It's summertime, which, for a lot of us, means oily skin. Really, is there anything more disheveled-looking than a mid-day shiny face? But it's not all about blotting papers and mattifying primers. Though incredibly useful, target excess shine earlier with an arsenal of oil-controlling cleansers, scrubs and masks. Once you've regulated your routine, you'll soon begin to see improvements by way of skin that glows in just the right places (i.e. not your T-zone). Keep these six pointers in mind when looking for new products that will keep that oil-slick problem in check:
Switch to an oil-regulating cleanser. This is your first line of defense when it comes to starting the day off shine-free -- and keeping it that way. Your face wash should contain ingredients like salicylic acid or purifying clay which will clear pores and stave off excess oil.
Follow up with a toner, but avoid alcohol-based or extremely-astringent products. Anything too drying will cause skin to overcompensate oil production, leaving you more shiny in the middle of the day. Look for equally-effective treatments that contain tea tree oil or calendula extract which will balance and mattify the skin without stripping all the good natural oils.
Exfoliate weekly (our quick guide will help you determine just how often you should). A gentle scrub sloughs off dead skin cells, which will not only prevent breakouts, but will make all the oil-controlling products you apply afterward the day much more effective.
Soak up excess oil with a once-a-week clay-based mask. Another important step for clearing pores: This will effectively help shrink them, which will in turn regulate oil production.
Invest in a translucent primer or powder to wear alone or under makeup. Former pressed powder offerings tended to feel a little… matronly, and often let the skin looking cakey. Same for earlier versions of primers, which could produce somewhat flakey results. The latest formulations, however, are non-drying and most importantly, look just like your skin -- but less-oily, of course. It will take a little leg work in order to find out which product is best for your skin type.
Keep blotting papers at the ready. Seeing the oil transfer from your face to the little pocket-sized squares couldn't be any more gratifying. Plus, you can rest assure your makeup will be left intact.
For a decade-by-decade guide to taking care of your skin, click here.
