Breaking Point

It was a stuffy, unbearable summer when I once again stood in front of the mirror, looking at my face full of oil and acne, feeling completely dejected. As a skincare blogger with a modest following, having to face the camera every day, I was truly at my breaking point with my greasy face. My T-zone was so oily it could reflect light, occasional breakouts on my cheeks, plus pores that could never be concealed - I just wanted to bury myself in the ground.

A few days ago, after posting a skincare review video, a follower commented: "Girl, your face is so oily, your makeup is melting off." Though I knew the fans meant no harm, it still hurt deeply. I had tried many methods and bought all sorts of oil-control products, but nothing worked satisfactorily. Every time I applied makeup, it would start melting before noon, turning into an "oil-fried mask" by afternoon - utterly embarrassing.

The most devastating moments were during dates when my boyfriend would thoughtfully say: "Your face looks really oily, want to wipe it?" Though I knew he meant well, every time I heard those words, I wanted to disappear into thin air. Going bare-faced? Unthinkable - with pores this large, I felt like everyone on the street was staring at me.

Understanding the Problem

Later, when I calmed down and seriously researched the issue, I discovered that oily skin isn't some shameful problem. Through reviewing numerous medical literature and research reports, I found that 60-70% of young people globally struggle with oily skin. Among Asian populations, this percentage is even higher at over 75%. This gave me some comfort, knowing I wasn't suffering alone.

To thoroughly understand this issue, I consulted several dermatologists. It turns out everything starts with the sebaceous glands. These glands are like tiny oil fields on our face, normally responsible for secreting appropriate amounts of oil to moisturize and protect the skin. However, under certain conditions, these little oil fields start operating in overdrive.

Doctors told me that besides genetic factors, hormonal fluctuations are the main cause of sebaceous gland hyperactivity. Especially during puberty and around menstruation, androgens stimulate the sebaceous glands, making them work overtime. Moreover, work stress, staying up late, irregular schedules, and even emotional fluctuations can affect the sebaceous glands' functioning.

I also learned that external environmental factors like air pollution and climate changes can affect oil secretion. During humid and stuffy summers, sebaceous glands become more active. Additionally, inappropriate skincare habits, such as over-cleansing or using irritating products, can actually cause compensatory oil production.

Diagnostic Methods

At this point, some might wonder how to determine if they have oily skin. There's actually a simple test. After cleansing your face, wait 2-3 hours, then gently press oil blotting paper against your T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin areas). If the paper becomes transparent, your face has obvious shine, pores appear particularly visible, and you're prone to acne, you most likely have oily skin.

However, oily skin comes in different degrees. Mild oily skin might only show obvious oil in the T-zone; moderate oily skin will have shine all over but not too extreme; severe oily skin, like my previous condition, looks like it's just been deep-fried and often comes with acne problems.

I also discovered an interesting phenomenon: many people with oily skin think their skin is thick and rough. This is actually an illusion - the stratum corneum of oily skin is about the same thickness as other skin types, but excess oil secretion makes pores appear more prominent, creating this impression.

Skincare Insights

After two years of continuous trial and error, stepping into countless pitfalls, I finally developed a skincare regimen suitable for oily skin. This isn't pseudoscience, but methods based on scientific principles and clinical research.

Basic Cleansing

Let's start with the most basic cleansing steps. When I first started skincare, I thought the cleaner the better, even feeling satisfied when my skin felt tight after washing. Looking back, I was so naive. I used strong cleansing products then, and while my face was clean, it would become even oilier shortly after.

Later I understood that gentle amino acid cleansers are the true love for oily skin. They can effectively clean oil and dirt while preserving the skin's natural barrier. Now I look for three things when choosing cleansers: first, it must contain gentle amino acid ingredients; second, it should create fine, dense foam; third, the pH should be around 5.5, close to skin's natural pH.

Cleansing technique is also important. I now use my fingertips to massage gently, avoiding harsh rubbing or too-hot water. Water temperature should be between 28-32 degrees Celsius, and cleansing time should be under 60 seconds. Cleansing too long can stimulate the skin and cause sebum production to go out of control. Washing twice daily is sufficient, plus after exercise.

If wearing makeup, I first use cleansing oil or water to remove makeup, then follow with facial cleanser for double cleansing. This ensures thorough cleaning without damaging the skin. When removing makeup, be gentle with pressure - let the product do its work.

