Do you have a shiny forehead every time you look in the mirror? Do you experience frequent breakouts due to excessive oil production in your skin? If so, it’s not your fault. Oily skin is the result of inherited traits which can be exacerbated by the environment, weather changes, and even hormones. While we can’t control these causes, for the most part, we can get the oil under control by seeking out the right products and treatments. Find our best skin care for oily skin recommendations below, including treatments and products for home care.

Skin Care for Oily Skin: Products and Treatments to Control Shine and Breakouts

Oil is an essential part of skin health. It provides natural moisture and anti-aging benefits. Dry skin that tends to itch and crack is lacking in natural oil production, which can cause premature aging. So while you may be tempted to use harsh cleansers and skip the moisturizer to dry out excessive oil, you’re doing a disservice to your skin. The goal is to achieve a healthy balance to keep the skin moisturized without the shine or breakouts.

Oily Skin Treatments

In addition to regular facials customized to help with excessive oil production, skin care professionals recommend getting chemical peels to help achieve a healthy skin balance. Chemical peels help dry out the excessive oil and bacteria that tend to breed in the pores of oily skin, causing acne breakouts. The right chemical peel, however, will not dry out the skin itself; rather, it will help achieve the right balance of oil while providing additional nourishing ingredients to ensure healthy moisture.

A salicylic acid chemical peel can help control oil and any acne breakouts that result from it. Our top recommendation is the VI Peel, which not only includes salicylic acid but also contains phenol and Retin-A for anti-aging benefits. Even better, if the oily skin is under control, a VI Peel is still gentle enough for all skin types. This means you can continue having this treatment for maintenance once your skin condition has improved.

Oily Skin Care Products

Salicylic acid is often found in oil control skin care products, but some over-the-counter products also contain harsh ingredients that cause excessive drying. This can create a new skin care problem, such as dry skin, rashes, cracking, and infections. The old adage is true: slow and steady wins the race. Don’t be in such a big hurry to control your oily skin with products that go too far too fast. Instead, put your trust in proven products that give real results. In short, talk with a skin care expert before trying new skincare products to ensure you’re using the best solutions for your skin woes. You can also order these products from our skin care teams in Portland and Santa Monica, both in our aesthetic practices or online.*

Sun Protection for Oily Skin: Stop using just any sunscreen on your face, such as body lotions or sunscreen sticks. Instead, opt for a sunscreen that’s included in a specially formulated facial moisturizer or a separate facial sunscreen. Be sure it’s right for your type to provide the best skin care for oily skin. Our top pick for oily or acne-prone skin is Elta MD UV Clear, which is oil-free, dye free, and leaves no residue.

Oily Skin Cleansing: Did you know that oily skin tends to help trap dead skin cells in the pores? Using an exfoliating cleanser in addition to your salicylic acid wash can help manage this combined problem that can lead to dull skin and acne breakouts. The SkinMedica AHA/BHA Cleanser can provide a gentle exfoliation without the need for a skin brush or microbeads known for over scrubbing and damaging skin.

Don’t Skip the Moisturizer: One of the biggest mistakes people with oily skin make is skipping the moisturizer. While you don’t need to invest in a thick night cream or a heavy moisturizer, a little bit of light moisture is important to prevent overdrying the skin. One of our favorites for oily skin types is the SkinMedica Ultra Sheer Moisturizer. This popular moisturizer is noncomedogenic, which means it doesn’t have ingredients that can contribute to acne breakouts.

Makeup for Oily Skin: What was the one thing our mothers told us not to do when our facial oil got so bad that we experienced breakouts? “Don’t wear makeup! It’ll just make things worse!” But what if your makeup could also provide skin care for oily skin, breakouts, and irritation? Oxygenetix Breathable Foundation provides unparalleled coverage and promotes healing. As a special bonus, it also gives the wearer SPF coverage for UV protection. Score!

Purchase the above products online in Portland or Santa Monica.

*Products aren’t available at all locations. Please contact us for more information.

Skin Care for Oily Skin and Other Skin Types at Skin by Lovely

No matter your skin care concerns, the experts at Skin by Lovely in Portland, Ore. and Santa Monica, Cali. are here to help you achieve healthy skin. From chemical peels to Botox and dermal fillers, our team is equipped to help you look your best all day every day. Schedule a consultation today in our Portland or Santa Monica aesthetic practices to find out what we can do to help you look and feel your very best.