If your skin tends to shine pretty much all the time you probably have an oily skin. Oily skin happens because the glands in your skin produce too much sebum. Sebum is the waxy, oily substance that protects and hydrates the skin and it’s playing an important role in keeping the skin healthy – so there is nothing wrong with you if you have an oily skin type – and you might as a bonus be less prone to develop wrinkles.
On the other hand, that too much sebum can lead to clogged pores, and acne, and this can be quite unpleasant so you definitely want to keep your sebum production under control. It’s easy to do, with a good skincare routine and the right products. But there are so many products on the market promising miracles but only a few are actually doing what they say.
The first thing to do is to wash your face morning and evening using a face wash for oily skin. The most effective ones tend to use charcoal or thermal water. Then use a toner on dry skin and moisturise. Your day moisturiser really matters as it will regulate your skin’s sebum production through the day.
This is not where you should try and save money as your skin needs a good quality moisturiser, relevant to your skin type. After trying many, we only swear by Effaclar Duo from La Roche Posay (see below).
Here is the list of our recommended face washes and other purifying products for oily skin that we’ve tried and tested.
Himalayan Charcoal Purifying Clay Wash
thebodyshop.com
This Purifying clay wash cleanses away dirt and impurities and helps unclog pores. This foaming face wash has a silky-soft clay texture that is gentle enough for all skin types. It leaves skin feeling refreshed, soft and looking mattified without drying it out .
"I love this face wash!! Honestly this is brilliant. Helps with combination skin and reduces my spots." Jess
Himalayan Charcoal Purifying Glow Mask
thebodyshop.com
For skin that needs extra purification to reveal a healthy, youthful glow. Inspired by Ayurvedic traditions, this 100% vegan tingling clay mask is free of parabens, paraffin, silicone or mineral oil and draws out impurities to refines the appearance of your pores for healthy-looking skin with a glow that shows.
"I started using this product 3 years ago and have not purchased another mask since. I always go back to this. It’s so purifying and you can see the glow in your skin after you have used it ." Sabine
Tea Tree Skin Clearing Mattifying Toner
thebodyshop.com
This Tea Tree Skin Clearing Mattifying Toner helps the skin look visibly clearer and toned in one step.
"I’ve struggled with bad skin since the age of 13 and have tried multiple medications prescribed by doctors and hundreds of products and creams from multiple different drug stores and this is the ONLY thing that has worked for me !!!! Amazing !!! My skin feels amazing after I use this. " Maddie.
Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel for oily sensitive skin
amazon.com
This gel is specifically formulated for facial wash for oily, blemish-prone skin and gently cleanses the skin thanks to its high tolerance foaming power. Lifts dirt, grime and sebum away from the surface of the skin without disrupting its delicate balance and leaves the skin feeling clean and fresh. It's best to combine it with the Effaclar Duo Cream (below).
"For anyone suffering with oily skin as they’ve entered late 20/ 30’s - this is a must! This range is simply fantastic and I have not found a facial wash as gentle, yet effective, as this!" Alex.
Effaclar Mat , Sebo-regulating moisturiser.
amazon.com
This cream is specifically formulated for oily skin prone to excessive shine. With daily care the anti-shine, oil-free formula helps to limit the appearance of pores and shine by reducing excess sebum. Provides long-lasting hydration for up to 8 hours. You can use it with the Effaclar foaming gel or any other face washes in this list for more effectiveness.
"Great for oily skin. Obsessed with this, have used for years. Really works to help mattify the skin and works as a nice base." Chinyere.
Pore Refining Face Scrub for Oily Skin
amazon.com
This Rose Quartz and Charcoal face scrub gently cleanse and purify your skin, making it look more healthy and glowing.
"It works wonders for unplugging my pores and takes the redness out of my spots, most importantly it doesn't dry out my skin so leaves it soft. Great facial scrub" Mark.
Cleansing Charcoal Pore Strips for Blackhead Removal
amazon.com
This is your charcoal secret weapon against dirty pores! These strips remove weeks’ worth of pore gunk with just one strip and suck out oil and blackhead breeding impurities. It leaves your skin feeling fresh, clean and 3 times less oily.
"These Bioré pore remover strips were absolutely amazing. I’ve never been able to get any use out of any “blackhead removal masks etc” but this one does a fantastic job." Chloe.
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