Some of you asked me for tips on dealing with oily skin‬ yesterday.

My skin isn’t oily, but I do get clogged pores in my t-zone‬ and my skin gets shiny when the weather is humid. Here are my oily skin essentials. This is what I do to ensure my skin doesn’t stay clogged.

What’s more important is the “how” than the “what,” because for any of these products, there are many other good options!

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO IF YOU’RE OILY

1. ‪‎DOUBLE CLEASE – Cleanse twice (here’s why). First, use an‪ ‎oil cleanser‬. Then a different cleanser (non-oil). An exfoliating cleanser is helpful in the 2nd step.

  • Tatcha‬ Camellia Cleansing Oil – a lightweight oil. If you have oily skin and can’t stand the feeling of a heavy oil, you’ll probably prefer a light oil like this.
  • iS Clinical‬ Cleansing Complex – a lightweight, gentle gel cleanser‬ with botanically derived Salicylic Acid‬ and ‪‎Glycolic Acid‬. The most popular product in this line. I love that it doesn’t strip skin.
  • Dermalogica‬ Precleanse Wipe‬ – an oil-based cleansing wipe when you’re on-the-go and can’t get to a sink.

2. EXFOLIATE – There are a gazillion ways to exfoliate. Make sure you do it. Just don’t over-do it. See links fat the end of this post for further reading.

  • Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant – a rice powder exfoliant‬ that foams and rinses off. This has Salicylic Acid, which decongests pores and makes it good for oily or acneic skin.
  • Dr Dennis Gross‬ Alpha Beta Peel – an exfoliating wipe with AHA’s, Vitamin C, and retinol. Good for aging or rough skin too.

3. CLAY MASK – Clay absorbs oil, and good clays with minerals detoxify skin too.

  • Revision Skincare‬ Black Mask – love this clay mask because it doesn’t dry out skin. Has Salicylic Acid in time-released microspheres (for gentle exfoliation).

4. HYDRATE – Use a hydrating toner‬ after you cleanse. This might be all the hydration you need, and you can skip moisturizer.

  • Dermalogica Multi-Active Toner – a very hydrating toner that isn’t heavy (serum-like) or feel heavy. Great for all skin types. One of my faves.

5. EXFOLIATING TREATMENT/SERUM‬ – If you suffer from breakouts or blackheads, a serum with AHA’s will keep those pores clear.

  • M2 Skincare‬ High Potency Skin Refinish (the original Mama Lotion brought back by popular demand) – this contains Mandelic Acid (anti-bacterial) and Malic Acid.

6. MOISTURIZE – If you need more moisture. You can moisturize with a face oil or‪ moisturizer‬.

  • Wonderland Organics‬ Balance Serum – designed for oily and acneic skin. The oils in here are skin-friendly for oily skin.
  • M2 Skincare Skin Recovery Moisturizer – oil-free moisturizer with Mandelic and Malic acids. This works really well on me for clearing up congestion fast. I like this better than the Skin Refinish.

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