Summer brings its own set of challenges for those with oily skin. The rise in temperatures and humidity levels can lead to excessive oil production, making it essential to adapt your skin care routine for oily skin accordingly. A focus on gentle cleansing, using products formulated for oily or acne-prone skin, and ensuring to hydrate your skin without adding unnecessary oils will be key. Remember, the goal is to manage oil production, not strip your skin of its natural moisture.
Cleansing your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser can help to remove excess sebum and impurities without over-drying your skin. Incorporating products that contain ingredients to absorb excess oil, such as blotting papers during the day, can be a great addition to your routine. It’s also beneficial to switch to a lighter face moisturizer during these months to prevent clogging your pores while keeping your skin hydrated.
Moreover, protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays with a broad-spectrum sunscreen specifically designed for oily skin can prevent sun damage without contributing to oily skin problems. Paying attention to your makeup choices, such as opting for non-comedogenic products, can further help in keeping your skin shine-free. Taking care of your skin with these steps will ensure it remains healthy and balanced throughout the summer.
Why does oily skin get worse in summer?
During summer, the rise in temperatures and humidity levels can stimulate your sebaceous glands to produce more oil. This natural response to protect your skin from drying out can result in a shiny appearance and a greasy feel, especially for those with normal to oily skin. The increased oil production can also lead to acne breakouts as excess sebum mixes with dead skin cells and clogs the pores.
Acne breakouts and increased shine are common complaints in warmer months. The combination of excess oil, sweat, and makeup can exacerbate oily skin problems, leading to more pronounced acne scars and an uneven skin tone. It’s a cycle that many with oily skin know all too well: more oil means more shine and a higher likelihood of acne.
The humidity in summer can further impact oily skin by preventing the sweat and excess oils from evaporating as quickly. This not only makes the skin feel more oily but can also encourage the growth of bacteria that contribute to acne breakouts. The humid weather essentially provides a perfect environment for excess sebum and acne-causing bacteria to thrive, making it crucial to adapt your skincare routine to these changing conditions.
To combat the challenges of summer, focusing on products and routines designed to absorb excess oil, protect your skin from UV damage, and keep your pores clear without over-drying is essential. Managing oily skin in summer requires a delicate balance of removing excess oil, ensuring proper hydration, and protecting the skin from environmental factors.
Essential steps in your summer skincare routine for oily skin
Cleansing: The first step to control oil
Regular cleansing is crucial for managing oily skin, especially in the summer. Start and end your day by cleansing your face to remove the buildup of excess oil and sebum. This not only helps in keeping your skin clean but also prevents the sebaceous glands from going into overdrive and producing more oil than necessary. Choose a gentle cleanser that effectively removes impurities without stripping your skin of its natural moisture. An effective option is the Boscia Detoxifying Black Charcoal Cleanser. It targets the sebaceous glands to produce less oil, offering a detoxified and shine-free complexion.
For those with extremely oily skin, consider incorporating double cleansing into your evening routine. Double cleansing ensures that all traces of makeup, sunscreen, and the day’s grime are removed, allowing your skin to breathe and regenerate overnight. The Tatcha The Deep Cleanse Exfoliating Cleanser is designed to provide a deep clean while being gentle enough for daily use. Remember to pat dry your face gently after washing to avoid irritating your skin or stimulating oil production further.
Credit: Boscia
Credit: Tatcha
Exfoliation: Keeping pores clear without overdoing it
Exfoliation is key to preventing clogged pores, a common issue for oily skin types. Opt for chemical exfoliants like salicylic or glycolic acid, which gently exfoliate the skin without the need for harsh physical exfoliants. These ingredients help in dissolving the bonds between dead skin cells, allowing them to be washed away easily, thus minimizing the appearance of pores and reducing the likelihood of acne breakouts. Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant is an excellent choice, as it unclogs pores and smooths skin texture without over-drying.
However, it’s important not to over-exfoliate, as this can lead to irritation and trigger the sebaceous glands to produce more oil. Limit exfoliation to two to three times a week and always follow up with a moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated and balanced. Gentle exfoliation can significantly improve skin texture and tone, making it a vital step in your skincare routine for oily skin.
Credit: Paula’s Choice
Toners: The role in oil management
After cleansing, applying a toner can further help in controlling excess shine and refining the appearance of pores. Toners designed for oily skin often contain ingredients that help to balance the skin’s pH and remove residual oil that your cleanser may have missed. Look for toners with witch hazel, a natural astringent that can reduce oiliness without drying out your skin. Thayers Rose Petal Witch Hazel Facial Toner is a popular choice. It uses witch hazel to naturally reduce oiliness and tighten the appearance of pores without drying out the skin. For those looking to target oily skin and brighten their complexion, Good Molecules Niacinamide Brightening Toner is an excellent pick.