Treatment Essences

Regarding essences, many people with oily skin think they're unnecessary, fearing they'll make skin oilier. This is a big mistake! The right essence can actually help improve oily skin conditions.

My favorite contains niacinamide. This ingredient is truly a blessing for oily skin, as it regulates sebum production and improves enlarged pores. According to clinical studies, 5% niacinamide used continuously for 4 weeks can significantly improve skin oiliness. After using it myself, I noticed my oil production wasn't as extreme as before.

Salicylic acid is also a good choice, as it gently dissolves oil and dead skin cells in pores, preventing acne formation. However, salicylic acid should be introduced gradually - start with 0.5% low concentration products 1-2 times weekly, then slowly increase frequency as skin adapts.

Another tip is using different essences for different areas. Use oil-control types for the T-zone and hydrating ones for the cheeks to better address different areas' needs.

Moisturizing and Sun Protection

Regarding moisturizing, this might be a pain point for many with oily skin. People often ask me, "With all this oil, do I still need moisturizer?" The answer is absolutely! Excess oil secretion doesn't equal adequate hydration - without proper water supplementation, skin will compensate by producing even more oil.

When choosing moisturizers, texture is crucial. I now only use light gel-type products, always checking for "oil-free" and "non-comedogenic" labels on ingredient lists. Research shows using appropriate moisturizers can help reduce sebum production by 20-30%.

Sun protection is absolutely essential, rain or shine. I used to think sunscreen was too greasy until I realized I was using the wrong products. Now I use light, non-greasy sunscreens with SPF30-50+ and PA+++ or higher. I especially recommend oil-free physical sunscreens - though they might leave a white cast, they won't clog pores.

Advanced Care

Deep Treatment

Besides daily care, deep treatment is important. I now do deep cleansing 1-2 times weekly using salicylic acid exfoliants to dissolve dead skin cells and unclog pores. When exfoliating, gentleness is key - don't think harder scrubbing means better results, as this can be counterproductive.

I also regularly use face masks, but not just any kind. Oily skin benefits most from light hydrogel masks or clay masks. Clay masks are especially effective at absorbing excess oil and impurities from pores. However, don't leave clay masks on too long to avoid over-drying - I limit it to 10-15 minutes.

If financially possible, I recommend monthly professional deep treatments. I maintain monthly facial cleanings at a beauty salon with noticeable results. Statistics show 90% of oily skin shows significant improvement after 3-4 professional treatments. Just be sure to choose legitimate beauty establishments, don't compromise quality for price at small shops.

Lifestyle Recommendations

Beyond skincare products, let's discuss lifestyle habits. Often, skin improvement is inseparable from lifestyle adjustments.

First, regarding exercise. Always clean your face promptly after sweating during exercise - I now carry gentle cleansing wipes and use them post-workout. If possible, gently rinse with clean water.

Sleep quality greatly impacts skin condition. Research shows sleep deprivation can increase sebum production by 40%. I now try to ensure 7-8 hours of sleep daily and put down my phone an hour before bedtime for better sleep quality.

Diet also matters - moderate intake of sweets and spicy foods. These foods can stimulate sebaceous glands, making faces oilier. I now basically avoid fried foods and eat more vitamin-rich vegetables and fruits. I also ensure adequate daily water intake to maintain body hydration.

Stress management is crucial. I notice my face gets particularly oily and prone to breakouts during high-stress work periods. Now I manage stress through exercise, meditation, and maintaining a positive mood.

An often overlooked point is menstrual care. I've noticed skin becomes particularly unstable around menstruation. During this time, pay extra attention to cleansing while possibly reducing skincare product usage to let skin rest.

Transformation Results

After this long journey, my skin condition has greatly improved. Though still oily, it's now manageable within a reasonable range. Most importantly, I've learned to accept my skin type and no longer feel anxious about it.

Looking back, that version of me who constantly worried about oily skin was quite endearing. Through continuous learning and practice, I finally found suitable care methods. Remember, oily skin isn't a flaw - with the right methods and patience, you too can have fresh, healthy skin.

Skincare is a process requiring persistence; don't expect instant results. I can now confidently go out bare-faced, and though oil still appears, I've learned to touch up and clean as needed. Most importantly, maintain a good mindset and don't pressure yourself too much.

What concerns do you have about your oily skin? Feel free to share experiences in the comments. In my next post, I'll detail common pitfalls in oily skin care - follow me to stay tuned.