Tame the Shine: Your Ultimate Guide to Caring for Oily Skin

Sara Kwaider
Dec 23, 2024
4 min read

Let’s be honest: dealing with oily skin can feel like a never-ending battle.

You wash your face in the morning, only to catch your reflection by midday and think, 'Did someone just pour oil all over my T-zone?'

We’ve all been there.

But here’s the thing: oily skin isn’t your enemy—it just needs a little extra attention and the right care.

Let’s explore how you can take control of oily skin and achieve that fresh, balanced glow you’ve been dreaming of.

Understanding Oily Skin

Oily skin happens when your sebaceous glands go into overdrive, producing excess sebum (natural oil).

While sebum is important for keeping your skin hydrated and protected, too much of it can lead to clogged pores, shiny skin, and breakouts. Factors like hormones, genetics, stress, and even your skincare routine can play a role in this oil overload.

If you’re not quite sure where your skin falls on the spectrum, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! Click here to use the KANKOOSHA AI Face Scanner. It’ll give you a detailed report on your skin type, hydration levels, and personalized potion recommendations to help you tackle oily skin with confidence.

And contrary to what you might think, managing oily skin isn’t about stripping it dry. It’s about finding balance.

Build a Routine That Loves Your Skin

Managing oily skin starts with a smart, gentle routine. Here’s how to do it right:

Cleanse Without Overdoing It

It’s tempting to reach for harsh cleansers to strip away that extra oil, but trust us, that’s a no-go.

Over-cleansing can trick your skin into producing even more oil. Instead, opt for a gentle, gel-based cleanser that removes excess oil without disrupting your skin’s natural balance. Look for ingredients like salicylic acid or niacinamide to keep your pores happy.

Don’t Skip the Toner

A good toner can be your secret weapon against oily skin.

Choose an alcohol-free toner with ingredients like witch hazel or rose hydrosol to help tighten pores and control shine without drying out your skin.

Hydrate—Yes, Even Oily Skin Needs It

If you’ve been skipping moisturizer because you think it’ll make your skin oilier, it’s time to rethink that.

Hydration is essential for all skin types, even oily skin. Look for lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizers with ingredients like:

Hyaluronic Acid to boost hydration without clogging pores
Niacinamide to regulate oil production and strengthen your skin barrier
Aloe Vera or Chamomile Extract to calm any irritation or redness

Pro tip: Applying moisturizer after your toner or serum helps lock in hydration and keeps your skin balanced.

Treat Your Skin to Weekly Extras

For oily skin, masks and exfoliation can be game-changers—just don’t overdo it.

Clay Masks: Once or twice a week, use a clay mask with ingredients like kaolin or bentonite to absorb excess oil and unclog pores.
Gentle Exfoliation: Use a mild chemical exfoliant like salicylic acid to slough away dead skin cells and keep pores clear.

Remember to avoid harsh scrubs, which can irritate your skin and lead to more oil production.

Adjust Your Lifestyle

Sometimes, managing oily skin isn’t just about the products you use—it’s about the habits you build into your daily life.

First things first, stay hydrated.

Drinking enough water may seem simple, but it works wonders for your skin. Imagine your skin as a plant—it needs water to thrive. When your body is properly hydrated, your skin is less likely to overproduce oil to compensate for dryness.

Then, let’s talk stress.

Ever notice how your skin acts up when you are stressed before a big meeting or event? Stress can really impact your skin due to stress hormones, like cortisol, which can send your oil glands into overdrive. Finding moments to breathe, relax, and unwind isn’t just good for your mind—it’s a gift to your skin too.

Finally, resist the urge to over-wash your face.

Yes, we know that midday shine can be frustrating, but constantly scrubbing your skin only strips it of essential oils, causing your glands to produce even more sebum in retaliation. Instead, stash some oil-blotting papers in your bag. They’re the perfect on-the-go solution to dab away shine without throwing your skin off balance.

By making these small changes, you’re not just managing oily skin—you’re creating a routine that works with your skin, not against it. Your skin will thank you, and so will your reflection.

Meet KANKOOSHA’s Oily Skin Heroes

When it comes to managing oily skin, the right products are everything.

KANKOOSHA’s Calming Chamomile Serum and Calming Chamo Face Potion are perfect for keeping oil in check while nourishing your skin.

The Calming Chamomile Serum, packed with Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid, balances oil production, minimizes the appearance of pores, and gives your skin a healthy glow.
The Calming Chamo Face Potion soothes irritation, reduces redness, and helps your skin find its natural balance.