For midday touch-ups, carrying blotting papers can be a lifesaver. These handy sheets absorb excess oil and remove shine, providing a quick fix to keep your skin looking matte and fresh. Blotting papers are a discrete and convenient way to manage excess shine, especially when you’re on the go.
Credit: Thayers
Credit: Good Molecules
Moisturizing: Switching to a lighter moisturizer
Even oily skin needs hydration, but the key is to choose the right type of moisturizer. Switch to a lightweight moisturizer in the summer months to provide necessary hydration without adding to the oiliness. Look for formulas that are water-based and contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which hydrates the skin without clogging pores. My current go-to, Round Lab Birch Moisturizing Serum consists of ingredients like hyaluronic acid to ensure your skin stays hydrated throughout the day without feeling heavy.
Avoid creamy formulas and ingredients like cocoa butter, which can be too heavy for oily skin and lead to breakouts. Versed Dew Point Moisturizing Gel-Cream is another great option, with a gel-cream texture that feels light on the skin.
A good moisturizer will not only hydrate the skin but also help to regulate oil production. It’s a common misconception that oily skin doesn’t need moisturizing; in fact, skipping this step can cause your skin to produce even more oil as a response to dehydration. By selecting the right moisturizer, you can keep your skin hydrated and balanced throughout the summer.
Credit: Round Lab
Credit: Versed
Protecting: Sunscreen for oily skin
Protecting your skin from the sun is essential, particularly for oily skin types prone to sun damage and hyperpigmentation. Opt for a mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which provides effective sun protection without clogging your pores. These ingredients create a physical barrier on the skin’s surface, reflecting UV rays away from the skin. EltaMD UV Clear Sunscreen SPF 46 contains zinc oxide, providing broad-spectrum sun protection without contributing to oiliness.
Choose a sunscreen for oily skin that is non-comedogenic and oil-free to avoid adding extra shine or triggering breakouts. Nivea Sun UV Face Shine Control SPF 50 is one of the sunscreens that truly makes my skin look matte after applying. It offers high SPF protection and a fast-absorbing formula to ensure your skin stays protected and matte. Applying sun protection measures daily, even when it’s cloudy, ensures that your skin is shielded from harmful UV rays while maintaining its health and preventing premature aging. Remember, a good sunscreen is the final step in your skincare routine to keep your skin protected and healthy.
Credit: EltaMD
Credit: Nivea
Makeup: Selecting products wisely for oily skin
When it comes to makeup for oily skin, the key is to choose products that won’t clog your pores or contribute to excess oil production. Opt for non-comedogenic makeup products that are specifically designed for oily or acne-prone skin. Using a makeup primer can also help to create a smooth base, minimizing the appearance of pores and controlling shine throughout the day. A good start is the Smashbox Photo Finish Primer. This product is excellent because it can help to create a smooth base for your makeup without making your skin feel greasy.
For those living in humid climates, selecting the right makeup is even more crucial to prevent melting or sliding off. Consider using a setting powder like Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder, a product I swear by and have been using for years, to lock your makeup in place and reduce the need for midday touch-ups. By selecting the right makeup products, you can achieve a flawless look that lasts, even on the hottest summer days.
Credit: Smashbox
Credit: Laura Mercier
Questions you may have
Is vitamin C good for oily skin in summer?
Vitamin C is a friend to oily skin, especially during the hotter months. It’s not just about adding a glow; vitamin C can help manage your skin’s oiliness too. According to many dermatologists, this powerful antioxidant can reduce inflammation, which is often a sidekick of excess oil production. Plus, it’s great for protecting your skin against damage from the sun’s rays, which is super important in summer.
When incorporating vitamin C into your skin care routine for oily skin in the summer, it’s best to look for serums or moisturizers that are light and get absorbed quickly. This way, you can enjoy all the benefits without worrying about adding extra oiliness to your skin. Remember, a little goes a long way, so you don’t need much to see a difference.
Is serum good for oily skin in summer?
Serums can be a game-changer for your summer skin care routine, especially if you have oily skin. Look for serums packed with active ingredients designed to control oil production, strengthen your skin barrier, and gently exfoliate skin. These powerful formulas can help prevent the overproduction of sebum, which is often a struggle in warmer weather. Plus, ingredients like licorice root extract can help brighten your skin, giving you a radiant look without the shine.
When choosing a serum, go for options that won’t dry your skin out or leave it feeling stripped. Balancing your skin’s moisture is key, so pair your serum with a lightweight moisturizer for oily skin. This duo works together to get rid of excess oil while ensuring your skin stays hydrated. Remember to also use an eye cream to keep the delicate area around your eyes looking fresh. By selecting the right serum, you can enhance your skin care routine without adding to the oiliness.
