One of the biggest things I’ve learned while creating my oily skin care routine is that the focus should not be on using products to try and “dry it out.” There was a time where I’d go into the store and hunt for whatever promised to keep my oils under control. This only lead to my skin feeling dried out and then getting super oily later on. Whew chile, the stress.
After a lot of research (and trial and error), my skin and I are in a happier place. I’ve learned that the key is to make sure my skin’s moisture barrier is on point. When my skin is properly hydrated, I produce less oil, and it’s a win-win for me.
While I’m certainly not a skincare pro (and plan to find myself a bomb local esthetician soon), I wanted to share some of my favorite skincare products that I’m using in my routine.
My Oily Skin Care Routine
1) Precleanse
I use Dermalogica’s Precleanse Cleansing Oil on the days that I’m wearing makeup. When I used makeup wipes, there always seemed to be a good amount of makeup left behind. Using Precleanse has helped to alleviate this problem, as it thoroughly cleans without leaving my skin feeling stripped.
2) Cleanse
The Barrier+ Foaming Oil Cleanser from Skinfix is an OG in my oily skin care routine. I use this every time I wash my face, and it’s an amazing thorough yet gentle cleanser. I’m big on making sure that the cleansing products that I use don’t leave my skin feeling stripped, and this is one of the most gentle cleansers that I’ve tried. On my makeup days, I follow up the Dermalogica Precleanse with this.
3) Toner
Growing up, I remember hearing my mom talk about using toner. I wasn’t really sure what it was for, and honestly, I thought it was just another step to clean your skin. LaBeautyologist (an esthetician and my favorite skincare guru that I’ve come across online) made a great video on toner and put me on to the Rosewater Toner by Heritage Store. It’s an inexpensive hydrating toner, and with hydrating toners, you want to use them after every step of your skincare routine. You can find this toner everywhere, from Amazon to TJMaxx.
4) Serum
Not only does Trader Joe’s have bomb snacks, but they also sell some bomb beauty products. I really like their Hyaluronic Moisture Boost Serum (Retail: $8.99). Hyaluronic Acid acts as a humectant to help alleviate dry skin and make skin appear plumper (reducing the visibility of wrinkles and fine lines). I use this in-between toner application before my moisturizer.
5) Exfoliate
There are two kinds of exfoliants: physical exfoliants (like scrubs, or things with grains, etc., that can be abrasive and are a little rough on your face) and chemical exfoliants. Chemical exfoliants are things like AHA’s (alpha-hydroxy acids) and BHA’s (beta-hydroxy acids), which work to break down the bonds holding dead skin cells to the surface of the skin.
Since learning that physical exfoliants are too harsh for the face, I’ve made the switch to chemical exfoliants. I recently picked up the Honeymoon Glow AHA Resurfacing Serum by Farmacy during Sephora’s most recent sale. According to the product info, it’s a 14% AHA/BHA/gentle flower acid blend. I use it once a week, at night, and then follow up with my hydrating toner and moisturizer. It did burn a bit the first time I used it (which I am told is normal due to the nature of the product). I have noticed that it has subsided as I’ve continued to use it. If you decide to incorporate these kinds of products into your routine, be sure to wear sunscreen and be careful with any sun exposure afterward.
I purchased a large solo bottle during the sale, but it also comes in a set with the Farmacy Honey Potion face mask for $28.
6) Moisturizing Masks
I like to use a moisturizing face mask about 1-2x a week. The Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mask is a great sheet mask to use before makeup application. It leaves my skin looking super hydrated and glowing. I also picked up the Farmacy Honey Potion Renewing Antioxidant Hydration Mask during the Sephora sale, and so far, I like it. It has a warming effect, and I feel like I wake up with a nice glow the next day as well.
7) Moisturizer
Originally I picked up the CeraVe Healing Ointment because I was experiencing some irritation on my face from being in my KN95 mask all the time. My fave skincare gurus on Twitter talking about how bomb it was for maintaining and repairing your skin’s moisture barrier, so I figured it would be able to help my irritation. My skin has never felt better, and I haven’t put it down since.
8) SPF
I love the Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen because it’s a clear sunscreen that doesn’t leave a grey or ashy cast behind. I use it both under my makeup and on my makeup-free days as well. SPF is an essential part of any skincare routine, no matter what your skin type. So you want to make sure that you’re using something that works for you and use it every day. As a black woman, I needed to find something that wouldn’t play me (read: make me look ashy after I put it on), and this sunscreen has never failed me.
Establishing a good skin care routine is super important, and I’m really happy that I found things that work well for me. Check out my Sephora Sale haul below!
Stylishly Yours,
Theresa Seyi
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