Myths about oily skin
Put down the harsh cleansers - we dispel the myths about oily skin.
story highlights
- Oily skin needs balance
- Excess oil may indicate that your skin is actually dehydrated
- Oily skin is genetic - but there's a lot you can do to keep the oil in check
When it comes to oily skin, there are many myths that can make treating oily skin an exercise in frustration. Read on to learn the truth about excessive oil production - and to understand how you can really keep oil under control.
1
Myth: Oily skin needs more aggressive cleansers than other skin types. It should be squeaky clean!
Fact: Oily skin actually needs balance. Over-drying cleansers strip the skin of natural sebum and lipids, triggering a cycle of dehydration that can irritate the skin and exacerbate chronic oiliness. Instead, choose a cleanser that removes excess oil without destroying the skin's natural lipid barrier - like Active Clay Cleanser.
Fact: Oily skin actually needs balance. Over-drying cleansers strip the skin of natural sebum and lipids, triggering a cycle of dehydration that can irritate the skin and exacerbate chronic oiliness. Instead, choose a cleanser that removes excess oil without destroying the skin's natural lipid barrier - like Active Clay Cleanser.
2
Myth: Oily skin doesn't need moisturizer - it just makes it oilier.
Fact: The opposite is often true! In fact, people who struggle with oily skin often have dehydrated skin (skin with too little water); their skin then tries to compensate by producing too much oil. As with cleansing, it's all about finding the right balance - so look for a truly oil-free moisturiser like Active Moist.
Fact: The opposite is often true! In fact, people who struggle with oily skin often have dehydrated skin (skin with too little water); their skin then tries to compensate by producing too much oil. As with cleansing, it's all about finding the right balance - so look for a truly oil-free moisturiser like Active Moist.
3
Myth: A little sun exposure can help dry out oily skin.
Fact: Unprotected sun exposure doesn't help oily skin - it only leads to further damage. Although it may seem like the sun is temporarily "drying out" your skin, it's really just dehydrating it. Eventually, the sebaceous glands fire into high gear to replace the lost oil, resulting in more oil on the skin's surface than before.
Fact: Unprotected sun exposure doesn't help oily skin - it only leads to further damage. Although it may seem like the sun is temporarily "drying out" your skin, it's really just dehydrating it. Eventually, the sebaceous glands fire into high gear to replace the lost oil, resulting in more oil on the skin's surface than before.
4
Myth: If you want to change oily skin, you have to change your diet.
Fact: Oily skin is genetic. It is also often related to hormones that can affect the skin's oil production. While it's true that our lifestyle often affects the health of our skin, the best thing you can do for oily skin is to strive for balance.
Fact: Oily skin is genetic. It is also often related to hormones that can affect the skin's oil production. While it's true that our lifestyle often affects the health of our skin, the best thing you can do for oily skin is to strive for balance.