What exactly is oily skin?

Let’s talk oily skin. You know, the type that leaves your face looking like you just ran a marathon by 10 a.m. But don’t worry – oily skin is more blessing than curse, as hard as that might be to believe when you’re wiping shine off your forehead every hour. In fact, oily skin has some amazing perks: it helps keep the skin naturally moisturized, gives a bit of built-in shine (no highlighter needed), and even helps you age more gracefully. But managing it without looking like a grease slick? That’s the trick. And here’s the real kicker – yes, even oily skin needs moisturizer.

Why so oily? The science of slick

Oily skin happens when your sebaceous glands go into overdrive, pumping out extra oil (or sebum) to keep your skin soft and protected. This is usually the result of genetics, hormones, or even seasonal changes. But too much of a good thing isn’t always ideal, and that excess oil can clog pores, leading to breakouts and acne. Oily skin types also deal with a constant battle against shine, making every reflective surface a reminder that yes, you probably could fry an egg on your forehead.

The “oilier” side of oily skin

But here’s the silver lining – oily skin often ages slower! Yep, you read that right. Oil helps preserve the skin’s natural moisture, which means fewer wrinkles and a more resilient texture as you age. People with oily skin tend to have thicker skin, which is more resistant to the dreaded fine lines and crow’s feet. So while you might look like you just left a spin class all day long, at least you’ll look great doing it into your golden years.

Why moisturizing is essential – yes, even for you

Here’s the catch-22 of oily skin: the more you try to get rid of that oil, the more your skin will try to produce it. Stripping away too much oil sends your skin into panic mode, cranking up sebum production to make up for the loss. Think of it like a tug-of-war with your face. The solution? A good moisturizer that helps balance things out, rather than waging a full-on war.

When you use a lightweight, non-comedogenic (fancy term for “won’t clog your pores”) moisturizer, you’re actually telling your skin, “Hey, we’re good here, no need for an oil surplus.” This helps strike a balance, keeping skin hydrated without adding extra shine. It’s like having the best of both worlds – hydrated skin that doesn’t look like an oil slick.

Problems with oily skin – the slick side of life

Oily skin’s biggest downfall? Clogged pores. When oil and dead skin cells get too cozy in your pores, they create a perfect environment for acne and blackheads. This is why moisturizing is crucial – it keeps your skin barrier strong and smooth, making it harder for pores to clog up. Think of moisturizer as the peacekeeper in your skin care routine: it helps hydrate without creating more oil, so your skin doesn’t feel the need to go all out in oil production.

Moisturizing for the win – keep calm and hydrate on

So, if you’re an oily skin type wondering why you’d ever add more moisture, think of it this way: moisturizer isn’t adding to the problem; it’s part of the solution. By using a moisturizer specifically designed for oily skin, you’re helping your skin stay balanced and protected, reducing that midday oil slick effect, and giving your skin the hydration it still needs to look its best.

In a world of shine-free powders and blotting papers, a good moisturizer might just be your best friend. Just make sure it’s a lightweight, oil-free formula, and watch as your skin starts to mellow out. You’ll be less oily, less shiny, and hey, less likely to need that extra paper towel in your back pocket.

For a few products we’re particularly fond of, see our blog posts for men’s moisturisers & women’s moisturisers.