. You should wash your face both after waking up and before going to bed.

Use lukewarm water to wash your face, instead of hot water. Hot water can irritate the skin and strip away natural oils, prompting your skin to produce even more oil to compensate.

Use a toner on oily areas of your face. If you apply toner to your entire face, you may cause dry patches that can flake and become red. Therefore, you should apply toner only to the oily zones and leave the normal or dry areas untouched.

Use an astringent pad when you're out and about. Astringent pads are useful for absorbing excess oil when you can't wash your face. Keep a few in your bag or at your office if your skin tends to get oily later in the day.

Dùng mặt nạ đất sét trong những dịp đặc biệt. Mặt nạ đất sét làm khô da và loại bỏ đa số lượng dầu trên da, nên tốt nhất là bạn hạn chế dùng loại mặt nạ này. Chỉ chọn phương pháp dùng mặt nạ đất sét cho những dịp đặc biệt khi bạn cần giữ cho da không bị đổ dầu trong thời gian dài.

Tránh dùng sản phẩm dưỡng ẩm có chứa dầu như mỡ khoáng hoặc bơ cây hạt mỡ. Hai thành phần này sẽ tăng thêm lượng dầu thừa trên da và làm cho da dầu trở nên tồi tệ hơn. Bạn nên đọc thành phần nguyên liệu trên bao bì sản phẩm dưỡng ẩm trước khi mua.

Chọn sản phẩm dưỡng ẩm có chứa dimethicone. Tìm sản phẩm dưỡng ẩm có ghi “không dầu” trên nhãn và có chứa dimethicone thay cho mỡ khoáng. Sản phẩm dưỡng ẩm có chứa dimethicone sẽ giúp tạo ra hiệu ứng lì; còn sản phẩm dưỡng ẩm chứa mỡ khoáng sẽ làm cho da bóng nhờn hơn.

Chọn sản phẩm dưỡng ẩm không gây bí da hoặc không gây mụn. Bất kể bạn chọn loại sản phẩm dưỡng ẩm nào, đảm bảo trên nhãn phải ghi không gây bí da hoặc không gây mụn. Sản phẩm dưỡng ẩm được ghi trên nhãn là không gây bí da hoặc không gây mụn có chứa thành phần ít gây mụn hơn.

Use a minimal amount of moisturizer. Start by applying a thin layer of moisturizer and then assess whether you need to apply more. Take a pea-sized amount of moisturizer with your fingertips and only add more if your skin still feels dry after application.

Try different moisturizers until you find the one that suits you. Just because a particular moisturizer is effective for oily skin doesn't mean it will work for you.

• If a friend recommends a product or you come across reviews online, consider testing a sample before purchasing. Cosmetic counters at malls often offer free samples if you ask politely.

Use a mattifying primer. After washing your face and moisturizing, but before applying foundation, apply a mattifying primer. This will help absorb excess oil throughout the day.

Choose oil-free and non-comedogenic makeup. Opt for foundation, powder, blush, and contour products labeled as oil-free and non-comedogenic. These makeup products won't cause excess oil and will not clog your pores.

Use mineral powder foundation. Choose a large makeup brush to apply a layer of mineral powder foundation on your face. Mineral powder will help prevent your makeup from smudging. Always carry it with you for quick touch-ups throughout the day.

Keep your makeup light and natural. Use only a small amount of each product so your makeup doesn’t look too heavy. A thin layer of makeup allows your skin to breathe and helps reduce oil production throughout the day.

Avoid foods that increase oil production. Foods high in fat, sugar, and salt can cause your skin to produce more oil. Dairy products, refined flour, and similar foods also contribute to this issue. Limiting or avoiding these foods will help prevent excess oil on your skin.

Choose foods that help control oil production. Foods rich in fiber, such as beans, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, will help reduce skin oil production. Leafy greens and citrus fruits are especially effective in controlling oil. Additionally, try preparing vegetables without adding oil by steaming or boiling them.

Drink plenty of water. Water helps hydrate your skin and flush out toxins from your body. Staying properly hydrated every day is essential to manage oily skin.

Manage stress levels. Stress causes the body to produce cortisol, which leads to increased oil production on the skin. To manage stress and reduce oiliness caused by it, consider incorporating relaxation practices into your daily routine, such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises.

Consult a dermatologist. If you're still struggling with excessive oil production on your skin, a dermatologist may prescribe medications or skincare products to help regulate the oil production on your face.

Ask about topical treatments with retinoids. A dermatologist may prescribe a retinoid cream to help reduce oil production on your skin. Retinoid creams can decrease oil and prevent acne, though this method is only effective for 20-30% of patients.

Seeking advice on hormone therapy. Women often face excessive oil production on their skin due to hormonal fluctuations. In some instances, taking birth control pills can help reduce oil production and assist in acne treatment.

Seeking advice on chemical peeling methods. Using AHA/glycolic acid for peeling is a mild approach that helps eliminate excess oil from the skin. The effects of these treatments are temporary, but doctors can combine them with other methods to achieve optimal results.

Seeking advice on Accutane/Roaccutane treatment. Accutane is a prescription medication derived from vitamin A, effective in controlling oil production and clearing acne. Patients usually take Accutane daily for 15-20 weeks. However, pregnant women or those planning pregnancy should avoid Accutane, as it can cause birth defects.

• Carry oil-absorbing sheets in your bag to remove excess oil throughout the day.
• Avoid buying over-the-counter or oil-removal products, as many of these contain harsh chemicals that could damage your skin. Look for products containing about 2% salicylic acid (but no more than 10%); this acid is highly effective. You can also use the Pure Active fruit-based face wash from Garnier (with grapefruit, pomegranate, and vitamin C) for good results.
• Use an oil-free moisturizer.
• Adjust your skincare routine with the changing seasons. Your skin may produce more oil in the summer than in winter, so make sure to reassess your skin at every seasonal transition to adjust your daily skincare routine accordingly.
• Look for products that combine moisturizer, sunscreen, and foundation, so you don’t need to apply multiple layers of products.