Finally”the much-coveted warmer weather has arrived! But while those sunny days are great for showing off summer dresses and sipping sangria poolside, they can exacerbate a common problem: oily skin. Here are three quick fixes for nixing that oily skin.
1. Come clean
The right cleansing regimen, especially in summer, is key to keeping oily skin in check. Without proper cleansing and exfoliating every few days, oily skin can result in clogged pores, and breakouts, so choose a gel-based or water-based cleanser to get the most thorough cleanse. Try to schedule two cleansings a day, especially important before bed to rinse all of your makeup off, but don’t overdo it. Over-washing can stimulate your skin to produce more oil.
Opt for mild soap-free cleansers. Harsh products can strip your skin of oil causing a reaction known as reactive seborrhea, which can actually stimulate your glands to produce more oil. Use cold or lukewarm, because it’ll better dissolve surface oils. Finish off with an oil-free moisturizer.
2. Astringents, Toners, Blotters
These products are temporary fixes, but will help eliminate surface oils when you’re on the go. Astringents are chemical substances that work by cutting through oils constricting pores to prevent clogs. Again, stick to something mild. Overuse can cause dry, flaky, or red skin.
Toners remove excess dirt, oil and makeup from the skin, and are usually applied after cleansing. But in a bind, toner can be a great last minute way to nix that excess oil.
Blotting papers can be extremely handy and discreet for bathroom touch-ups. They’re essentially thin, tissue-like papers that work by absorbing surface oil on the skin. Simply put: they blot. And added bonus”blotting can prevent you having to reapply your makeup throughout the day. Try Clean and Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets.
3. Water (in various forms!)
Here’s one more reason for getting your eight glasses: Drinking lots of water will help flush out toxins and keen your skin moisturized, preventing your glands from over-compensating. Try to also reduce your salt and sugar intakes, and up the B2. Whole grains, beans, nuts and wheat germ are great sources of Vitamin B2, which supplies the body with iron and rejuvenates the skin.
