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10 Of The Best Cleansers For Oily Skin
Au revoir afternoon oiliness.
Sometimes, washing your face can feel like a chore, and spending money on a product that washes down the drain can feel, well, a little pointless. But trust us when we say, getting cleansing right is a routine game-changer, especially if you have oily skin.
A cleanser designed specifically for oily skin can help tackle greasiness and shine, which often leads to breakouts.
It’s common for people with oily skin to see their complexion as more resilient than sensitive skin types, so they tend to use more potent ingredients in hopes it’ll banish excess oil once and for all. Sadly, overly stripping the skin is only going to exacerbate the problem, so striking the balance between hydrating and oil-controlling is key.
What to look out for in cleansers for oily skin?
The great thing about cleansers is that you can have two (not accounting for make-up removal) depending on how your skin is acting that day: one for when your skin is feeling a little on the irritated or dry side, and another when it feels like a pool of grease, to put it bluntly.
There are a few key ingredients to look out for when it comes to cleansers for oily skin. The first is salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that expertly mops up excess oil and breaks down the bonds of dead skin cells, which often leads to breakouts. It can also help to exfoliate if you get body acne so throw a salicylic acid cleanser in the shower, too.
'For those with oily skin, my recommendation is to opt for a mild, gentle foaming or gel cleanser that incorporates a blend of soothing and effective ingredients,' says Aesthetic Nurse Amanda Azzopardi. 'This combination will help maintain a balanced complexion, minimise blemishes, and leave the skin looking and feeling its best. Look for non-comedogenic and oil-free options that contain key ingredients like Glycolic Acid an Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA), which provides superficial exfoliation, Salicylic Acid a Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) to target blackheads, oily pores, and blemishes deep within the skin, or Benzoyl Peroxide with its antibacterial properties to increase cell turnover.'
Finally, be wary of anything too stripping or drying on the skin. Although formulations have come a long way in the last few years, if you find your skin feels particularly parched after cleansing, steer clear of foaming cleansers. These have the ability to cleanse thoroughly, which is great for a lot of people, but for others, it can prove a little too much.
How often should I use a cleanser for oily skin?
Cleansers should be used twice daily to make sure all grime from the day is removed. However, you should not be using a potent active-packed cleanser twice daily, as this might strip your ski and lead to irritation. Instead, start by alternating between a hydrating and active cleanser, using the latter a few times a week in the evening to begin with.
You’ll soon be able to see and feel how often you need an acid cleanser. The key is to not overdo it and ruin your delicate skin barrier.
Keep reading to shop our favourite cleansers for oily skin to help banish those breakouts and stop that overdrive of oil production.
Shop the best cleansers for oily skin
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