Keeping greasy skin at bay can seem like a never-ending, full-time job. But since we all yearn to look dewy and not greasy, we chatted to skin expert, Tilly Barnett, owner of No.13 The Beauty Avenue, on how to solve this common skin problem.
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“Oily skin occurs when too much sebum is being produced by our glands,” explains Tilly.
“Our skin type can absolutely change due to many factors in relation to oily/acne skins. This change usually occurs with hormonal changes such as pregnancy and puberty. People who have a tendency to be oily will also notice it can get worse in the warmer months especially with humidity.”
Tilly says there are specific types of products you can use to combat greasy skin.
“I love BHAs when it comes to oily skin including glycolic acid and salicylic acid,” says Tilly. “Both help to reduce excess oil, leave pores smaller, which helps prevent the plugging of pores (blackheads).”
beautyheaven loves: Dr. LeWinn’s Reversaderm Glycolic Clarifying Cleanser, philosophy the microdelivery triple-acid brightening peel, Paula’s Choice Clear Regular Strength Anti-Redness Exfoliating Solution with 2% Salicylic Acid, Proactiv+ Cleansing Body Bar
Another great ingredient, Tilly recommends, is Kaolin. This oil absorbing skin care ingredient is usually found in masks that can help to leave the skin with a balanced finish.
beautyheaven loves: Palmer’s Purifying Enzyme Mask, Lush Cosmetic Warrior, Blessed by Nature Purifying Face Masque
Tilly also has a great solution for an oily T-zone but dry cheek combo. “When you have combination skin, apply serum and masks made especially for an oilier skin to the T-zone area and use a more hydrating mask/serum on the cheeks.”
beautyheaven loves: Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum, Nutrimetics Clear Pore Minimiser, La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Plus
“It really important to cleanse using a purifying cleanser or one containing AHAs, which is also going to give your skin a gentle daily exfoliation and keep pores clear,” says Tilly. “You also need to exfoliate one to two times a week with either a scrub, peel pad, or a serum infused with glycolic, salicylic or Vitamin A.” The bonus is you’ll also firm the skin and tighten pores. Considering oily skin can often become quite dehydrated, Tilly recommends using a moisturiser containing hyaluronic acid that’s hydrating and light-weight.
beautyheaven loves: Alpha-H Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid and Grapeseed, DMK Direct Delivery Vitamin C serum, DermaE Vitamin C Concentrated Serum
“When it comes to in-salon treatments it’s all about reducing pore size,” says Tilly. “This can be achieved with the use of peels or microdermabrasion. But you can also get good results with a deep cleansing facial that includes a purifying mask.”
“Omnilux light therapy is also great combined with any of the above treatments for stimulating collagen and tightening pores,” explains Tilly. “It’s also calming and anti-inflammatory for those oilier skins with acne.”
How do you deal with an oily face? What are your fave greasy skin products to use?
