What Is The Best Skin Care Kit For Oily Skin

Finding the right skincare product for oily skin can be quite a challenge, especially because a lot of the products that are advertised for oily skin end up damaging instead of nourishing and improving overall fairness and appearance. Most of them are filled with harsh chemicals that suck all the moisture out of your skin, leaving it wrinkled, dry and dehydrated.

That said, there are a select few skin care products that are truly designed to cater for oily skin, and you can use them to get your skin hydrated, radiant and matte. As for makeup products, there are plenty of options to choose from, and often, there’s a wider variety of high-quality options available for oily skin than there is for dry skin.

[go_pricing id=”amazon_5b1_5b148f1939671″]

What is Oily Skin?

While most people associate conditions like blackheads, breakouts, and redness with oily skin, these are merely symptoms and not the direct cause. What happens with oily skin is that the oil glands become overactive, which then leads to the overproduction of oil, which leads to slick and shiny looking skin.

Another distinguishing factor of oily skin is the presence of large pores, especially in the T-zone area of the face. Paradoxically, those with oily skin are also prone to have dried out patches due to using cleansing agents that are made from harsh chemicals. That’s what causes dehydration symptoms like tightness of the skin, rough texture and flakiness.

Best Skincare Routine for Oily Skin

The best way to keep your skin looking healthy and beautiful is to stick to a good skincare routine, using only the best skin care products to suit your skin type. By following a suitable routine, you’ll soon enjoy balanced, healthy and glowing skin.

AM:

• Wash your skin with a pH balanced cleaner, which means that it’s gentle and won’t strip the moisture from your skin (we offer some great recommendations later in this guide). The best way to thoroughly cleanse your face is to use a soft face cloth or a cotton pad.
• Then use a toner that contains powerful active ingredients and is alcohol-free, to ensure that the products you apply can penetrate the skin and work more efficiently.
• Spread a light moisturizer over your skin, and make sure you use a product that has a high SPF and non-comedogenic ingredients. However, if your moisturizer doesn’t contain any SPF, then you should use dedicated sun protection to keep your skin safe from the harsh effects of the sun.
• You can then proceed with your skincare routine.

PM:

• In the evening, pour an oil-based makeup remover to a cotton pad, and use it to remove all the makeup you applied earlier in the day.
• Use a pH-balanced cleanser to clean your skin once again.
• Apply a different toner than the one you used for your morning routine, and make sure that it’s loaded with beneficial active ingredients. On some days, you can also opt to use a chemical exfoliant for this particular step.
• Finally, apply a light moisturizer or serum- whichever one you like.

Can You Balance Skin’s Oil Production?

Taking a daily oral supplement of isotretinoin is currently the only viable method of reducing oil production in the glands.  You certainly won’t find anything as effective at reducing oil production when looking among the topical products available. Besides, the production of sebum naturally decreases as you get older.

A lot of people are of the impression that keeping their skin hydrated through moisturizers is the best way to maintain hydration. However, the truth is that it usually takes much more than that to change your skin’s natural mechanisms. The only benefit you derive from moisturizing your skin is having an improved barrier function, which causes it to look clearer, smoother and healthier while enabling your makeup to have staying power.

Boscia Detoxifying Black Cleanser

As mentioned above, it’s important to use a balanced pH cleanser when you have oily skin, and this Detoxifying Black Cleanser from Boscia has a perfectly balanced pH of 5.5, which not only cleanses and balances the skin but preps it perfectly for the rest of your skincare routine.

This cleanser contains some great ingredients like licorice root and vitamin C, which are responsible for brightening the complexion, while the black charcoal has powerful cleansing properties. Using this product will also minimize pores and tighten them for a fully hydrated and soft skin.

Know that applying this cleanser will cause a warm sensation to come over your skin, and although it contains glycolic acid, you should still get a separate chemical exfoliant for your skincare routine.

 

Pros

• Leaves the skin feeling clean and refreshed thanks to the concentrated gel formula
• Helps to remove makeup
• Your skin won’t feel dry or tight after applying this cleanser
• Contains a slight fragrance (you’ll hardly notice the geranium oil scent)

Cons

• This cleanser causes a distinct warming sensation on the skin after you apply it
• Although it’s advertised as being able to clear, detoxify and improve skin elasticity, in reality, this cleanser doesn’t do any of those things.

