Summer is not always a friend of oily skin. It plays a major role in increased shine and grease, clogged pores and breakouts. The health of your skin all comes down to the skin care routine you follow. Are you also one of those who think that those with oily skin, don’t need a moisturiser in summer? After all, who needs the extra weight on face, isn’t it? This is the same reason why people with oily skin may even be skipping a sunscreen and stepping out in the heat. These are major skin care mistakes you must avoid. Read on to know the must-follow summer skin care tips for oily skin.

What is oily skin?

Oily skin is a skin type characterised by the overproduction of sebum, which is the skin’s natural oil, says dermatologist Dr Vichitra Sharma. This excess oil can lead to a shiny or greasy appearance on the face, particularly in the forehead, nose, and chin, known as the T-zone.

Here’s how to know if you have oily skin:

1. Observation method

• Wash your face with a mild cleanser then dry it, but be gentle.
• Wait for 30 minutes. Let your skin settle without applying any skin care products.
• Check the appearance and feel. If it is shiny all over, it indicates oily skin.
• Tight, dry and flaky means dry skin.
• Shine in T-zone only suggests combination skin.
• Balanced and comfortable means normal skin.

2. Blotting paper method

• Wash your face then pat dry and wait for 30 minutes.
• Use blotting papers. Press them onto different areas of your face and check oil absorption.
• Saturated with oil indicates oily skin.
• Little to no oil means dry skin.
• Oil mainly from T-zone means combination skin.
• Minimal oil evenly across the face means normal skin.

How to deal with oily skin in summer?

A more pronounced oily and shiny appearance on the skin is just one of the many oily skin problems during summer. Here are some more:

1. Acne

Excess oil can mix with sweat, dirt, and make-up, potentially leading to clogged pores, making acne worse during summer. Using comedogenic, oil-based make-up can cause pomade acne, also known as hairline acne.

Also Read

2. Make-up issues

The oily appearance on the face, especially in the T-zone, also means bad news for make-up. Whether you are using an eye shadow or a foundation, it may not stay in place and can slide off the skin due to excess oil and sweat.

3. Irritation and sensitivity

Excessive oil production can sometimes cause skin irritation and redness. It can even lead to inflammation like seborrheic dermatitis, which is a condition causing scaly patches and red skin.

4. Difficulties with sunscreen

Some sunscreens may feel greasy or heavy on oily skin. Don’t skip it, just go for the right one. It is important to choose a sunscreen that is lightweight and non-comedogenic.

Summer skin care routine for oily skin

If you don’t want additional skin problems during summer, follow these skin care tips for oily skin!

1. Cleanse

Use a gentle, oil-free cleanser twice a day to remove excess oil, dirt, and makeup without stripping the natural oils of the skin. Cleansers with 1 to 2 percent salicylic acid can be used, but check with your dermatologist first, suggests the expert. Also, if you use a good oil controlling cleanser like salicylic acid, a toner is not needed. Using a toner can only temporarily reduce the pore size, so toning is not mandatory.

2. Use serum

Apply a vitamin C serum after cleansing your face in the morning. Vitamin C is beneficial for normal to oily skin. During a 2010 study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, researchers found that daily application of vitamin C reduced acne. It helps to reduce hyperpigmentation and has antioxidant properties that protect against UV (ultraviolet) damage and photoageing, says the expert. But sometimes, vitamin C can cause irritation and sensitivity, so use it after consulting a dermatologist.

3. Moisturise

This is an important step that many women with oily skin skip. Avoiding moisturiser can lead to dehydration, prompting the skin to produce more oil. Choose a lightweight, oil-free moisturiser or gel-based or water-based moisturiser to keep your skin hydrated without adding excess oil. Look for non-comedogenic moisturisers instead of applying oils or heavy creams.

4. Use sunscreen

A sunscreen is a must, irrespective of the season and skin type. Apply a non-comedogenic, oil-free, water- or gel-based sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily to protect your skin from UV (ultraviolet) damage.

5. Gentle exfoliation

Avoid harsh scrubs or physical exfoliants like sugar, baking soda, and apricot scrubs. Exfoliate just 2 times a week to remove dead skin cells and prevent clogged pores, and use a chemical exfoliant like salicylic acid, which penetrates pores and helps control oil.

For touch-ups of make-up, carry oil-blotting sheets to absorb excess oil throughout the day without disrupting make-up.

Just make sure, not to go overboard with cleansing. Doing it too often can strip the skin of its natural oils, causing it to produce more oil. Products with alcohol or strong astringents can irritate the skin and increase oil production. Avoid these mistakes, and follow the right skin care routine for oily skin in summer.