Oily skin can feel like a constant challenge: shiny foreheads, a greasy T-zone by lunchtime and pesky breakouts that appear out of nowhere. The good news is you don't need to fight your skin. You just need to understand it! With the right approach and skincare for oily skin, you can keep that excess oil in check without compromising your skin’s natural balance.

WHAT CAUSES OILY SKIN?

Oily skin is caused by overactive sebaceous glands, meaning the oil glands in your skin produce too much oil. This oil, or sebum, is necessary for healthy, moisturized and protected skin. However, when there is an excess of sebum, you might experience clogged pores, acne breakouts and a shiny appearance.

Truthfully, there are a lot of factors that could cause oily skin, some of which you have control over, and others, not so much. Here are a few possible culprits:

• Genetics: Unfortunately, some people are genetically predisposed to having oilier skin. If your parents or other family members have oily skin, there's a good chance you do, too.
• Hormonal Imbalances: Hormones play a key role in regulating sebum production. Fluctuations in hormones, such as during puberty, menstruation or pregnancy, can increase oil production.
• Stress: When we're stressed, our bodies produce a hormone called cortisol that can increase oil production. If you've been feeling extra anxious lately, it could be contributing to your oily skin.
• Over-Cleansing: It may seem counterintuitive, but over-cleansing your skin can actually stimulate your oil glands to produce more sebum. Make sure you're not stripping your skin of its natural oils by using harsh cleansers; instead, focus on skincare for oily skin.
• Climate and Environment: Humidity and heat can also contribute to oily skin. Living in a hot climate or high humidity can increase oil production. Similarly, exposure to pollution and toxins in the environment can also negatively affect skin health.
  

SIGNS YOUR PRODUCTS ARE STRIPPING YOUR SKIN

Using the right skincare for oily skin is vital to managing oil production. However, products with high concentrations of active ingredients—or those formulated for other skin types—can accidentally strip your skin of the hydration it needs to stay healthy. Possible signs that your products are stripping your skin include:

• Tightness or flakiness after cleansing
• Increased oiliness throughout the day as skin overcompensated
• Redness, irritation and breakouts from a disrupted skin barrier
• A dull, lackluster complexion instead of a healthy glow

Are you experiencing these issues? It may be time to reevaluate and revitalize your skincare routine!

TOP-TIER SKINCARE ROUTINES FOR OILY SKIN

Luckily, many professional skincare products can balance and regulate oil production without stripping your skin. If you're ready to upgrade your routine, take a look at our recommended skincare regimens for oily skin.

These are just general guidelines. Everyone's skincare routine will vary based on their skin type, concerns and preferences.

EXAMPLE MORNING ROUTINE

• Cleanser: Start the day by thoroughly washing your face with a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser that removes excess oil without over-drying.
• Serum: Follow up with a lightweight serum with ingredients like Salicylic Acid or Niacinamide to help regulate oil production, clean pores, calm inflammation and brighten skin. Our CBD Skin Mist is a refreshing and balancing product you can use to set your makeup for the day!
• Moisturizer: Moisturize with a lightweight, pharmaceutical-grade moisturizer that hydrates your skin without adding excess oil.
• SPF: Don't forget to protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays by applying a broad-spectrum SPF of at least 15 every morning. To avoid the extra grease that sunscreen can add, use a professional, lightweight product like our Oil-Free Protective Moisturizer with SPF 30.

EXAMPLE NIGHT ROUTINE

• Double Cleanse: Start by removing any makeup or sunscreen with a first cleanser like our Mega Cream Cleanser, followed by a gentle foaming cleanser to rid your skin of any impurities.
• Exfoliator: Use a chemical exfoliant containing ingredients like AHAs to help unclog pores and remove dead skin cells. Beta Gel with 10% Glycolic Acid is a great option for all skin types.
• Serum or Masque: Use a targeted serum or face masque to address specific skin concerns, such as uneven skin tone or hydration.
• Eye Cream: Finish with a small amount of CBD Regenerative Eye Cream on your under-eye area to help reduce dark circles, puffiness and fine lines.
• Moisturizer: Apply a nourishing moisturizer to lock in all the previous products and keep your skin hydrated throughout the night.

EVEN OILY SKIN NEEDS HYDRATION & MOISTURE

Even if it seems counterintuitive, it's essential to moisturize and hydrate oily skin. Hydration focuses on increasing water content within your skin, keeping it plump and healthy.

Moisturizing, on the other hand, locks in that hydration and strengthens your skin's barrier.
Without proper hydration, oily skin can overcompensate by producing even more oil. The right skincare for oily skin ensures your skin stays nourished and resilient without clogging pores.

Try adding one of these lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizers to your routine:

• Oxygen Cream: This pharmaceutical-grade moisturizer uses Oxygen to infuse nutrients and vitamins deep into the skin. Its lightweight touch is perfect for hydrating oily skin.
• Daily Repair Cream: If your oily skin is caused or aggravated by your environment, this moisturizer is a great solution. It contains antioxidants and botanicals that revive environmentally stressed skin, restore hydration and fight off acne-causing bacteria.
• Ultra Hydro Gel: While this is technically a serum instead of a moisturizer, its use of 10% Hyaluronic Acid is one of the best ways to increase hydration without adding excess oil to the skin. Don't forget to follow it with a moisturizer to lock in the hydration!

If you need help with your skincare routine for oily skin, don't hesitate to ask! GlyMed Plus educates and partners with skincare professionals to bring you the best products and treatments for your skin. Reach out to a professional near you and work together to create a routine your oily skin will thank you for!