Busy

Oily skin needs these four key ingredients

Are you a fan of clay masks? Can’t live without your blotting papers? Avoid thick, cosseting moisturisers at all costs? If you answered a resounding “yes” to all three, then we’re willing to bet you’ve got an oily complexion. But are you using the best skincare for oily skin?

What is oily skin?

There are widely considered to be three key types of skin: normal, dry and oily, with combination as an added extra to cover skin that is both dry and oily all at once. Which category you fit into is determined by genetics, so other than blaming your parents, there’s not a huge amount you can do about it.

Our skin produces oil (also known as sebum) in order to keep our complexion soft and supple. Think of it like a built-in moisturiser, nourishing skin from the inside out. In the case of oily skin, the sebaceous glands make more sebum than is needed. The goal of skincare for oily skin is to normalise sebum production, so skin looks and feels more glowy than greasy.

Before we get onto which ingredients will help with that aim, let us first say that having oily skin is a good thing. Oily complexions tend to be more comfortable than dry ones, which can feel tight, and have less prominent fine lines and wrinkles.

Ingredients to look out for in skincare for oily skin

Muddled by marketing? Bamboozled by ingredients lists? These are the key ingredients to scout out in skincare for oily skin.

Salicylic acid: A beta-hydroxy acid (or BHA for short) salicylic acid is oil soluble, making it perfectly suited for oily skin. It dives deep into pores to give them a good clear-out, helping with common oily skin gripes like breakouts and congestion.

Succinic acid: An ingredient on the rise, succinic acid isn’t normally the star of the show, but plays a good supporting role when it comes to the best skincare for oily skin. It ever-so-gently exfoliates to prevent blocked pores and keep breakouts at bay.

Niacinamide: Niacinamide is an ingredient on a multi-tasking mission, boasting a myriad of skincare benefits. On oily complexions it helps to balance excess oil and soothe angry blemishes.

Hyaluronic acid: There is a common misconception that because skin is oily, it can’t be dehydrated. When in fact, your skin might be thirsty, which can make it uncomfortable. Hydration hero hyaluronic acid has the ability to hold over 1000 times its own weight in water, delivering a generous glug of moisture to your complexion.

FEELING INSPIRED?
Shop the article
Find Your Balance
BHA Exfoliant

Find Your Balance

Clarifying complex to tackle blemishes

Overnight Clarity
Retinal/Niacinamide Serum

Overnight Clarity

Retinal/niacinamide serum for visibly smooth, youthful skin, suitable for all skin types

Overnight Sensation
Retinal⁺ Serum

Overnight Sensation

High-dose retinal serum for renewed, ageless skin, suitable for all skin types

Energise Me
Niacinamide Moisturizer

Energise Me

Niacinamide moisturizer mini for clear, energized skin, suitable for normal to oily skin

The T-Zone

Read, watch and be inspired...

Why is my skin so shiny by lunchtime? Here's what causes oily skin

Why is my skin so shiny by lunchtime? Here's what causes oily skin

read more
BLOG How to unclog pores for a clearer complexion

How to unclog pores for a clearer complexion

read more
BLOG Blackheads

4 easy ways to banish blackheads

read more
BLOG De-stress your skin

How stress can take its toll on your skin

read more