6 Common Oily Skin Myths Busted!

Need to get your oily skin under control? First you’ll have to set the facts straight. To use blotting papers or not to use them? Do you moisturize, or don’t you? The list goes on. That’s why we’re here to help clear up the confusion. Below, we dispel the biggest shiny skin myths and shed light on best practices! 

MYTH #1: TO CONTROL EXCESS OIL, YOU SHOULD WASH OILY SKIN MORE THAN TWICE PER DAY

All skin needs to be cleansed. But let us be clear: There’s a big difference between ridding skin of impurities and aggressively stripping it of its natural oils. When the latter happens, skin can become dry and overcompensate for the loss oil by producing more! Instead of kicking your sebaceous glands into overdrive, stick to a daily regimen of cleansing morning and night with a non-comedogenic formulated cleanser that’s gentle, like SkinCeuticals Foaming Cleanser. Try to exfoliate weekly using a gentle scrub to slough away dead skin cells on skin’s surface without damaging, tugging, or tearing at your skin. 

MYTH #2: OILY SKIN DOESN’T NEED MOISTURIZER 

It seems logical to assume that oily skin doesn’t need a coat of additional moisture every day, but that’s far from the truth. All skin needs hydration, regardless of whether it’s oily or covered in blemishes. Remember: Cleansing, applying SPF, and moisturizing are three non-negotiable parts of a skin care routine for EVERYONE. Nobody is exempt. Got it? 

If you’re on the market for a moisturizer that’s formulated for oily skin, try La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat. In addition to providing daily hydration, the formula helps to visibly mattify skin and refine the look of pores. Wear it underneath makeup for a shine-free canvas.

MYTH #3: BLOTTING PAPERS REDUCE OIL PRODUCTION

Sadly, this is not true. Blotting papers only help temporarily remove excess surface oil. That surface oil will return, though, and no permanent changes in oil production will occur as a result of using them. Still, they’re a quick-and-easy way to kill shine without having to touchup your makeup in the middle of the day. Try NYX Professional Makeup Blotting Paper.

MYTH #4: OILY SKIN IS CAUSED BY CONSUMING OILY AND FRIED FOODS 

There have been claims out there that a high-fat diet is to blame for oily skin, but there’s simply not enough research to substantiate the claim. That might be good news for your pizza obsession, but hold that thought for a moment. If you notice your skin looks less than perfect and you’ve been consuming loads of sugary snacks or fat-heavy meals, talk to your doctor. A healthy lifestyle and incorporating more fruits and veggies may help you not only feel better but your skin can benefit too!  

MYTH #5: WEARING SUNSCREEN WILL MAKE OILY SKIN WORSE 

Sunscreen gets a bad rap as being heavy and greasy (which can mean disaster for oily skin), but the truth is many of today’s formulas are just the opposite. Since daily sunscreen is a must year-round, the key is to find an elixir that suits your oily skin. This way, your skin is adequately protected from harmful UV rays that can prematurely age skin and increase the risk of some skin cancers. It might take some trial-and-error, but trust us, there’s a lightweight, breathable, and non-greasy formula that dries matte out there for you! We’re so sure of it, in fact, we’re sharing one of our favorite dry-touch sunscreens for oily skin here!

MYTH #6: OILY SKIN MEANS ACNE IS GUARANTEED 

In many ways, oily skin and acne go hand-in-hand. That’s because excess sebum on the skin’s surface is more likely to clog pores—in tandem with dirt, dead skin cells, and impurities—and get mixed with bacteria. But just because you have oily skin, doesn’t mean acne is guaranteed to pop up on your complexion. There are many factors that come into play with acne, including hormonal changes, stress, and touching your skin with dirty fingers.