If your skin feels greasy only a few hours after cleansing, you probably have oily skin. This may mean blackheads, whiteheads, acne, and pimples. This is why your skin regimen must be centred around balancing sebum or oil production. All you need is a good cleanser and a good toner to keep your acne-prone skin in check, and we’re here to help you choose the right products.
Buying Cleansers for Acne-Prone Skin
Oily skin produces more sebum than normal skin. Sebum isn’t the enemy; in fact, it protects and moisturises your skin. But once your skin produces too much oil, it mixes with the dead skin cells on your face and clogs the pores. This leads to blackheads, whiteheads, and acne. Choosing the right cleanser helps you remove this buildup and prepares your skin for other treatments like toners, serums, and moisturisers. Importantly, it helps you tackle the problem at its root – oiliness.
Cleansing twice a day, once in the morning and once at night, is ideal. Over-washing can disrupt your skin’s protective barrier, irritating and even causing more oil production. If your skin feels tight or squeaky-clean after washing, your cleanser might be too harsh. When selecting a face wash for oily, acne-prone skin, go for a formula that’s non-comedogenic and pH-balanced.
Ingredients to look for:
- Salicylic Acid (BHA): This beta-hydroxy acid penetrates deep into pores, unclogging them and reducing oil.
- Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): A gentler alternative, niacinamide soothes inflammation, regulates oil, and strengthens your skin barrier.
- Gel formulation: Look for cleansers that are created with a gel-based formula to preserve the moisture content of your skin and cleanse without stripping it dry. Drying out your skin may trigger it to produce even more oil, exacerbating your problem.
Buying Toners for Oily, Acne-Prone Skin
Using toners may often seem skippable, but they are crucial products for all skin regimens, especially for oily, acne-prone skin. A toner for oily acne-prone skin helps balance your skin’s pH after cleansing and also adds a layer of moisture. When buying toners for oily skin, look for ingredients like lactic acid. This alpha-hydroxy acid works on the surface of your skin to prevent the buildup of dead skin cells while strengthening your skin barrier.
Wrapping Up!
With your cleanser for acne-prone skin and a toner for oily skin, your regimen is off to a good start. Remember, oily skin regimens aren’t just about getting rid of dirt – your products are meant to set the tone for your whole skincare routine. Choose a gentle, effective cleanser that targets excess oil without harming your skin barrier. Follow it with a pH-balanced toner for oily skin, and you’ll notice fewer breakouts, smaller-looking pores, and more balanced skin.
