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Hi everyone, I'm your skincare blogger Little C. Recently, I've received many messages from my lovely followers asking about how to care for oily skin. As someone who has transformed from having oily skin to achieving a dewy complexion, I truly understand your struggles! I remember looking in the mirror every day and seeing that shine all over my face, with makeup that wouldn't stay put. However, after years of in-depth research and experimentation, I finally found a skincare routine that works for me, and today I want to share my insights with you all.

Causes of Oily Skin

Have you ever noticed how your face feels fresh after washing it in the morning, but by noon your forehead starts getting oily, and by afternoon your entire face looks like it's been greased? Not only does your makeup completely break down, but you're also prone to acne, and taking photos becomes a nightmare. Actually, this condition is related to many factors, and we need to start by analyzing the root causes.

First, vitamin B2 deficiency is a major factor. It can lead to sebaceous gland dysfunction, causing your skin to continuously secrete oil. Additionally, stress, irregular sleep patterns, and hormonal imbalances all affect sebum production. I noticed that whenever I stayed up late watching dramas, my skin would produce excessive oil the next day.

Moreover, I've found that many people have a misconception that oily skin needs aggressive washing. They scrub their faces vigorously every day, trying to make their skin squeak clean. This actually stimulates the sebaceous glands to produce more oil, creating a vicious cycle. I used to do this myself, and my skin just got oilier, which was extremely frustrating.

Another often overlooked cause is environmental factors. For instance, spending too much time in air-conditioned rooms can cause your skin to compensate for dehydration by producing more oil. Summer sun exposure and harsh winter winds can all affect sebum production. So, caring for oily skin is truly a systematic project that requires a multi-faceted approach.

Dietary Guidelines

Speaking of which, I must emphasize the importance of diet. When I first started my skincare journey, I focused solely on buying skincare products while ignoring the fundamental aspect of dietary adjustment. Looking back, I was just wasting money. Even the most expensive skincare products won't be as effective if you don't manage your diet properly.

To improve oily skin, you first need to adjust your diet structure. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids are particularly important, such as salmon and tuna. I now eat salmon two to three times a week, and I've noticed a significant improvement in my skin condition. Green leafy vegetables, fresh fruits, whole grains, legumes, and nuts are also excellent choices. I personally love buckwheat, which is not only high in iron but also helps improve oily skin.

Every morning, I drink a homemade fruit and vegetable juice, like apple with carrot or tomato with celery. This not only provides vitamins but also helps with detoxification. Hydration is also crucial; I keep a large water bottle on my desk to remind myself to drink more water.

Try to minimize foods high in saturated fats and trans fats. Fast foods like fried chicken and french fries should be especially avoided. I completely understand everyone's love for these delicious foods, but for the sake of your skin, you need to exercise some restraint. Sugary drinks and alcohol should also be limited, as they can increase sebum production.

Spicy and stimulating foods should also be consumed in moderation, as they can increase sebum production. I remember one time after eating spicy hot pot, my face was extremely oily the next day, and I even broke out. Since then, I've tried to stick to milder foods.

Probiotics supplementation is also important; you can eat yogurt or probiotic supplements. Gut health has a significant impact on skin condition, so I now eat plain yogurt every morning.

Basic Skincare

After discussing internal care, let's talk about external care. Many people ask me: "Why is my skin still so oily even though I use so many oil-control products?" The key lies in whether the skincare method is correct. Like me in the past, I stocked up on oil-control products, but the more I used them, the worse my skin became.

First is the cleansing step. Choosing a gentle cleanser is crucial; avoid cleansers that leave your skin feeling tight after washing. I now use gentle amino acid-based cleansers that provide adequate cleansing power without damaging the skin barrier. The water temperature should also be moderate; don't use hot water as it will stimulate the sebaceous glands.

When cleansing, gently massage with your fingertips, don't scrub hard, and limit the time to about one minute. I now wash my face twice a day, only cleansing extra times when I've been sweating a lot.