Julep Love Your Bare Face Cleansing Oil

Although most people with oily skin tend to steer clear of oil-based skin care products, they’re more effective at removing the skin’s sebum, because they’re able to bind to it better.

Case in point is this cleansing oil from Julep, whose main ingredient grapeseed oil is known for minimizing pores and mattifying the skin.  This cleanser also contains the antioxidant-rich coffee bean oil which works to effectively revitalize the skin, while the rosehip oil is well-known for having high amounts of beta-carotene as well as acne-clearing benefits.

This cleanser is suitable for use as a lightweight cleanser in the morning and can also be used as part of your evening skincare routine.

Pros

• Softens the skin
• Effectively moisturizes
• Smells amazing

Cons

• It’s a bit pricey

Peter Thomas Roth AHA BHA

Chemical exfoliants are highly beneficial to oily skin because when used regularly, they help to clear and reduce pores.

This cleansing heavyweight of a product contains powerful ingredients including glycolic acid which can deeply penetrate the skin for an extremely improved skin texture. It also contains 2% salicylic acid, which is an amazing exfoliant that helps to keep acne at bay.

Although this product comes with a few hydrating ingredients, it might be a good idea to top it with a light moisturizer for good measure.

Pros

• This cleanser helps to treat and manage acne blemishes by clearing pores from deep within the skin’s surface
• Contains a powerful combination of AHA and BHA, which work together for even more impressive results
• It penetrates deeply into the skin to eliminate blackheads and acne for a blemish-free complexion

Cons

• The smell has a distinct alcohol tinge to it, which can be quite unpleasant for most

Philosophy No Reason to Hide Multi Imperfection Transforming Serum

While philosophy is a modest brand that likes to keep their product names as inconspicuous as possible, they certainly don’t play when it comes to creating the actual product! In fact, this serum not only contains the acne-busting and lightly exfoliating salicylic acid, but it also has niacinamide, which is known for its amazing ability to shrink large pores.

Of course, there are plenty of other active ingredients in this serum to help brighten and protect your skin all day long, which is especially beneficial for oily skin because it’s more prone to suffer from premature aging and environmental effects.

Additionally, this serum gets quickly absorbed into the skin and deeply penetrates for maximum effects.

Pros

• Contains bisabolol, which is very effective at counteracting the appearance of blotchiness and redness on the skin
• It prevents the growth of dark marks and spots
• It greatly improves rough skin texture, while darkening pores

Cons

• It rubs off the skin easily
• You cannot use it on the skin surrounding your eyes or on your neck (décolleté)

MAC Blot Powder

This superb powder from MAC is not too heavy, which is great news for oily skin, and it also works great to set the foundation onto your skin, leaving it with a nice matte finish. No more worries about having a dull appearance.

Included in its ingredient list is kaolin clay, which is very effective at absorbing oil from the skin, and it’s highly pigmented so that it’s able to match perfectly with your foundation.

Just thought we’d mention here that this blotting powder is not MAC’s first attempt. When it initially came out a few years ago, they only had a translucent color that proved to be quite ineffective for most skin types. This version, however, comes with 5 different color options to choose from, which enables you to find your perfect color match easily.

Pros

• Superior quality powder
• Helps to control and reduce shine
• Oil absorbing

Cons

• It’s not as effective when applied with a powder brush
• It doesn’t provide the ideal coverage

Mario Badescu Rose Hips Nourishing Oil

Rosehip oil is an exceptionally effective product to use for oily skin. Not only does it work to invigorate the skin but it’s also jam-packed with beneficial nutrients and vitamins. You’ll be glad to know that it’s extremely lightweight and contains non-comedogenic fatty acids as the main ingredient.

Rosehip oil also comes with naturally-occurring tretinoin, which significantly reduces blemishes and acne, and with regular use, it can eliminate these conditions. The best part is that Rosehip oil is safe to use every day, and most users include it as the final step in their nighttime skincare routine.

It works swimmingly when applied over a thin layer of lightweight serum.

