Oil is naturally produced on the skin to preserve and protect it, but sometimes it can get a little out of control. Many people with acne-prone skin also have oily skin, but how do you know if you have oily skin? Pay attention to how it looks and feels a few hours after cleansing. If your skin looks shiny and feels greasy to the touch, then you have oily skin. Some people, though, have combination skin and are only oily in the T-zone (forehead and nose).

Whether or not you have oily skin depends on genetics and hormones, but other factors like diet, health conditions, and stress can also contribute. Sadly, oily skin doesn’t always manifest itself as the dewy glow we all desire. Thankfully, though, there are some things we can do to tame it.

Cleanse regularly, but keep it gentle

It’s essential to wash your face every morning, night, and after a sweaty workout to remove dirt, excess oil, and keep your pores unclogged. Use a gentle cleanser to prevent over-stripping and drying out your skin. Remember, oil is your body’s natural way to preserve and protect your skin’s health. You don’t want to strip away all of the oil entirely; you just want to remove excess build-up. Scrubbing your skin until it’s irritated and dry will instead signal your body to produce more oil to try and protect it.

Exfoliate with a salicylic acid treatment

After cleansing your skin, use a gentle, daily exfoliant that contains salicylic acid. Salicylic acid works by penetrating oil deep into pores and breaking apart dead skin cells. People with oily skin are more prone to breakouts since an excess of oil leads to clogged pores. The Dermala SCANTILY Pad AM/PM Acne Treatment is an easy to use daily toner that contains salicylic acid along with the Dermala SE Microbiome Complex and Aloe vera to balance and hydrate the skin.    

Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize

There’s a misconception out there that you shouldn’t use a moisturizer with oily skin, but that’s far from the truth! Having oily skin doesn’t mean your skin is hydrated. Moisturizers are necessary to lock in moisture and strengthen the skin barrier. Similar to cleansing too harshly, not using a moisturizer can lead to dry, irritated skin signaling your body to produce more oil to protect it. Not all moisturizers work well for acne-prone skin, though. Look for a light, non-comedogenic moisturizer that’s made for sensitive skin. Also, don’t forget to apply your SFP during the day!

Find balance

Some lifestyle factors like diet and stress can contribute to an increase in skin oiliness. While it’s impossible to avoid stress, try to incorporate some self-wellness into your daily routine. Make it a priority to spare at least 30 minutes a day for a workout, meditation, calling your bestie, or drawing a bath. Another way to support your physical and mental health is by making it a priority to eat a balanced diet. If the foods you eat are making you feel tired and mentally unwell, incorporate more fresh fruits, veggies, and whole grains into your diet to help pick up your mood. Chances are foods that make you feel good also treat your body well.