Opening Words

Hello everyone! Today let's talk about a topic that troubles many of us - oily skin. As someone who has been troubled by oily skin since childhood, I truly understand this frustration. I remember during my school days, I would take out a stack of oil blotting papers at noon and repeatedly blot my face in front of the mirror, but soon after, it would be shiny again. At my worst, I would use half a pack of oil blotting papers in one day. Looking at my shiny face in the mirror, I was almost at my breaking point.

It wasn't until later when I systematically studied dermatology that I truly understood how to scientifically care for oily skin. Now as a dermatologist, I encounter many people every day who are troubled just like I was. Seeing their anxiety reminds me of myself back then. So today, I want to share with you the professional knowledge and practical experience I've accumulated over these years.

Understanding Oily Skin

Did you know? Oily skin is actually a very special skin type. Its characteristic is having particularly active sebaceous glands that produce much more oil than average people. Simply put, your skin is like a perpetual oil pump, continuously secreting sebum. This condition is especially common during puberty because hormone secretion is abundant during this period, stimulating sebaceous glands to work overtime.

The causes of oily skin are actually very complex. Besides genetic factors, it's closely related to our lifestyle, dietary habits, stress levels, and more. For example, staying up late and being under stress can significantly increase sebum secretion. Similarly, frequently eating spicy and greasy foods can also aggravate sebum secretion.

Moreover, oily skin can vary with seasonal changes. In summer, sebaceous glands become more active due to high temperatures; in winter, although oil secretion relatively decreases, improper care can easily lead to combination skin that's both oily and dry.

Symptoms

When it comes to the characteristics of oily skin, they are truly distinctive. First and most obvious is that the skin surface is always shiny, especially in the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin). Many people spend half an hour carefully applying makeup in the morning, only to have it become a mess by noon, and even worse by afternoon.

Secondly, enlarged pores are very troubling. The pores of oily skin are like small open mouths, easily clogged and forming blackheads and whiteheads. Some people can clearly see the pores on their nose without a magnifying glass, which is particularly noticeable in photos, making it very frustrating.

Another annoying issue is that makeup doesn't last. I've seen many people whose makeup looks fresh in the morning but becomes patchy by noon. Foundation and blush seem to melt away, eyeliner smudges, and the whole makeup looks terrible. Worse still, some people try to fix this by constantly touching up their makeup, which only makes it heavier and more likely to clog pores.

Additionally, oily skin is prone to acne and inflammation. This is because excess oil mixes with dead skin cells and dust, clogging pores and creating an environment for bacteria to grow. Especially before and after menstruation, many people find themselves breaking out with acne due to hormonal fluctuations increasing sebum production.

Care Principles

When it comes to caring for oily skin, the most important principle is to be gentle and consistent. Many people, upon seeing their shiny face, want to scrub it aggressively with the strongest cleanser possible, but this actually stimulates sebaceous glands to produce more oil. It's like scolding a crying child - they'll only cry harder.

Gentle care means using mild products suitable for oily skin and proper application methods. For example, don't use hot water for cleansing as high temperatures stimulate sebaceous glands; don't rub the skin forcefully, gentle massage is enough; don't use too many exfoliating products, once or twice a week is sufficient.

Consistent care emphasizes establishing a long-term skincare routine. Skincare isn't something that happens overnight - it requires persistence. Many people relax their vigilance when they see improvement in their skin condition, only to have it rebound shortly after. So we need to establish a sustainable care routine and stick to basic skincare every day.

Meanwhile, we also need to pay attention to adjusting lifestyle habits. For example, ensure adequate sleep because staying up late can disrupt sebum secretion; exercise appropriately to promote blood circulation; maintain a happy mood to reduce stress; maintain a balanced diet and eat less spicy and greasy food.

Daily Routine

After waking up in the morning, first use a gentle cleanser to massage and clean. I personally highly recommend cleansers containing salicylic acid, which can gently remove excess oil and dead skin cells. When cleansing, use your fingertips to massage gently, with gentle movements, for about one minute. Then rinse with lukewarm water, not hot water, as high temperatures will stimulate sebaceous glands to produce more oil.

Apply toner immediately after cleansing, as pores are open at this time and most ready to absorb nutrients. When choosing toner, it's recommended to select alcohol-free formulas that may contain oil-control ingredients like niacinamide and zinc. The application method is also important - you can either pour the toner on a cotton pad and gently pat, or directly pat it in with your palms.

Next comes the highlight - oil-control serum and lotion. Although you have oily skin, never skip the moisturizing step. Many people think oily skin doesn't need hydration, which is a big mistake. Dehydration is actually more common in oily skin because surface oil can prevent water from entering the skin. So we need to choose light-textured serums and lotions, focusing on hydration.

Remember to apply sunscreen before going out during the day. Many people with oily skin skip sunscreen because they think it's too greasy, which is very wrong. UV rays stimulate sebaceous glands secretion and aggravate oiliness, so sun protection is actually an important part of oil control. There are many sunscreens specifically developed for oily skin on the market now, with light textures that aren't greasy, so there's no need to worry about burden on the skin.

