Disclaimer
Hi, just letting you know that all products recommended here have been used by me, or are properly researched to ensure they are the best you are getting without bias.
I am also an affiliate for certain Amazon products and this means that some links here are affiliate links. If you purchase an item through any of them, I MAY earn a commission at no extra cost on you.
Ah, it’s summer already—a season we all look forward to for its warm and sunny weather, pool parties, and opportunities to showcase beautiful sundresses and shades all day long. But despite how wonderful it is to soak up the sun, one uninvited guest always shows up to spoil the party: sebum.
Managing oily skin can be a daunting task year-round, but it’s trickier in the summer months. Head and humidity can trigger the over-production of oil, giving you an even greasier complexion and a T-zone that looks like a slip-and-slide. And although some sebum is good for you (it’s what protects your skin from being dry), too much of it can cause skin concerns like clogged pores and acne.
But fear not—with a bit of know-how, you’ll be able to keep sebum at bay, allowing you to show off that sun-kissed glow all summer. So if you’re ready to slay the shine, read on to find out what your summer skincare routine should look like:
Cleanse your face (but be careful not to overdo it)
Start your skincare routine—day and night—with a gentle face wash. This will get rid of any gunk your face collected during the day, and any bacteria that might’ve transferred from your bed to your face. If you have oily skin, it’s a good idea to use a gentle foaming facial cleanser that will go deep into your pores to get rid of dirt, grime, etc. from within. Stay away from products with sulfates, as these can cause your skin to dry out and produce even more oil to compensate for the dryness.
And remember, there’s no need to wash your face too often! Cleansing twice a day is good enough. Over-cleansing can actually trigger your skin to produce more oil, making it look greasier—and no one wants that! If your face feels particularly oily throughout the day, resist the urge to wash it with water, and instead, use an oil-absorbing sheet to dab the oil away.
Top off your facial cleanse with a toner
Once you’ve cleansed your face with a product that’s formulated for your skin type, top it off with a toner. Not only does toner get rid of any dirt your cleanser might’ve missed, but it also balances your skin’s pH, which is essential to maintaining a good moisture barrier. And while it won’t be able to shrink your pores, it can unclog them and make them look “tighter”, albeit temporarily.
When choosing a toner, steer clear of products that contain alcohol, as these can strip your skin of its natural oils. If you’re trying out the organic routine, don’t forget that coconut oil is a no-go. Coconut oil is comedogenic—this means it can clog your pores and cause all kinds of skin concerns like breakouts, blackheads, etc.
Boost hydration with a water-based moisturizer
If you have oily skin, you may think that the goal is to make your skin drier than the Sahara desert. However, dry skin won’t do you any good, either. When your skin is stripped of its natural oils, it produces more oils in an attempt to replace the lost oils. This can lead to clogged pores, acne, and other concerns.
Besides, even if your skin feels oily, that doesn’t always mean it’s well-hydrated. When skin is thirsty, it will go into overdrive with its oil production as its way of dealing with the lack of water.
So as counterintuitive as it seems, make sure not to skip this step! To maintain a mattified T-zone, be sure to use an oil-free, water-based, and lightweight moisturizer daily. Along with moisturizing, be sure to keep your body hydrated by drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day.
Slather on SPF sunscreen
In the summer, you’ll be more exposed to UV, and therefore, be at greater risk of skin damage, sunburn, and skin cancer. So even if you have an oily skin type, don’t skip your sunscreen! Before going out, be sure to put on a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects you from both UVA and UVB, and that has at least SPF 30.
If you’re worried about the grease, here’s good news for you: there are plenty of sunscreens specifically for oily, acne-prone skin. They’re oil-free, non-comedogenic (meaning they won’t clog your pores), and don’t contain ingredients such as oxybenzone, octinoxate, and octocrylene—these are substances that can contribute to skin irritation, inflammation, and more.
Consider using a mineral sunscreen (a type of sun protection product that won’t leave a sticky white cast on your face) that contains UV filters such as zinc oxide and titanium oxide. These ingredients are less likely to irritate the skin.
Get rid of dead skin cells using an exfoliant
Oily skin tends to accumulate dead skin, dirt, etc. more easily than other skin types. This is because sebum easily mixes with debris on the skin’s surface, making your complexion look dull and more prone to breakouts. On top of that, people with oily skin tend to have larger pores, which makes it easier for dirt to get draped inside them.
To clear away the build-up of debris, be sure to wash your face with a gentle exfoliating agent, such as chemical exfoliants with alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs). These work by weakening the bond that holds your skin cells together, which in turn triggers the skin to regenerate (i.e. make younger, newer cells).
Just don’t overdo it. Like over-cleansing, over-exfoliating can lead to dry, irritated skin, so do it twice a week at most.
Summer doesn’t have to be a bummer!
There you have it—your go-to skincare routine for the summer, guaranteed to make you a glowing goddess in no time. Remember, just because you have oily skin doesn’t mean you have to let it be—you deserve to enjoy the summer sun, whatever your skin type may be! With these simple tips, you can an flaunt oil-free complexion and be the most fabulous you’ve ever felt.
For more skincare tips for all seasons, be sure to check out our beauty blog.