Androgens are the hormones largely responsible for healthy oil production, and while that truly has benefits for your skin, it is a problem when androgens stimulate too much sebum production.

This excess sebum production can lead to clogged pores that can result in blackheads and breakouts.

Here are some things to look out for when choosing your skincare products:

Exfoliation

Exfoliation is one of the most important skin care steps in 'how to care for oily skin'. Oily skin tends to have an extra-thick layer of built-up dead skin cells on the surface of the skin, along with a thickened pore lining.

Exfoliating is the best way to remove that build-up of dead skin cells and reduce clogged pores, while making skin feel smoother.

The best exfoliating ingredient for oily skin is Salicylic acid (a Beta Hydroxy Acid - BHA). Salicylic acid exfoliates not only the surface of your skin but also inside the pore lining, helping any oil rise to the surface.

Another benefit of salicylic acid is that it has anti-inflammatory properties so it reduces irritation, which helps to calm oil production.

DermaTx Clarify salicylic acid cleanser - contains 2% Salicylic acid.

Jan Marini Bioglycolic Bioclear Lotion - a great resurfacing product - contains Glycolic acid, Salicylic acid and Azelaic acid.

Absorb Excess Oil

As you begin to get your oily skin under control, it's likely that you still will need to use oil absorbing products.



Glycolic acid is another oil-absorbing, clarifying ingredient. Glycolic acid helps to reduce excessive oil and prevents the plugging of pores.

Neostrata Oily Skin Solution - Glycolic based toner.

Retinol

This vitamin A derivative is commonly found in anti-ageing formulations that target problems like wrinkles and hyperpigmentation, yet it's just as effective for oily skin. "Anything that builds collagen and firms up skin, like retinol, will help keep pores tighter so that they create and emit less oil," explains Dr. Gross.



SkinCeuticals Retinol - New Beauty Choice Awards 'Best over-the-counter product with Retinol'

Hydration

Having oily skin does not mean you can skip a moisturiser.

Choose a lightweight moisturiser that contains no pore-clogging ingredients and that can provide hydration while treating your skin to the essential ingredients such as antioxidants.




Or if the thought of applying a lotion or cream is out of the question then go for hyaluronic acid, a natural way to boost your skin's moisture.

SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 & Medik8 Hydr8 B5

Sun Protection (am)

Even if you have oily skin, a sunscreen is essential for preventing wrinkles and reducing red marks.

Heliocare Sunscreen SPF 50 Gel or Heliocare Sunscreen Silk Gel SPF 30 are
particularly suitable for oily and spot-prone skin.

PCA Skin Weightless Protection Broad Spectrum SPF 45 - ultra-sheer zinc oxide and a blend of additional sunscreen ingredients.