Skincare for Oily Greasy Skin

What is Oily Skin?

The first thing to understand about oily or greasy skin is that it is caused by excess skin oil produced within the pores. Your skin has a predisposition of being oily, the same way your hair may be thick or thin, or you are short or tall.

An oily face, as much as you may not like it, does have its advantages. The oil on your skin relieves dryness and keeps it healthy. It also helps maintain the skin’s elasticity, which helps in keeping wrinkles at bay.

Having said that, excessive secretion of oil can be annoying too, as it enlarges the pores, which not only foster bacteria but also get clogged with the oil, leading to problems like acne, blackheads and more. Oily skin also breaks out more easily, and more often, so you must take good care of it.

What Causes Oily Skin?

Oil production is a natural function of the skin. The oil produced by the skin is called sebum, and it is only when the quantities of sebum go beyond the normal range, that your skin can be classified as oily. Excessive sebum production can happen due to one of these reasons:

Genetics – Larger sebaceous glands that produce excess oil is a hereditary attribute that can be passed down from your parents
Hormonal changes - Androgens are the hormones responsible for oil production, and any fluctuation in the hormonal levels will cause an increase in sebum production. These changes are noticed most prominently during puberty, before men's truation, and during pregnancy and menopause. Any kind of hormonal medication or stress-led hormonal imbalance can have the same effect
Environment – If you live in a hot and humid environment, your sebaceous glands can be stimulated to produce excess oil. Similarly, arid or cold climates can cause the skin to become dry, causing the glands to go into overdrive to compensate
Skincare products – What you put on your face will affect the way your sebum glands secrete oil. Cosmetics that do not suit your skin type can aggravate the glands. Over-washing the face with harsh or low-quality products will also cause the skin to become dry and cause the glands to produce more oil to compensate

Is There a Difference Between Oil and Water Levels?

Whenever we think about hydration, we immediately think of water, and that is true for our skin as well. By drinking more water, the water level in your cells increases, allowing for a smoother skin complexion.

When you keep your skin hydrated on a regular basis, you help decrease signs of wrinkles and fine lines. So, why is it not enough to just drink water and remain hydrated? That’s because there’s a difference between hydrated and moisturized skin!

The production of sebum in the skin (and excess of it) can make your skin oily, although its function is to keep skin nourished, protected and moisturized. When you use harsh products, you may strip your skin off essential oils. Consequently, your skin reacts by producing even more oil, which is not what you want. This vicious cycle can cause redness and more blocked pores.

Despite having oily skin, it’s important to use a moisturizer after washing your face during the day or at night. Even if you don’t find the idea too compelling, ensure that you use a moisturizer after scrubbing, because your face becomes sensitive and needs extra help in regaining moisture. Most importantly, use products that are not too harsh on your skin!

Skincare Routine for Oily Skin

While there are ways to temporarily blot out the oil or cover the blemishes, you need a permanent skincare routine for oily face care. Some adjustments to your skincare regime can help combat greasy skin effectively.

Choose the right facial cleanser - A telltale sign of a good facial cleanser is that your skin feels refreshed but not tight, after a wash. The best face wash for oily skin and pimples will rinse away the dirt and grime, but not the oils from your face, leaving the glands to rest easy. Check the ingredients as well, to ensure it is light and gentle on your skin and does not dehydrate the surface of your face. Apply the same rules to your toner, and use it once or twice a week only, as acne-prone skin cannot tolerate heavy astringents
Moisturise the face properly - It’s easy to think that oily skin does not need to be moisturised. But it is actually quite the opposite. Moisturisers create a barrier to keep the dirt and grime out of your pores and help alleviate the oil on the skin. Make sure you use light moisturisers with soothing properties to keep your skin soft, without layering too much product that can clog the pores instead
Consult a dermatologist - If your oily skin is caused by medical issues, you need to seek professional help. A dermatologist will help you pinpoint the causes behind your greasy skin, and you can solve the issue at its root

Soaps and Moisturisers Oily Skin and Pimples

It is a myth that oily skin does not need to be moisturised. It is very important though, that you choose your facial care products prudently. Pick a moisturiser that is light in texture. Heavy creams can clog your pores instead of helping clean off the oil. The best moisturiser for oily skin works even during the summer months, keeping your skin fresh and clean. Bar soaps can dry out the skin, but you can choose a good soap for oily skin and pimples based on the ingredients, and how mild or strong it is.

Face Wipes for Oily Skin

Johnson’s offers a range of face care products that can be effective for oily skin. In addition to face washes and moisturisers, you can also use our face wipes for oily skin to combat that shine and greasy face feeling on a daily basis.

These face wipes are specially formulated to enhance your skin’s natural moisture balance. They sweep away the impurities on the skin and combat the shine, without drying the skin. Give a good wipe on the T-zone to get rid of that greasy look, and then sweep over the full face for a final clean-up.