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I recently I learnt what my actual skin type is. I previously thought that it was just my t-zone that was oily and the rest of my skin was normal. However after some research, I found that I am indeed part of the oily skin gang and forever shiny crew.
Since learning more about my skin I have made some changes, new discoveries and I now understand why I was so fond of citrus-scented skin care products, and it wasn’t just because I love lemon drizzle cake.
Why So Oily?
My natural reaction to shine and my oily skin was to strip it, any soaps that left my skin feeling dry and squeaky clean was a good thing, so I thought. I now know I made a big mistake, as two extremes cannot and will not create a balance.
With oily skin, it is key to remove all the excess dirt and oil, whilst not disturbing the natural production of sebum, the oil our skin already produces. If you strip your skin of its natural oils, your skin will produce more to compensate for the loss. Which is why I said two extreme don’t create a balance.
Changes Made
As much as I love a quick and somewhat lazy skin care routine I have already noticed a difference in my skin since making some changes. Everything is linked, so although I have already seen some differences, I know with an improved diet my skin will flourish.
I have incorporated an oil cleanser into my cleansing routine, and I use black Soap for my second cleanse. Although black Soap can be stripping I have found that the oil cleanse before and a good Moisturising routine keeps the excess oil at bay. I also use a setting powder under my foundation to make it last longer and to keep my oily areas oil free for longer. I have been using a vitamin C Serum before my moisturiser and if I am honest I am not sure if it has made a huge amount of difference. I do need to add an SPF to my routine.
Ingredients To Look Out For
A few ingredients to incorporate into your skin care is; Witch Hazel, Charcoal, Tea Tree, Salicylic Acid, Vitamin E, Willow Bark and Vitamin C. These ingredients don’t have to be in all of your products, as they all work better in different stages of your routine, this is just makes it easier to know what ingredients to look for.
Lemongrass, Tea Tree and Charcoal: Individually great and they work well in cleansers, scrubs and masks, as they remove dirt without stripping your skin. They also have mattifying, anti blemish and pore tightening properties.
My favourites from Soap Connoisseur – Tea Tree Oil Cleanser – Lemongrass Scrub
Vitamins C and E: Work great alone as a serum or oil before your moisturiser, or within a moisturizer.
Witch Hazel: Great for the skins Complexion and pore tightening so it is recommended to be used as a toner or within a face mask.
Salicylic Acid/Willow Bark: The original source of salicin can be found in Willow Bark. If you suffer from redness and soreness, Willow Bark extract is recommended. Whereas salicylic acid is recommended for those with oily and acne prone skin as it works as a great exfoliant.
Opt for oil-free primers, moisturisers and sunscreens. However if you prefer to moisturise with an oil, go for an oil that is similar to the oil you already produce and one that doesn’t clog the pores. Essentially a lightweight oil like; *Jojoba, Grapeseed and *Rosehip Seed oil.
I hope this post makes it easier for you to shop for the right products and helps you with looking after your skin.
SAABIRAH LAWRENCE 
Gurl I needed this post. My skin doesn’t know how to ACT in this summer heat UGH. I already use a salicylic acid cleanser, witch hazel toner, aloe vera, and vitamin E pretty religiously in my skin routine, but maybe I should consider adding the lemongrass scrub too…
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It’s whatever works for you, I’m looking to try a few more things that I listed and see how they work out for me.
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