These are the ingredients you need to combat oily skin

Do you have oily skin? Read on to find out which ingredients to add to your routine to reduce shine.

Do you wash your face each morning only to find yourself slick with oil by noon? You probably have combination or oily skin. While it might frustrate you now, you could be thankful in the long run! Oily skin has been shown to wrinkle less than dry skin types as your skin is more moisturized. In the meantime, it can make skin more prone to congestion and breakouts.

There are several reasons why your skin might be oily. It could be genetic or it could be that your skin is overproducing sebum, which happens when your skin’s protective barrier is disrupted or if you are using the wrong products. One myth surrounding the treatment of oilier skin types is that you shouldn’t use a moisturizer. This is actually counterintuitive as it encourages your skin to produce more sebum.

So, what can be done to keep shine at bay? A lot of it comes down to the ingredients you use in your skincare routine. Here are the ones you should add to yours to combat oiliness.

1. Salicylic acid

This ingredient is common in skincare products designed to treat acne and combat oiliness. It is a beta-hydroxy acid <external hyperlink: https://www.healthline.com/health/aha-vs-bha> – or BHA – which has the ability to penetrate deep into your pores and decongest your skin.

2. Niacinamide

An ingredient that can provide benefits to almost any skin type, niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, is able to balance sebum production and reduce the appearance of pores. It’s gentle enough to be used twice a day.

3. Clay

Sometimes found in cleansers but most commonly in wash-off masks, as clay dries it absorbs excess buildup and oil from the skin. There are many different types to choose from, with bentonite being a popular choice.

4. Retinol

A multitasking powerhouse, retinol is something everyone should be using from their mid-twenties to keep blemishes under control and delay the onset of fine lines. It can also dry out the skin, making it suitable for oily skin.

Shop our favorite Retinol serums here.

Do you want to invest in medical-grade skincare that will improve your complexion, no matter your skin type? Click here to shop for effective products that come recommended by our doctors.