Many people like to create lots of foam with their facial cleanser, thinking it provides better cleansing. Actually, this isn't true; too much foam can strip necessary oils from the skin's surface. I now use a low-foam cleanser, and my skin doesn't feel tight after cleansing.

Toner selection is also crucial. Toners containing salicylic acid, fruit acids, or lactic acid can help control oil, but be careful with the frequency of use. Beginners should start with 2-3 times per week. I currently use a toner containing salicylic acid, but I don't use it daily; instead, I adjust the frequency based on my skin's condition.

The choice of cotton pads is also important; choose high-quality ones that don't leave lint behind. I used to use cheap cotton pads that would leave fibers on my face, but after switching to better quality ones, the experience improved significantly.

Deep Care

Many people with oily skin think they don't need moisturizer - this mindset needs to change. I used to think this way, and my skin just got oilier. Later I realized that proper moisturizing prevents the skin from producing excess oil due to dehydration.

With the right moisturizing products, even oily skin can be hydrated without feeling greasy. Choose light, oil-free formulas; hyaluronic acid is an excellent moisturizing ingredient. My current serums and lotions are all lightweight, and they don't feel sticky at all after application.

Face masks are also great tools for deep care. However, oily skin needs oil-control and hydrating masks rather than super-nourishing ones. I usually use masks two to three times a week, never exceeding 15 minutes per session, and the results are quite good.

Sunscreen is an essential step. I recommend physical sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which not only provide protection but also have some oil-control properties. However, make sure to remove sunscreen thoroughly, or it can clog pores.

Regular exfoliation is important but shouldn't be overdone. I now use a gentle exfoliant once a week, which helps remove accumulated dead skin cells and oil without damaging the skin.

Advanced Solutions

If you want to further improve oily skin, consider adding some special care products. For example, niacinamide and retinol can both regulate sebum production. However, note that retinol should be introduced gradually, starting with low concentrations and slowly increasing frequency.

My current skincare routine is as follows: In the morning, I wash my face with a gentle cleanser, followed by toner, serum, lotion, and sunscreen. At night, I start with cleansing oil, then facial cleanser, toner, serum, and lotion. If my skin feels particularly oily, I'll use an oil-control sheet mask after toner.

You can carry oil blotting papers for daily use, but don't overuse them. I used to be addicted to oil blotting papers, which actually increased my sebum production. Now I gently press with setting powder instead, which works better.

If your budget allows, consider getting a professional treatment monthly. I now get a deep cleansing treatment every month, which really helps with oil control. However, make sure to choose a reputable beauty salon; don't compromise quality for price.

Product Selection

When choosing skincare products, check if the formula is suitable for oily skin. Oil-free and water-based products are basic requirements. Look for products labeled "noncomedogenic" to reduce the risk of clogged pores.

I always check the ingredient list of my skincare products, paying special attention to the first few ingredients. If mineral oil or silicone oil appears in the top ingredients, I skip it. While these ingredients aren't necessarily problematic, it's better to be cautious with oily skin.

Also pay attention to texture when choosing skincare products. Oily skin works best with light gel or water-based lotion textures; be careful with rich cream textures. All my current products are quite lightweight, and my face never feels stuffy after application.

Price isn't the only criterion for choosing skincare products. I've used many effective affordable products and have also been disappointed by some expensive ones. The key is finding products that work for you, not following trends blindly.

Final Thoughts

Actually, oily skin isn't all bad. It has stronger anti-aging abilities, and wrinkles appear later. Many people envy oily skin as they age. The key is learning to work with it and finding the right care routine.

Skincare is a process that requires patience; don't expect instant results. It took me nearly two years to transform from oily to dewy skin. I made many mistakes and wasted money along the way, but these experiences helped me better understand my skin.

Remember, everyone's skin condition is different, so don't blindly follow others' skincare routines. Observe your skin's condition and adjust your care routine accordingly. The most important thing in skincare is consistency - if your method is right, you'll definitely see results.

What challenges have you encountered in caring for oily skin? Feel free to share in the comments; your experience might help other readers. Stay tuned for more skincare tips in the next post, and don't forget to like and follow!