This guide is approximately a 4-minute read.
Got oily skin?
Don't be embarrassed – it doesn’t mean you’re a dirty guy! Some men just naturally have an oilier skin type than others.
Even if you wash your face twice every day, problems with oiliness can persist – but it’s possible to get excessive oil production under control.
A key factor is to know how to choose grooming products if you have oily skin in order to get great results out of your daily grooming routine - and this guide will teach you how to do just that.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- What “oily skin” actually is
- How to identify if you have oily skin
- How to choose face products if you have oily skin
- How to choose shaving products if you have oily skin
- Other tips if you have oily skin
Let’s jump into it.
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How to Choose: Grooming Products for Men with Oily Skin
What Is Oily Skin?
First things first: just what is "oily skin" anyway?
It all has to do with your pores.
Beneath those small openings in your skin are sebaceous glands that make oily stuff called “sebum.” Your skin needs sebum to stay lubricated, much like mechanical parts need grease.
If you have oily skin though, your body makes more oil than your skin actually needs, and the problem occurs all over your face (unlike combination skin where only certain spots are plagued by oiliness).
An oily complexion is the polar opposite of a dry complexion that doesn't get enough natural oil.
Oily skin can be something you’re born with or something that develops over time. Either way, you can deal with it with the right regimen.
Do You Have Oily Skin?
You likely fall into the oily skin category if:
- You have visible pores all over your face
- Your skin tends to look shiny all over during the day
- You develop acne blemishes regularly
- You can see black dots inside of many of your pores
- You rarely or never have problems with sensitivity due to skincare products
If you have visible pores or shine in just the forehead, nose and chin area, you probably have combination skin - in which case, check out our guide on how to choose grooming products for men with combination skin.
If you're prone to sensitivity, head over to our guide to grooming products for sensitive complexions.
How to Choose Face Products for Men with Oily Skin
To care for your oily complexion on a daily basis, you can try using the following products as part of your routine:
Clarifying Face Wash
To eliminate the excess oil that's present on your complexion and in your pores, pick a clarifying face wash.
These products have ingredients that can cut through oil - and ones with coconut-based cleansing agents are especially effective.
If acne is a major problem, a cleanser with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide can help you promote clearer pores.
Clear, gel-like cleansers that foam are usually a good bet for oily complexions.
An example of a face wash for you to check out is the Clarifying Gel Face Wash from Brickell:
Astringent
After you've washed your face, apply an astringent to purify your pores and help tighten them.
Astringents can cut down on skin congestion and can encourage proper oil production to diminish symptoms of oiliness.
Good ones to try are those that are alcohol-free, as they're less likely to over-dry your complexion.
Oil-Free Moisturizer
Even though your skin is naturally oily, you still need to hydrate it every day. The trick is to use an oil-free moisturizing balm or lotion that won't exacerbate greasiness or clog your pores.
Hyaluronic acid or glycerin-based moisturizers will hydrate your skin by allowing it to absorb moisture from the air. They're great alternatives to heavy creams that contain plant oils and butters.
Exfoliator
Exfoliating two times per week can help you to reduce your pore size and reduce your risk of blemishes.
Products with alpha and beta hydroxy acids like glycolic acid and salicylic acid can be highly beneficial for oily skin types.
An exfoliator for you to check out is the Rock & Roll Suicide Face Scrub from Triumph & Disaster:
Purifying Face Mask
When your skin is at its oiliest, use a purifying facial mask with kaolin or another type of clay on a weekly basis.
The clay will draw out impurities from your pores and soak up excess oil to mattify your complexion and reduce congestion.
A mask for you to take a look at is the Botanical Resurfacing Mask from URTH:
How to Choose Shaving Products for Men with Oily Skin
When it comes to shaving, the following products can work for oily complexions:
Pre-Shave Lotion
Before you pick up the razor, apply a pre-shave lotion to soften the growth and give your skin a little more lubrication.
Choose a product that is labeled as noncomedogenic or oil-free.
Shaving Soap or Gel
A shaving soap is a great option for guys with oily skin, as the average bar contains ingredients that help to clarify the complexion.
An example of a shaving soap is the Shaving Soap from Brooklyn Grooming:
If you don't want to fuss with lathering a bar, try a shaving gel that is oil free to prevent skin congestion.
Aftershave Gel
Like shaving gels, aftershave gels don't contain oils, so they're a great way to soothe and calm skin after a shave if you have an oily complexion.
If your skin becomes oily during the summer months, you may want to try an aftershave lotion once or twice per week to help decongest your skin.
Tips for Caring for Oily Skin
Follow these tips to promote healthy skin and help control oil production:
- Be aware of the effects of the weather on your skin. Oiliness is generally worse during the humid summer months. In the winter, you may be able to use a slightly heavier moisturizer or discontinue using acne treatment products.
- Whether you're washing your face, bathing or shaving, don't use steaming hot water, as this can encourage sebum production and worsen oiliness.
- Try to keep your hands away from your face during the day. Touching an oily complexion frequently can lead to pore blockages.
- During times when your skin is extra oily, you can use facial wipes in the middle of the day at the office to sweep away excess oil and refresh your skin.
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