The Issue: Oily Skin and Congested Pores
Enlarged pores, oily skin you can't get a handle on, and consistent breakouts are all signs that your skin is unbalanced. Interestingly, the culprit behind oily skin (and subsequent breakouts) may actually be lack of moisture. That excess oil is often a response from your body saying, "We need moisture! Let's go into overdrive to produce some!"
Excess oil then fills pores, which makes them appear deeper and wider than normal. Then, when that oil mixes with dirt and bacteria, which is present on everyone's skin, you've got yourself a breeding ground for acne breakouts.
Those who are oil and acne-prone find themselves in an uncomfortable circle of scrubbing their skin and beating it into submission via aggressive products and regimens, which only exacerbates the problem.
Image via Imaxtree
The Fix: Moisture and a Gentler Regimen
Now's the perfect time to take a few seconds to really assess your current skin care regimen. First, if you're over 25, get rid of any product that's intended for teen skin. It might have worked for you back in the day, but such products are formulated with higher dosages of salicylic acid (BHA) and benzoyl peroxide that teen skin can handle better than adult skin. You're a grown-up now and it's time for grown-up skin care products!
Second, set aside any sort of product that "scrubs" or tears at your skin. Harsh physical exfoliators and rough towels to dry off with are not doing you any favors. Lastly, if you're washing more than twice a day (morning and evening), stop. It might sound crazy, but you could even get away with just washing your skin in the evening and rinsing with water in the morning, allowing your skin's own natural oils to moisturize.
Instead of harsh cleansers, wash your face with gentle moisturizing cleanser, such as Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser, $18. Follow up with a light oil (trust us) or serum and, should you desire, a moisturizer on top. Sunday Riley U.F.O. Ultra-Clarifying Face Oil, $80, is an oil that's specifically intended for acne and oily-prone skin. It's formulated with 1.5% salicylic acid and tea tree oil, but also with a highly moisturizing blend of oils. Origins Original Skin Matte Moisturizer With Willowherb, $35, is especially great for mornings since it helps keep skin stay matte throughout the day.
When dealing with acne flare-ups, it's so important to spot-treat instead of slathering product over your entire face. Try a product like Peace Out Acne Healing Dots, $19, or spot-treat larger areas with something like Peter Thomas Roth Therapeutic Sulfur Mask, $47.
