Hello Ms. Beautynomics, could you help me with my problem? I’m turning 19 years old next week, and I want to get rid of my super oily skin, specially when it’s hot. My face feels sticky when I’m in school. I want to ask, what’s the best skin care product for oily skin?
- Colegiala
Dear Colegiala,
First of all, let me just tell you, that I experienced exactly the same thing when I was in college! My skin was really, really, really oily ( crazy oily ). I would also congratulate you, that you have oily skin, because in the long run, you will love your skin type. Your skin will not wrinkle easily like ther skin types. Those who have dry skin have the danger of wrinkling easily, and oily skinned people are the last to be affected by it. Woot!
On to the solution – I remember, what I did before, was have a minty facial wash in travel size with me, to wash my face when I feel really icky and greasy. I also hoarded packs of oil blotting sheets from Gatsby before for the purpose. But here are my picks of products that I can recommend to you to make having oily skin bearable. Take note that I have put two options – a “Splurge” option if you are willing to spend for skin care, or a “Save” option that is budget-friendly. Depends on you!
Splurge Option
A tweaked Clinique 3-Step System
For oily skin, I deem Clinique the best skin care, and the brand is great for those who would want to have their first skin care brand gentle, and yet effective. My best bet is for you to go to your nearest Clinique counter ( Rustans Shangri-la, Glorietta, Gateway? ) and have your skin diagnosed, but here’s an initial recommendation for those who have oily skin :
What I love about it : It leaves your skin squeaky clean! For oily skin, the most important thing is to avoid creamy cleansers. Those milky ones, those creamy ones. They won’t be able to clean your skin off the oil and dirt. Stick to water-based ones, just like this. I love Clinique’s Liquid Facial Soap for Oily Skin that it effectively removes the oil and dirt that I’ve accumulated thru the day, and yet my skin does not feel tight. That’s another important thing. You don’t want your skin too tight or overcleansed, it might trigger more oil production, making your skin oilier. Look for something just right. Just like this.
What I love about this : Well, don’t expect your facial wash to do all the work. You need a toner that will do just that. Since you have oily skin, your skin will be prone to breakouts when you are in school, as you are exposed to dirt. Dirt + oil on your skin = whiteheads, blackheads, then eventually breakouts. It’s really important to clean your skin by the end of the day. Clinique’s Clarifying Lotion has Salicylic Acid to do pore-cleaning, as well as exfoliate your skin in a micro-level, so that you won’t have dead skin cell buildup, that is a primary cause of inflammations on the skin.
What I love about it : This is my tweak of the Clinique’s 3-step System, as this is not a part of the 3-Step System, as this is a part of some specialized solutions. This is crazy good!
But wait, Let me tell you why you need a moisturizer. Yes, for oily skin, we’d like our skin steer clear of oil, right? Forever? Oh yeah, I’d love that too! But you know, the tricky part would be if your skin is too tight, or devoid of hydration already, your skin will send warning signals to the oil gland that it needs more oil to keep your skin hydrated ( note – looking supple is a result of good, hydrated skin ) , and you’ll have oilier skin! Nooo! I don’t like that. And besides, keeping our skin hydrated is a good thing because it would keep our skin looking supple and really soft!
So, just to illustrate, there are girls who have really tight-looking skin like there is no moisture left on their skin already, but really oily skin right? I also experienced a time when my skin was flaky dry, and it was oily! Que horror. That is because they failed to apply moisturizer. Choose your moisturizer wisely. It must not be cream-based or oil-based, as it would make your skin oilier, or even worse, cause your skin to breakout! There are good, light lotions that can hydrate your skin. Go for water-based ones.
On to my novel ( haha! ) I really, really love the new Clinique Pore Refining Solutions Stay-Matte Hydrator, as the consistency is very light ( really light ) that it quickly gets absorbed into your skin, and it has mild oil-controlling properties somehow that lets your skin act normal all throughout the day. I don’t trust skin care that makes your skin totally matte because from experience, I get blackheads from them. Really bad ones. Go for gentle products like this one. This is a winner in my book!
Save Option
I have thought about a budget-friendlier version of my recommendation, and I think that for this purpose, Neutrogena fills the bill!
What I love about it : Neutrogena Deep Clean has been in existence ever since I was little! It’s a really reliable product that deeply cleanses your skin, gets rid of dirt and oil, and leaves your skin squeaky clean, without overdrying!
This one, deep cleanses your skin, and yet, your skin feels comfortable after using it. I like this!
Now available in two refreshing scents, brightening Mulberry and revitalizing Grapefruit variant!
What I love about it : Oh, I hope they still have this in Manila! I used this when I was in college! I’m recommending a gentle toner here that can clear out your pores, and yet make them be more refined. Pores get the most dirt and oil all throughout the day, and you’d want the dirt and oil cleaned off before you close them up! Also helps in the morning that your pores are all closed up for it not to be open and exposed to dirt and oil while in school!
Moisturizer :
I’m giving you two choices :
What I love about it : Now THIS is what I’m talking about. A product that can infuse the skin with so much moisture, and yet, does not cause your skin to oil up! It is a light, light gel, that as you apply on your skin, gets absorbed easily, and feels matte on the skin after a few seconds. I believe that this is a great day and night moisturizer that will quench your skin with moisture, and yet keep it matte!
or..
What I love about it : This can be your day moisturizer, as this has SPF, that will let you have added sun protection! I like the Water Gel for night time, though!
Well, here are more added tips!
* Exfoliate at least twice a week. For oily skin, you are really more prone to breakouts, so dead skin cells must be sloughed off your face so that you can always have fresh, new skin.
* Please, if you’re applying makeup, DO NOT apply powder on top of oily skin. Please use your blotting sheets first!
* Please do not overwash your face. Twice a day is the most optimal, but if you really can’t help it, you can opt to wash your face by lunch. Bring a travel-sized facial wash for the purpose.
Well, that’s about it! I really hope that you will be able to find some solutions to your oily skin! I know, it’s a struggle everyday for oily skin, but you’ll learn to appreciate it when you get older! There are really good products in the market that will help address our concerns, it’s just about finding the right one! I hope I get to point you to the right direction! 
Love,
Sophie
The Beautynomist
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oh, I am now interested with these products you suggested! I have combination skin and my T zone is always oily! aaarrrggg…. thanks for sharing these products!
Hi Ms. Sophie! Oliy skin din kasi ako so na curious naman ako dun sa sinabi mo na do not put powder. Why?