With the rising temperatures and increase in humidity levels, your sebaceous glands have probably gone into overdrive. Excess production of sebum and sweat not only leaves you looking like a shiny disco ball but can also clog pores and give rise to acne and breakouts. Here are eight quick and easy ways to control excess sebum production and keep the shine in check.
Lightly dab the specially formulated blotting papers over makeup on problem areas such as the forehead, nose, and chin. These papers help control the shine thanks to their absorbent ingredients (they usually contain talc, kaolin or zinc). Make sure you keep a pack in your bag so you can touch up on the go.
After using a mattifying wipe or a blotting paper, you can also dust your face with a mattifying powder. It will set your makeup in place while also taking down shine. You can use loose or pressed powders. Just dust lightly over your face with a large powder brush and watch the shine disappear in an instant.
Be sure to take off all your makeup at the end of the day with a makeup remover or a facial cleanser. Cleansing mattifies the skin by removing excess sebum from the surface. For a longer lasting effect, choose a micellar water that's rich in zinc, the mineral that regulates sebum production.
If your skin is very oily, use a gentle face scrub every couple of days to keep it clear and reduce sebum build up. Excess sebum can build up in pores, leading to spots and blackheads. Be sure to focus on the T-zone, as this area has a higher concentration of sebaceous glands. But do so gently - excessive cleansing and scrubbing can lead to a production of even more oil, as your skin works to replace what's missing.
After cleansing, apply a purifying lotion or toner rich in essential oils. Peppermint, rosemary, lavender, and thyme are all great options. This will remove any excess cleanser or sebum and even out imperfections. It will also help any creams or serums that follow to absorb better.
Twice weekly, apply a clay mask to absorb excess oil and deeply cleanse the skin. Leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes and then simply rinse off. If it's just your T-zone that is oily, apply it to this area only.
Moisturisers geared at oily skin contain purifying active ingredients to balance and regulate sebum, alongside absorbent, mattifying substances. They tighten the pores, inhibit sebum secretion, and reduce shine. For example, the L’Oréal Paris Hydra Fresh Anti-Shine Gel Absorbs excess sebum and prevents perspiration and shine to leave your face with a natural matte finish. Powered by 8X the concentration of zinc, the Hydra Fresh Anti-Shine Gel helps to regulate sebum production without excessively drying out your face.
A far more holistic solution for oily skin is an alum stone, which controls sebum production through its ability to absorb substances. Apply this crystal-like stone morning and/or night in its natural form, using gentle circular movements across the face. Alum stone also has anti-bacterial and healing properties, which makes it ideal for spot-prone skin.
A change in climate, lifestyle habits, or age can make your existing oily skin troubles even worse. Even though oily skin has certain benefits like a delayed onset of wrinkles, it comes with its own host of problems if not cared for correctly. Follow the simple steps mentioned above and use the right kind of products for your skin and you will be able to reduce the shine from your face in no time.
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