Pros

• Reduces dehydration and flakiness on the skin’s surface
• Improves skin hydration, as well as its texture
• Lightweight
• It’s odorless

Cons

• Some users find that the moisturizing effects of this oil are simply not enough

Shiseido Urban Environment Oil-Free UV Protector Broad Spectrum SPF 42

Applying sunscreen is probably one of the most important aspects of your daily skincare routine, regardless of the skin type you have. While it’s not always easy to find a good sunscreen product for oily skin, this SPF 42 sunscreen from Shiseido offers superb daily protection, and it doesn’t leave behind a white cast like some other sunscreen products. It also comes with a few skincare benefits, and has a nice matte finish, with a bit of silicone added to help lessen the appearance of pores on your face.

Add a layer of this on top of your serum during your daily morning skincare routine and watch the amazing results unfold.

Pros

• It provides oil-free, lightweight protection
• It has a nice matte finish
• Protects skin from daily environmental factors and damage
• Enhances the skin’s natural beauty

Cons

• It feels like a lotion when you apply it
• Watery

Estee Lauder Double Wear

Regardless of your skin type, finding a light to medium coverage foundations is not that hard. However, finding a full coverage foundation is a whole other story, particularly for oily skin, which tends to get cakey due to the large pores.

The good news is that the Double Wear foundation not only provides full coverage for oily skin, but it does so without adhering to dry or flaky spots, it never oxidizes, and it leaves your skin with a smooth matte finish.

As its name suggests, this foundation will stay in place the entire day, and its non-grease formula means that you don’t have to worry about slick looking skin either. Although it’s recommended to use a good primer along with this, it’s not compulsory, and you can even use it on its own if you so prefer. The best part is that it’s available in 36 different shades to suit all types of skin tones!

Pros

• Provides superb coverage
• It doesn’t require retouching
• Doesn’t cause skin breakouts

Cons

• It’s much lighter than what you’d expect

Too Cool For School Dinoplatz Dear Brachiosaurus Blotting Paper

As you may know, applying too much powder often leads to cakey looking skin, which is why it’s recommended to use blotting papers to avoid this effect. They soak up all the oil and leave the skin matte and shine free.

What sets these blotting sheets apart is the fact that they come with a stylish carrying case that you can easily whip out no matter where you are. Inside the case is a built-in mirror as well as an adhesive layered puff that you can alternatively use to mattify your face when you’re in public.

This makeup product is functional as it’s chic and is the ideal addition to your makeup collection if you have oily skin.

Pros

• It comes with additional refills
• Gets rid of excess oil
• Offers great value for money

Cons

• Some reviewers say that in some cases, the carrying case only came with the refills and none of the promised actual blotting papers

Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer

A silicone-based primer is ideal to have if you’ve got oily skin and applying a layer of it onto your skin before the foundation is a great way to help prevent shininess and it enables your foundation to last much longer.

This primer shrinks pores as soon as you apply it, enabling your foundation to apply easily and smoothly.

This mineral primer from Hourglass Veil earns extra brownie points for including SPF 15, which is usually sufficient for cloudy days but is not recommended for truly warm and sunny weather.

Pros

• Free of parabens, fragrances, and oils
• Lightweight and smooth texture
• After applying this primer, makeup applies easily and goes on smooth
• Comes with UV protection
• Reduces shine

Cons

• Some have complained that the bottle tends to come apart quite frequently

[go_pricing id=”amazon_5b1_5b148f1939671″]

What Are The Benefits Of Skin Care Products?

Often, people are quick to dismiss the value of investing in a set of professional, high-quality skin care products as being a waste of money. Their main argument is that they can get similar products for a fraction of the price over the counter. However, you have to realize that professional products are often pricier because using them highly benefits your skin.

For one, professional products contain a high concentration of the active ingredients required to fight acne, reduce blemishes and eliminate large pores, whereas over-the-counter products typically contain only a small fraction of the same active ingredients, making them less effective.

Here are just a few benefits that you will get when using professional skin care products:

• They deeply cleanse the skin and pores
• Effectively improve the appearance of dry or oily skin
• Help improve the texture and appearance of your skin
• Unclog pores while removing dead skin cells
• Refresh skin that looks wrinkled and old
• They help to increase circulation while stimulating the skin
• Slow premature aging by targeting particular areas of your skin
• Inhibit the creation of wrinkles and fine lines
• Keep your skin hydrated and moist
• Promote a sense of peace and relaxation

What Types Of Skin Care Products Exist?

