I have had oily, acne-prone skin since pretty much the dawn of time. I had incredibly cruel things said to my face (and probably worse behind my back) about my lack of attractiveness, thanks to my acne. I had a picture picked out that I knew would be my “before” if I was ever asked to do an infomerical for a skincare product, because what teenager doesn’t think they’ll be on tv one day?
After many years of struggle, I had mastered what my skin needed. By my late 20s, my skin had never looked better. I started using better quality products, learned what my skin type needed, and actually started getting compliments on my skin.
And then I had a hysterectomy at 32 and the hormone fluctuation sent my oily skin into over-drive. Two and a half years later, I’m still struggling to maintain my oil control and acne breakouts. It’s been quite an adventure experiencing break outs all over my body again in my 30s…as if it wasn’t bad enough as a teenager.
Lucky for you, though, my struggle means I have plenty of experience to share tips for you.
First up, it’s super important to be using a skincare regimen designed for oily skin. If you aren’t using products for your skin type, it may be too much or too rich for your skin. Your very first step is to cleanse and moisturize every single morning and night. Yes, even if your skin feels like an oil slick, you still need to moisturize to prevent over-production of oil. Moisturizing will also prevent crepiness in your skin, and if you’re using a moisturizer with an SPF in it, will also protect your skin from sun damage.
Your cleanser should be light-weight and gel-based, and your moisturizer should be oil-free. If you are actively fighting acne, your moisturizer should also be gel-based. If you are more-so managing occasional breakouts, especially if you are also looking for anti-aging in your skincare, you will want a richer moisturizer like a day and/or night cream. If acne-control is a primary concern for your complexion, look for products with salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide to help clear up regular breakouts.
Now, it’s likely you may need to add additional products into your routine, especially if just the basics aren’t cutting it. Here’s what I recommend to help manage your oil levels and break out frequency.
Oil-absorbing blotting tissues are a life saver, especially if you are on camera frequently for video calls. They will absorb excess oil sitting on the surface of your skin and reduce shine. By mid day, I usually feel like my forehead is an oil slick, and can immediately tell the difference after using one or two of these.
A charcoal mask will be a legit game changer for your skin. A good charcoal mask will de-clog pores by removing dirt, oil, and impurities. Not only will this help clear up existing breakouts, but regular use will also prevent future breakouts and reduce oil production. When your pores are cleaned out, they will also appear smaller – something I think most oily skinned people can appreciate. When I tell you that I started using a charcoal mask at least weekly, and more when I really need it, it was hands down the number one thing to clear up my complexion.
Another game changer is using a micellar water before cleansing. A micellar water will remove your face makeup and excess surface oil before you cleanse. When you wash normally, your cleanser is trying to remove makeup and cleanse at the same time, accomplishing neither at 100%. Think of it as sweeping before mopping your floors. Just pour some on a cotton ball and swipe over your face before using your regular cleanser. Your skin will feel so much cleaner – because it will be.
On non-masking days, if you feel like the micellar water & cleanser still just isn’t cutting it, you can also add the use of a separate toner in between cleansing and moisturizing. You probably won’t need to do this every day, but if it’s extra humid and you’re really sweaty, or if you’re extra oily from your menstrual cycle, it won’t hurt. A gentle toner on a cotton ball swiped over your face will help balance your skin’s pH level, tighten your pores, and remove excess oil. You’ll be able to tell if this is an added step you need. If you think you’re good without it, trust that instinct. If it’s too much, it can dry out your skin.
Bonus tips to help clear up breakouts:
Drink plenty of water to flush toxins out of your system.
Get lots Vitamin C into your diet – this nutrient is really good for your skin. Citrus, bell peppers, and leafy green veggies are packed with Vitamin C.
Regularly wash your pillow cases to clean the bacteria off the surface where your skin rests every night.
Regularly wash your makeup brushes to remove build up and bacteria.
Shop oil control and acne-fighting products here.
Moisturized Musings 
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