Having oily skin is a daily struggle. Not only is there a certain stigma unfairly attached to it (“Oiliness is next to ugliness”), it also leads to other skin issues, such as pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads. Finding the right makeup can be challenging because the wrong one can end up looking shiny and slick on your skin in a matter of minutes. A good facial wash for oily skin is the key to managing this skin type.
However, not all facial washes are created equal. Look for a product that does more than just make your feel “dry” — that’s not something you want, anyway. Here’s what to look for.
Minimizes Sebum
At the very least, your facial wash for oily skin should be able to do this. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, washing your face every morning, evening, and after exercise can help minimize oil. Usually, a facial cleanser that’s specifically formulated for would be oil-free and non-comedogenic, lifting sebum buildup from the pores.
can help temporarily slow down the production of sebum. Likewise, a hydrating product can stop your oil glands from overcompensating and producing more sebum, thinking your skin is dry after washing.
Smoothens Skin Texture
Acne is the result of pores that are clogged with excess sebum, dirt, and bacteria. It often manifests as bumps on the face, such as pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads, making the skin appear rough and uneven. A facial wash for oily skin that has salicylic acid can help smoothen skin and improve texture by addressing acne at the root. It works by penetrating the pores and dissolving dead skin cells, removing flaky skin on the surface. Through this exfoliation process, it helps improve the skin’s texture even as it addresses your acne.
Brightens and Fades Dark Spots
Most facial cleansers are formulated with extra nourishing properties that allow it to address more than just one skin issue. One common side effect of having acne is acne scars and uneven skin tone. Choose a facial wash for oily skin that can also brighten your skin and improve the appearance of acne scars. Look for vitamin B3 or niacinamide, which, according to the National Institutes of Health, can decrease hyperpigmentation by interrupting the transfer of melanin to the skin cells.
The AAD also advises individuals with acne-prone skin to stop touching their skin, which could transfer bacteria from the hands to the face. This can trigger inflammation or infection, which can, in turn, lead to scaring. Have a regular day and night skincare routine and leave your skin alone in between.
Heals and Hydrates
Another important function of any facial wash for oily skin is repairing the skin barrier and keeping the skin hydrated. Using harsh products or scrubs can lead to a compromised skin barrier, which can make your skin itchy, flaky, tight, and rough. You could also get more breakouts because of this. When this happens, your skin loses its ability to retain moisture, making it weaker and prone to more skin issues.
Hyaluronic acid is a popular ingredient in skin care because of its unique ability to draw and retain moisture. It delivers hydration to the skin by drawing moisture from the environment, and it also enhances the skin barrier by locking moisture in. When you apply hyaluronic acid before using moisturizer, you give your skin the ability to maximize the benefits of your moisturizing for longer.
Facial Washes for Oily Skin to Try
Choose a facial wash for oily skin that doesn’t just address obvious issues such as acne. Aside from salicylic acid, look for additional nourishing ingredients such as niacinamide and hyaluronic acid to help heal the skin inside and out.
POND'S Bright Miracle Ultimate Acne Control Facial Foam
It contains salicylic acid and that work together to fight acne, reduce sebum, and improve the skin’s texture. This POND's facial wash also uses a unique technology that works in three days to help eliminate acne at the root.
POND’S Bright Serum Facial Foam
It contains niacinamide and 4D hyaluronic acid complex that hydrates the skin while removing dirt and sebum. Try it to improve your skin’s barrier function and make it more resilient.
Eskinol Pimple Relief Facial Wash
A facial wash for oily skin can go beyond the superficial issue. Did you know that stress can cause your oil glands to go on hyperdrive? That's why you get zits and bumps when you're feeling a bit more tired than usual. Eskinol addresses this problem at the root. It has green tea and Cica extracts from Korea that removes oil, makeup, and other debris on your face. Plus, it tames redness and fades existing pimple marks.