• Moisturizers

The main function of a moisturizer is to keep your skin hydrated throughout the day, which is what gives it that glowing and smooth appearance. Moisturizers also protect your skin against dehydration and loss of moisture, using appropriate ingredients, which are often tested for safety.

• Foot Powders and Sprays

You can apply foot powders and sprays to your feet to relieve bacterial and perspiration odors. They work in two ways; they either absorb the malodor-causing perspiration or cover up the odor with a fragrance. Through the careful selection of suitable and safe ingredients, foot powders and sprays are tested for allergic reactions or irritation-causing agents.

• Face and Neck Creams/Lotions

Face and neck creams or lotions work to moisturize and soften the skin on your face as well as your neck. They usually have a semi-solid texture because they’re made from a combination of oil and water, and they contain a unique set of ingredients meant to replace your skin’s natural oils while protecting it against moisture loss. Manufacturers of face and neck skincare products often test them for potential allergies and skin irritation, and they’re usually made from a set of ingredients that are uniquely suited to the product’s unique purpose.

• Cleansers

As the name implies, cleansers clean the skin thoroughly to remove dead skin cells, dirt, makeup, and excess oil. They also incorporate moisturizers to prevent drying out, and because they work to unclog your pores, they can help to prevent acne and similar skin conditions. Manufacturers often test the products for potential allergens and skin irritating ingredients, and they only include a combination of safe and appropriate components.

• Body and Hand Creams and Lotions

Body and hand creams or lotions provide moisture to the skin, thus softening the hands and the body. They usually take on a semi-solid texture, thanks to the combination of oil and water-based ingredients. Speaking of which, the ingredients used in body and hand creams are often selected for their ability to replace your skin’s natural oils while protecting it from moisture loss and dehydration. To keep them safe, body and hand creams or lotions are tested to make sure that they don’t contain any ingredients that might cause allergies or skin irritation.

A Brief History of Skin Care Products

Thanks to the scientific advances in skincare products, most of us in the modern world spend a lot of time and money to hide skin imperfections and enhance its natural beauty. However, we don’t give much thought to how to the idea of skincare originated. We simply just assume that it’s a trend that started decades ago but dig a little deeper, and you’ll find that the whole notion of skin care started centuries ago. In fact, it’s safe to say that the history of skin care dates to the genesis of humanity itself.

Let’s take a trip down the memory lane to discover the evolution of skincare and cosmetics throughout history.

• Secrets of Egyptian Beauty

Skincare is said to originate from as far back as 3000 BC, back when Egyptians started using natural remedies to enhance their skin’s natural beauty. Egyptian queens went to great lengths to take care of their skin, as is evidenced by the famous legend of Queen Cleopatra and her notorious sour milk baths. Egyptians were well-known for their ability to develop organic skin care products using natural ingredients like essential oils made from herbs and plants, as well as milk, ostrich eggs, dough and olive oil.

The Egyptians used ingredients like aloe-vera and sand to create exfoliating scrubs, while moisturizers were typically made from plant oils. It’s interesting to note that even back then; women were as concerned about the appearance of their bodies as they are now, as body oils were often created in ancient Egyptian times to treat stretch marks and similar skin ailments.

To this day, premium skincare products still use Egyptian inspired ingredients such as frankincense, myrrh, sodium bicarbonate and aloe. The Egyptians are also credited with creating the world’s first anti-aging lotion, which channeled the wrinkle reducing properties of fenugreek oil to slow down several aging effects.

Also, the Egyptians were also known to use quite a bit of makeup, and for them applying makeup was part of a sacred ritual performed to honor their many gods and goddesses. They made eyeshadow from a combination of dry ingredients like crushed semi-precious stones, copper and ore, and wet ingredients like oil, water or animal fat, and were worn by most women daily. Royal women, on the other hand, mostly wore special hennas, Kohl, or pumice stones, and makeup was such an integral part of Egyptian culture that it was given special significance even in the afterlife.  A lot of recently excavated Egyptian tombs are said to contain interesting artifacts like body oil and makeup containers.

