Before recommending an optimal oily skincare routine, it is important to understand how you get to know if you are this skin type. Do you feel your skin appears shiny most of the time? When you dab your hands on your nose or around your cheeks, do your fingers feel like they have a sheen? If your responses are affirmative to these questions then you most likely have oily prone skin. This type of skin requires an adequate amount of moisture in your day-to-day activities and an excess of this moisture tends to lead to acne, blackheads, whiteheads and enlarged pores. Read through to understand what can cause skin to be oily and recommended skincare products for oily skin.
There are various factors that can cause the skin to be oily such as an imbalance of the three Doshas, namely Kapha, Vata and Pitta. These three Doshas need to work in sync and in conjunction with a balanced and healthy lifestyle. The slightest discrepancy can lead to your skin becoming oily. Additionally, an improper diet such as consuming excessively hot and spicy food or greasy and fried food causes an imbalance of Pitta and Kapha Doshas, which again cases oily skin. Geographical climate also plays a role in affecting your Doshas. For instance, during the summer season, the Kapha-Pitta levels are heightened in your body, again resulting in acne and oiliness. These are some of the do’s and don’ts we recommend to balance the oil content in your skin.
Before we go into suggesting a good skincare routine for oily skin along with skincare products you should be applying on a daily basis, we want to list down some natural ingredients that suit this skin type. This list will also help you identify and purchase the best skincare products for oily skin.
- Honey: It is the perfect ingredient for oily and acne-prone skin. Infused with antibacterial and antiseptic properties, honey effectively helps to get rid of pimples and also has the ability to suck out excess moisture from your clogged pores.
- Manjishta: This Ayurvedic herb helps to treat your hormonal acne, cystic acne as well as post-acne scars. Given its sweet, bitter and astringent-esque taste, Manjistha also helps to maintain a healthy and oil-free skin without causing inflammation.
- Orange Peel Powder: Orange Peel powder provides the much-needed Vitamin C that your skin needs. It helps in brightening your skin, giving it a natural glow and when you combine this powder with other ingredients, it can be effectively used as a masque, exfoliator as well as a cleanser.
- Multani Mitti: This is the most popular ingredient to treat oily skin as it cures acne and reduces the appearance of blemishes. As it is infused with anti-inflammatory properties, Multani Mitti or Fuller’s Earth also soothes rashes, sunburns and other infections.
- Neem: The Neem tree’s seeds, leaves and bark are known for their medicinal and beautification properties. Neem also acts as a natural cleanser to purify and brighten the skin from the deepest layers.
- Tea Tree: Tea tree oil effectively helps in controlling breakouts, which cause bacteria and sebum therefore it is the perfect ingredient for oily skin and helps prevent inflammations.
Now we elucidate the best skincare routine along with recommended products, which you can follow/use if you have oily skin:
- Cleansing for Purification: While a thorough facial cleanse is the first step in any skincare regime, it is very important to not overdo it if you have oily skin as excessive cleansing can lead to an increase in oil production thereby causing oiliness on the face. Choose a delicate facial cleanser, preferably a natural one that does not contain sulphates and parabens, and one that specifically treats oily and acne-prone skin, which will deeply cleanse your face and leave it with a glow.
- Toning for Hydration: Toners are known to refresh and revive the skin, while keeping the hydration levels intact and are absolutely key for those who have oily skin. Toners also help prep the skin for moisturizing hence we recommend not missing this step in your daily skincare routine. Choose a toner that contains ingredients such as Neem and Tulsi as it will help in tightening the pores, reducing acne thereby giving you clear skin.
- Moisturizing for Nourishment: The last and final step in your skincare routine to treat oily skin is to thoroughly your face during the day and at night as well. This step ensures the much-needed nourishment that your face needs. Choose a day and night cream that specifically target and treat oily and acne prone skin and contain the natural ingredients that we have listed above. Your day cream should also contain a certain amount of SPF that gives you protection against UV rays of the sun. Take a small quantity of this cream and apply it daily after cleansing and toning. Your night routine can also include a clay-based Ubtan, which you can use after cleansing and before applying the toner.
