You’re the queens of naturally glowing skin. But we get it; it’s not always fun to have skin that naturally drips in all that glow. Even for the divas who don’t have naturally oily skin, your skin still produces oils naturally to moisturize and protect itself. However, from time to time, excess oil can accumulate which can lead to clogged pores, blackheads, and other skin issues.
*This post contains affiliate links.
So what’s the easiest and least time-consuming way to manage oily skin? In this blog post, we’ll be covering a quick, 7-minute skin care routine for oily skin divas, designed to help you maintain a balanced glow and healthy complexion without spending hours in front of your bathroom sink!
Step 1: Gentle Cleansing (Duration: 2 minutes)
Start your routine with a gentle cleanser specifically formulated for oily skin. A gel-based or foaming cleanser with salicylic acid works best to remove excess oil and dirt without stripping your skin of its natural moisture. With oily skin, it’s important to ensure that your routine isn’t completely stripping or drying out your skin either.
Wet your face with lukewarm water and lather a few pumps of your cleanser between your palms. Then spend a minute massaging the cleanser in circular motions on your face and neck, before rinsing thoroughly with lukewarm or cold
water.
Recommendation: A gel based cleanser. CeraVe the Renewing SA (salicylic acid) Cleanser is amazing and budget friendly. Cetaphil is also a great secondary cleanser, they both work will.
Step 2: Toning (Duration: 1 minute)
Toning is a crucial step for managing oily skin. Toners are lightweight products that can tighten up your pores and improve the oil balance of your skin. Opt for an alcohol-free toner with ingredients like witch hazel or slicylic acid that control oil production without drying out your skin. Apply your toner with a cotton pad, gently swiping it across your face and neck.
Recommendation: One toner I absolutely love is the Thayers Witch Hazel Rose Petal Facial Toner. It’s super affordable and long-lasting. I also like the Pore Zero Toner, it’s a little more pricey, but worth it.
Step 3: Serum Application (Duration: 1 minute)
Serums are also lightweight skin care products with higher concentrations of active ingredients to target specific skin concerns. As an oily skin diva, serums containing niacinamide should be your go-to as the ingredient works to regulate oil production and minimize the appearance of pores. Hyaluronic acid for hydration and vitamin C for skin brightening are also great serum ingredients to look out for.
Apply a few drops to your face and gently pat your serum into your skin until fully absorbed. You could also massage the product into your skin with a jade roller or other face massage device for added skin benefits.
Recommendation: The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%. Ya’ll this serum is so lightweight and literally one of the best serums out here!
Step 4: Moisturizing (Duration: 1 Minute)
Many people with oily skin skip moisturizer, thinking it will make their skin greasier. However, this is a highly detrimental misconception because oily skin needs moisturizing just as much as any other skin type. Simply choose a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer—this will hydrate your skin without clogging your pores. Apply it evenly across your face and neck to lock in moisture and protect the integrity of your skin barrier.
Recommendation: The Neutrogena Hydo Boost or the Cetaphil Oil Control Moisturizer -SPF 30.
Step 5: Sun Protection (Duration: 1 Minute)
You’ve heard the sunscreen sermon severally, but yes, we’re still going to preach it to you because sun protection is super significant, even for oily skin divas. You want to avoid premature aging, dark spots, and an increase in oil production, all of which are caused by sun exposure. Therefore, use sunscreen with a broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or higher that’s formulated for Oily Skin. We also understand many sunscreens tend to give the skin an oilier appearance. Hence, look for a water-based sunscreen that’s labeled “non-comedogenic” as this will prevent that extra-oily appearance, as well as acne breakouts and blackheads.
Step 6: Blotting and Setting (Duration: 1 Minute)
The last minute of your routine is spread throughout your day. While all of the previous steps will help to reduce your excess oil production over time, this final step will help you manage excess oil in the moment. Use blotting papers to gently pat away any excess oil during the day. This is an especially helpful technique if you have makeup on. In addition, opt for a setting spray designed for oily skin to ensure that your makeup stays statue-still for as long as you need it to.
Recommendation: I love using the Mario Badescu Cucumber and Green Tea Facial Spray throughout the day to help with shininess. It also feels super refreshing on the face.