• Chinese Holistic Skin Care

For the Chinese, it was during the Shang Dynasty in 1760 BC that the importance of skincare took hold. Before, only fingernails were painted with egg white, beeswax, and gelatin. Over time, people started taking a preference to skin lightening powders and potions, in a bid to achieve a natural looking and healthy pale complexion.

However, it is from the records of Empresses from the Qin Dynasty that we find a written record of proper skin care routines, which included facial massages and exercises developed to increase circulation in the forehead as well as the cheeks. They also used organic cleansers made from ingredients like jellyfish and seaweed to keep the skin looking pure and smooth, and because they valued the mind/body connection, they only adhered to a diet that would enhance the beauty of their skin, like Chinese yam, sesame seeds, and black beans.

Later, during the Tang Dynasty, having smooth skin and a powdered face was a sign of beauty, and permanent bleaching methods like applying natural lotions and gels were used to remove pigments for good. At that time, Songyi mushrooms were the most widely used ingredient in skin lightening creams and lotions, but even then, proper circulation, nutrition, and good health were essential elements of proper skincare.

• Greek and Roman Beauty Techniques

While the Greeks borrowed a lot of their skincare secrets from ancient Egyptians, they put a unique twist on it. They developed unique oil distilling methods for their herbs, essences and other plants. They used honey to moisturize the skin, while sand and certain oils were combined and applied to protect the skin from the harsh sun.

Similar to the Chinese, the Greeks revered pale skin and considered a dark complexion to be a sign of belonging to a lower class; hence they used chalk and white lead to lighten the skin. The famous Greek physician Hippocrates is credited with coming up with diagnostic and treatment techniques that are still being used in today’s dermatology field.

The Romans also developed elaborate bathing rituals, as good hygiene and cleanliness were essential components of proper skincare. To remove daily grime, olive oil was applied to the skin and then scraped off with a strigil, a curved metal tool. While royal women turned to crocodile dung as a skin-lightening treatment, normal women just stuck to the usual chalk and lead which was a cheaper option. A Roman physician known as Galen developed the world’s first cold cream by combining rose oil with melted beeswax and water.

Over time, new ingredients were added to Roman skincare concoctions, as their Empire spread to other regions like the Middle East and Europe. They also used a stringent known as a mineral alum to treat skin abrasions and scabs, whereas olive leaf extract was a popular acne remedy.

• Moving towards Europe

The Europeans were also quite taken with the trend of having pale and white skin. So much so that lead-based skin care products were in high demand, and during the Elizabethan Era, a whitening foundation was created which combined vinegar with lead, and this product was a favorite even with the queen herself. Freckles were also considered taboo; hence they were removed with special facial peels.

People during this time didn’t care much for bathing, so they relied on powder to keep their complexions looking clean and smooth. Instead of washing, men and women would apply a layer of powder over the previous day’s application to maintain a pale appearance, and when they did eventually decide to wash it off, they had to use things like red wine, donkey’s milk, and even urine to get it off.

• A Look into Modern Skin Care

Towards the end of the Elizabethan era, doctors started noticing the side-effects of lead-based skin whitening products and advised people to switch to tin-ash or alum-based powder instead. However, it wasn’t until 1869 that American Medical Association challenged the safety of lead-based products in an article titled “Three Cases of Lead Palsy from the Use of a Cosmetic Called Laird’s Bloom of Youth,” and this eventually led to the establishment of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1906.

Early adopters such as Elizabeth Arden, L’Oreal, Maybelline and Max Factor were the first ones to develop what would become modern-day skin care products, and advancements in the field led to the inclusion of innovative products that forever changed the world of skincare.

Should Men Use Skin Care Products?

Skincare is as important for men as it is for women, especially when it comes to using sunscreen to protect against melanoma and other skin conditions. You should also inspect your skin regularly to check for similar conditions.

Also, men’s skincare is by no means a new thing. For many years, men have been cleansing their faces and conditioning their skin before applying shaving cream, while sunscreen and aftershave have been used to care for and protect the skin from the sun.

