Is your oily skin going into overdrive thanks to summer’s sweat-inducing heat and humidity?
Don’t sweat it (well, ok maybe just a little) – I’ve got all the oil-blotting, pore-minimizing skincare routine tips and product recs to help you stay fresh-faced and matte all season long.
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Let’s dive into the 10 summer skincare commandments for keeping oily skin under control!
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1. Use a Gentle, Low-Foaming Gel Cleanser
Harsh cleansers can strip away too much oil, triggering more sebum production. Switch to a gentle, low-foaming gel formula like CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser or La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser to remove oil and impurities without drying you out.
2. Don’t Skip Toner
Toners help remove any last traces of oil and grime while prepping skin for the next steps. Go for an oil-blotting, pore-minimizing formula like the Glow Recipe PHA + BHA Face Toner or Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner.
3. Layer on a Lightweight Hydrating Serum
Oily skin still needs hydration, just in lightweight, fast-absorbing formulas that won’t feel greasy. Look for water-based serums with hyaluronic acid like Vichy Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Serum or Dermalogica’s Circular Hydration Serum.
4. Dab on an Oil-Free Mattifying Moisturizer
Now it’s time to moisturize, but you’ll want to use an oil-free, mattifying lotion or gel to help control oil and shine. I’m obsessed with Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel and La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat Oil-Free Face Moisturizer.
5. Use an Oil-Absorbing Face Powder
To combat midday shine, always have a finely milled mattifying powder like SKINFOOD’s Peach Cotton Pore Blur Pact or NYX Professional Makeup Blotting Powder on hand for quick touch-ups.
6. Spritz with a Mattifying Face Mist
In addition to blotting papers, keep a mattifying face mist like TATCHA Luminous Dewy Skin Mist or Grape Water Moisturizing Face Mist in your bag for quick oil control and refreshment.
7. Exfoliate Regularly with Face Scrubs/Peels
Removing dead skin cells and build-up helps keep pores clear of oil and gunk. Use a scrub or chemical peel 1-2 times per week like Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant or The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% +HA.
8. Use a Clarifying Clay Mask Weekly
Nothing sucks up excess oil and decongests pores like a good clay mask. Once weekly, treat your oily skin to cult favorites like Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay or Innisfree Pore Clearing Clay Mask.
9. Refresh with a Mattifying Toner Mist
In addition to regular mists, keep a mattifying facial toner mist like Meebak CICA Mist or Pyunkang Yul Facial Mist on hand to soak up oil and provide a dewy, refreshed look throughout the day.
10. Blot, Blot, Blot!
Last but certainly not least, become a blotting paper addict! Stash packs of oil-blotting sheets like Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets or NYX Matte Blotting Paper in your bag, car, desk and anywhere else you might need an instant mattifying fix.
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Remember to stay diligent with oil control from cleansing to moisturizing to blotting, and your skin will look fresh, matte and poreless no matter how steamy it gets.