Evening skincare steps should be more thorough than daytime. First is double cleansing - you can use cleansing oil or micellar water to remove makeup and sunscreen, then use facial cleanser for deep cleaning. Follow with toner, serum, and lotion as usual. You can choose more potent products at night, such as serums containing salicylic acid or AHA, but be sure to introduce them gradually and don't use too much at once.

Also perform deep care 1-2 times per week, such as using cleansing masks or exfoliating products. But don't overuse them, as over-exfoliation can stimulate sebum secretion. When choosing masks, opt for oil-control types rather than too nourishing ones.

Special Attention

Sun protection is really crucial. I often see people with oily skin skipping sunscreen because they think it's too greasy, which is a major mistake. UV rays not only accelerate skin aging but also stimulate sebaceous glands to produce more oil. There are many sunscreens specifically developed for oily skin on the market now, some in gel form, some in spray form, all very light in texture.

Moreover, applying sunscreen once isn't enough - you need to reapply based on time outdoors and UV intensity. Especially during summer outdoor activities, reapply every 2-3 hours. Before reapplying, it's best to use oil blotting paper to absorb excess oil first, so the new sunscreen can better adhere to the skin.

Besides sun protection, oily skin needs special attention to prevent pore clogging. People who exercise regularly should clean promptly - use gentle cleanser immediately after exercise, don't let sweat and oil stay on the skin surface too long. Also pay attention when applying makeup - try to choose oil-free foundation formulas and always remove makeup thoroughly at night.

Product Selection

Regarding product selection, I suggest paying special attention to ingredient lists. Prioritize products labeled "oil-free" and "non-comedogenic". These products are specially designed not to burden the skin.

When choosing cleansers, look for these ingredients: salicylic acid (for gentle exfoliation), tea tree oil (antibacterial), niacinamide (regulates oil secretion). However, avoid products containing soap bases as they can damage the skin barrier.

Toners should be alcohol-free and can contain oil-control ingredients like niacinamide, zinc, and licorice extract. Serums and lotions should be light-textured, not too nourishing. Consider products containing hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and AHAs.

Sunscreens should be light and non-greasy, preferably combining physical and chemical protection. SPF should be above 30, PA+++ or higher. Many sunscreens now are specifically designed for oily skin, some even containing oil-control ingredients.

Mask selection is also important - oily skin suits clay masks and cleansing masks, not too nourishing ones. If you want deep cleansing, you can choose masks containing salicylic acid or AHAs, but be careful with frequency of use.

Correcting Misconceptions

Many people think oily skin doesn't need hydration and moisturizing - this mindset really needs to change. Oily skin often produces more sebum as compensation for dehydration. So proper hydration can actually help control oil. Just like desert plants secrete oil to protect themselves, skin produces more oil to prevent water loss when dehydrated.

Another common misconception is thinking oily skin needs frequent exfoliation. Actually, over-exfoliation can damage the skin barrier and stimulate sebaceous glands to produce more oil. The correct approach is exfoliating 1-2 times per week, using gentle exfoliating products.

Many also think oily skin can't use cream, which is incorrect. In dry seasons, oily skin also needs appropriate moisturizing, just choose light-textured products. Especially after using oil-control products, it's important to supplement with hydration and nutrients.

There are also dietary misconceptions. Many think just eating less greasy food will improve oily skin, but diet affects skin comprehensively. Besides reducing greasy foods, it's important to supplement vitamins and minerals, eat more vitamin C-rich fruits, and get adequate quality protein.

Advanced Care

If you've mastered basic care, let's talk about some advanced topics. Oily skin actually suits AHA and retinoid products well, as they can regulate sebum secretion and improve enlarged pores. However, these products must be introduced gradually, starting with low concentrations.

When using AHAs, pay attention to concentration and frequency. Beginners can start with 5% AHA, using 1-2 times per week, then gradually increase frequency based on skin tolerance. Sun protection is essential when using AHAs as they increase skin sensitivity to UV rays.

Retinoids are also good for oily skin, as they can regulate keratin formation and improve pore size and acne issues. However, retinoids can be irritating, so it's recommended to start with retinol or gentler derivatives, and use them at night.

For more professional care, consider treatments at medical aesthetic clinics. Options like AHA peels, hydration injections, and fractional laser can improve oily skin issues. But be sure to choose legitimate medical facilities, don't go to small clinics just to save money.

Concluding Thoughts

Actually, having oily skin isn't all bad. Oily skin has stronger anti-aging abilities and is less prone to fine lines and wrinkles. Many people maintain tight, smooth skin into middle age because of active sebaceous glands. As long as we master correct care methods, oily skin can become healthy and beautiful.

The most important aspect of skincare isn't how many products you use, but establishing suitable, sustainable care habits. Everyone's skin condition is different, so care routines should be adjusted according to individual circumstances. Be cautious when trying new products - always do a patch test first and observe skin reactions.

Finally, I hope everyone troubled by oily skin can find suitable care methods. Skincare is a process that requires patience - don't expect instant results. As long as you persist with correct care methods, your skin will definitely improve.

Remember, the most important thing in skincare isn't how many products you use, but establishing suitable, sustainable care habits. What do you think? Welcome to share your skincare experiences in the comments.