It’s really important to pay attention to what you apply to your skin because certain soaps can dry you out, and aftershave is ineffective at soothing the skin. That said, changing your skincare regime doesn’t necessarily equate to using flowery creams or being in front of the LED mirror for hours on end. In fact, there are plenty of quick and easy to apply products that you can use to improve your skin’s health and appearance.

Most men are simply not interested in shopping for skincare products that are made specifically for males and would rather use women’s products if possible. Luckily, most women’s products are suitable for men as well, and there are more similarities than differences between men and women’s skin. The skin needs cleansing, moisturization, toning, antioxidant protection as well as anti-aging products regardless of whether you’re a man or a woman.

It’s important to note, however, that men’s skin tends to be a bit oilier than women’s, but they can still benefit from the universally beneficial ingredients.

Important Factors to Keep in Mind

Have you ever wondered why most skin care product commercials seem to target women specifically? Well, it could be because women are almost always willing to jump on the bandwagon when it comes to buying the latest beauty and skincare products, and beauty conglomerates spend billions of dollars on ensuring that everyone is raving about their new offering.

The truth is that you don’t need to spend thousands of dollars to buy skincare and makeup products, but you must be a discerning consumer and select only the right products for your skin. Be careful not to fall for the latest marketing gimmicks, as using an inappropriate product will leave you with problems like irritation and acne.

Read on to find out what you should consider when shopping around for skincare products:

• Skin Type

Before you purchase any skincare product, figure out what type of skin you have. This is important because you don’t want to be using a lightweight cream that’s made for dry or combination skin when you have oily skin and vice versa. Knowing your skin type will enable you to narrow down your options to a few products, thus making it easier for you to choose the one that suits your needs.

• Ingredients

Whatever product you’re buying; know your ingredients! Keep in mind that some products do contain allergy-causing ingredients, while others only use a combination of naturally sourced and high-quality ingredients that are mild on the skin. Some of the more harmful ingredients to steer clear of include BHA, BHT, parabens, sulfates, and dibutyl phthalate to name but a few, and if you search online you’ll find that there are hundreds of other irritants to avoid. These composites feature in a lot of mainstream skincare products and are responsible for causing severe skin reactions.

While certain ingredients are safe, they may not be suitable for certain skin types. For example, alpha hydroxy acids are not recommended for those with sensitive skin, while those with dry skin are advised to steer clear of products that contain menthol or camphor as they will worsen the condition.

• Return Policy and Guarantee

Make sure that the brand you’re buying from has a return policy as well as a reasonable guarantee. After all, you want to be able to return the product and get your money back if it doesn’t give you the expected results.

• Safety

For the sake of safety, we advise you exclusively use products that are made from all-natural organic ingredients. When in doubt, do a quick patch test by applying some of the product on the skin under your arms and leave it on for several hours to see what happens. If your skin hasn’t reacted, then you can rest assured that the product is safe to use on your face.

If you decide to try something new, always check online reviews to see what other people are saying about the brand, and if it seems to have a lot of supporters and positive views, then it’s probably a good buy.

• Price

Contrary to popular belief, an expensive price tag doesn’t always equate to quality and effectiveness. In fact, some users find that certain high-end brands have the same level of effectiveness as over the counter products. The most important thing is to do your research before you purchase to find out which products offer the best value for money. We also recommend that you check the label to make sure that you’re getting the most bang for your buck.

[go_pricing id=”amazon_5b1_5b148f1939671″]

Conclusion

As you can see, developing and maintaining a good skincare routine is essential to not only managing certain skin conditions but also to obliterate them completely, leaving your skin feeling soft, radiant and healthy. However, no matter how disciplined you are with your skincare routine, you won’t see the desired results if you don’t use the right product for your particular skin type. That’s why it’s important to do some research on what products are suitable for you and pick one that’s made from organic ingredients and is free from harmful chemicals like parabens and sulfates.

For example, the Boscia Detoxifying Black Cleanser is a superb product to use if you want to keep your skin feeling and to look refreshed and blemish-free. It contains vitamins and nutrients that help to eliminate acne and blemishes, and it’s also lightweight and suitable (in fact, recommended) for those with oily skin. The best part about this product is that it’s safe to use on a daily basis and it noticeably improves skin texture and appearance.