Balancing Act: Mastering Oily Skin Care with NamoMonk's Essentials

Oily skin is the exact opposite of the dry skin type. It can cause a shiny or greasy appearance to the skin due to the overproduction of sebum. It is often confused with combination skin type - a clear distinguisher of these skin types is the location of oiliness on the skin, if your face is oily all over, it is an oily skin type. Another telltale characteristic of this skin type is the appearance of larger, more visible pores that are prone to blackheads, whiteheads and acne. While it may seem like it is a lot of work to manage it, with the correct routine, oily skin can look healthy, balanced and radiant.

To identify if you have oily skin, cleanse your face and wait for an hour without applying any products. If your skin feels greasy and your pores appear enlarged, you likely have an oily skin type.

What Causes Oily Skin?

Oily skin is influenced by a combination of many factors, including genetics, hormones and external conditions. While genetics is one of the key reasons for oily skin, poor diet and living environment also play a major role in causing oily skin. If you live in humid conditions, your skin secretes comparatively more oil and sebum by default.

Hormonal fluctuations, particularly during puberty or menstruation, can push your sebaceous glands to overproduce oil. This may lead to clogged pores and ultimately, breakouts. Habits like over-cleansing can also cause oily skin and breakouts. You might wash your face too often because it is feeling greasy, however, it is counterintuitive, since with every wash your skin is stripped of its natural oils, which ends up making your skin overproduce oil to compensate for the moisture that is lost. It is a never-ending loop, like a snake biting its own tail.

How to Care for Oily Skin?

There are many myths and assumptions about proper care of oily skin. Since the skin is greasy most of the time, over cleansing or not moisturising at all are two of the most common mistakes made by those with oily skin. Here is a routine that can help you fix those mistakes.

• Oil-free Cleanser: Use a face wash for oily skin not more than twice daily. A good cleanser for oily skin is mostly labelled as non-comedogenic or is infused with ingredients that help control the oil production of the skin.
• Toner: Apply a face toner for oily skin after cleansing to balance your skin’s pH and tighten pores.
• Serums: The best serum for oily skin will help nourish and improve your skin’s health. Opt for something with vitamin C to address uneven skin texture, etc.
• Moisturiser: The most common myth is that oily skin does not need moisturisers, it is in fact the opposite. Use a moisturiser for oily skin that is lightweight. The best lotion for oily face will get absorbed into the skin instantly without making it greasy.
• Sun Protection: A sunscreen for oily skin should focus on adding a layer of protection without making the skin greasy, this is a known concern of using sunscreens. Opt for something with a matte finish to avoid a greasy appearance.

Also Read: Seasonal Skincare: Adapting Your Body Lotion Routine

NamoMonk’s Picks

Powdered Face Cleanser

Brazilian Pink Clay, Red Clay, Fuller’s Earth (Multani Mitti), Kaolin Clay and Bentonite Clay blend into this powdered face cleanser that is perfect for absorbing excess oil from the skin and helping regulate the skin’s oil production while providing other benefits such as soothing and detoxifying skin and reducing the signs of ageing. It is gentle yet effectively unclogs pores without stripping the skin of moisture — which is a prime concern for anyone with oily skin.

Argan Oil

A lightweight non-comedogenic oil with a high content of antioxidants and linoleic acid — known for helping regulate sebum and reducing excess oil from the skin over time. It provides long lasting moisture while also maintaining skin’s natural moisture barrier, preventing dehydration that can trigger more oil production. It is a perfect non-greasy, natural moisturiser for oily skin.

Sweet Basil Duo

The perfect duo for oily skin type! A gentle cleanser that detoxifies and hydrates skin followed by a lightweight body lotion that spreads easily and absorbs into the skin instantly. The cleanser is infused with the goodness of ingredients like Sweet Basil, Cedarwood essential oil and Lemon extract — all great for balancing the oil production of the skin and combating acne. The hyaluronic acid in the body lotion is also known for its ability to deeply hydrate without adding excess oil to the skin.

Managing oily skin does not have to be a constant battle. With the right balance of gentle, oil balancing cleansers, lightweight and non-comedogenic moisturisers, you will not need to keep blotting or reapplying products all day. Remember that hydration is key, even oily skin needs moisture.

References

https://www.scienceopen.com/document?vid=1d1d15d0-da90-48d9-83a0-9cc6fa569856

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/physiology/articles/10.3389/fphys.2019.00254/full

https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/13/4/425

https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/19/1/70

https://bmcbiol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12915-019-0660-6