How To Control Shine When You Have Oily Skin

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Having oily skin has its benefits. Oil helps preserve the skin and that's why you'll notice that people with this skin type look younger and have less lines and wrinkles. However, the shine that it lends the skin can be off-putting and the greasy feeling feels icky and uncomfortable. Too much oil also clogs pores and leads to acne breakouts, so the key is striking a balance between maintaining the skin's natural moisture and getting rid of excess sebum. Here are ways to control shine while also making sure that your skin is properly hydrated.

Find a cleanser with salicylic acid.

Excess oil and acne go hand in hand. To keep oil at bay and prevent breakouts, use a cleanser with salicylic acid. Dermatologist Dr. Lisa Chipps recommends a salicylic acid cleanser that is not overly drying like Clinique Acne Solutions Cleansing Foam. Elle also suggests Cosrx Salicylic Acid Gentle Daily Cleanser. The American Academy of Dermatology Association says to cleanse the face ever morning, evening and after exercise.

Exfoliate once a week.

Exfoliating gets rid of dead skin cells and deep cleans skin to avoid clogged pores. Aside from excess oil, clogged pores are another reason why acne develops so this developing this habit will prevent future breakouts. You can use physical exfoliants like a facial scrub or a cleansing brush, but chemical exfoliation is gentler and produces more long-term results. Byrdie's top picks include Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment, Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial and Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant.

Also read: Alternative Acne-Fighting Ingredients To Benzoyl Peroxide and Salicylic Acid

Don't exclude moisturizer.

Many people with oily skin skip the moisturizer, but its necessary to balance the skin. Dehydrated skin overcompensates by producing more oil so keep your skin well-moisturized. Look for moisturizers or serums with hyaluronic acid to balance oil and water on skin. Prevention's top suggestions are L'Oréal Paris Revitalift 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum, The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Gel-Cream and Minéral 89 Daily Skin Booster Serum and Moisturizer.

Look for non-comedogenic and oil-free makeup.

Non-comedogenic simply means that makeup products will not clog your pores and cause acne. Check out brands like Bare Minerals, Neutrogena, Physicians Formula and Estée Lauder.

Go easy on the night cream.

Dermatologist Dr. Doris Day shares with Allure that those with oily skin can skip putting night cream on the nose since enough oil glands are found there. She adds that when looking for a night cream, look for niacinamide, salicylic acid and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like lactic acid and glycolic acid in the ingredient list. Cosmopolitan likes Olay Regenerist Night Recovery Cream, CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, Arcona PM Acne Lotion and Ren ClearCalm 3 Replenishing Gel Cream.

Include clay masks to your routine.

Clay acts like a sponge on oily skin and absorbs excess oil. Clay masks need not be expensive. Just look for bentonite or kaolin clay as they are affordable and effective. Elle's number one pick is cult favorite Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay followed by Herbivore Botanicals All Natural Blue Clay Spot Treatment Mask and The INKEY List Kaolin Mask. You can indulge in a clay mask once or twice a week.

Stock up on blotting papers.

Instead of covering up shine with powder, stick to blotting papers to avoid clogging pores. Try Tatcha Aburatorigami Blotting Papers, Too Cool For School Dinoplatz Brachiosaurus Blotting Paper, PleasingCare Natural Premium Oil Blotting Tissues or Boscia Clear Complexion Blotting Linens.