The no-fuss no-frills face wash is often taken for granted in one’s skincare. However, if chosen wisely, this formulation can help target and address specific skin concerns like dehydration, dullness, pigmentation, and much more. So, right off the bat, yes, face wash does really help with oily skin.

To further understand how, let’s first explore oily skin and its different characteristics. We also look at the various factors that lead to oiliness or greasiness.

What Is Oily Skin?

In simple terms, oily skin is characterized by overactive sebaceous glands. This leads to a never-ending slick of sebum or shine on the skin. But that’s not all. Oily skin can also be recognized with the following traits.

1. Massive pores: Since oily skin spills excess oil, it is often characterized by massive or open pores.

2. Excess buildup: The never-ending oil slick binds pollutants, grime, and dead cells to the skin, resulting in excess buildup. This unwarranted buildup not only clogs the pores but also makes your complexion dull.

3. Whiteheads and blackheads: When the excess buildup clogs the pores, it may result in whiteheads or blackheads. Blackheads have larger openings on the skin’s surface that allow the oxidization of melanin, resulting in a blackish hue.

What Are The Different Causes Of Oily Skin?

Other than over-zealous sebaceous glands, oily skin is caused due to the following factors.

1. Genetics: You may be genetically predisposed to more greasiness or clogged pores. So, if your parents had oily skin, chances are that you will too.

2. Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes or imbalances can flag off the sebaceous glands into overdrive mode.

3. Diet: Consuming high-glycemic food, trans fats, and sugar also leads to the overproduction of sebum, resulting in oily skin and acne-prone skin.

4. Climate and environmental factors: Your skin may not be innately oily but can experience heavy sebum production due to hot, moist weather conditions.

The Role Of A Good Face Wash In Managing Oily Skin

Now that you’re well-versed with the causes and challenges of oily skin, here’s how a potent face wash comes to the rescue-

1. It removes excess sebum without displacing the skin’s natural moisture: Oily skin cleansers can dislodge moisture from the skin, making it feel stripped. To avoid this problem, look for a gentle, hydrating face wash free of SLS and parabens.

2. A good face clears dirt, impurities, and makeup residue from the pores: Besides excess sebum, a face wash for oily skin removes dirt, impurities, and makeup from the pores. A good formula doesn’t meddle with the skin’s pH while cleansing!

3. It balances oil production with specific actives: A meticulous oily skin cleanser also ensures oil control for a healthy and balanced microbiome. For the unversed, topical application of Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide, Azelaic Acid, and more curb sebum on the face.

Ingredients To Look For In A Face Wash For Oily Skin

Wise selection of a facial cleanser helps keep oil, clogged pores, and even acne at bay. Here are some ingredients you should look for in your formula

Oil-control ingredients

1. Salicylic Acid: The oil-soluble active ingredient should be on your radar. It percolates deep into the pores, buffing away sebum, dead cells, and other impurities for a balanced microbiome. Additionally, Salicylic Acid possesses anti-inflammatory properties that alleviate redness, hives, and other acne-related flare-ups.

2. Charcoal: Another efficacious ingredient for oily skin – charcoal soaks up excess sebum from the pores without disrupting the skin’s pH. It also casts away gunk, grime, and other impurities, preventing acne.

Soothing ingredients

1. Niacinamide: One of the most popular ingredients for oily skin, Niacinamide cuts excess sebum and soothes inflammation. Moreover, Niacinamide’s water-retention properties keep the sebaceous glands in check.

2. Hyaluronic Acid: Hyaluronic Acid is a powerful humectant that binds moisture molecules to the skin, ensuring hydration. This ample and multi-level hydration keeps the sebaceous glands in check, regulating oil production.

3. Green Tea Extracts: Green tea contains biomolecules that infuse with amino acids in the body, regulating sebum production. Topical application of the ingredient also prevents clogged pores while granting a soothing, cooling effect on the dermis.

How To Use Face Wash Effectively For Oily Skin

When used correctly, face wash significantly reduces greasiness for a balanced microbiome. Here are some expert-approved tips you must follow -

1. Frequency: Wash your face twice daily – morning and evening routine

To remove excess sebum, grime, and other impurities from the face, use a cleanser twice daily. Having said that, avoid over washing as it dehydrates the skin, making it appear dry and flaky.

2. Technique: Use lukewarm water to rinse off

Use a light hand to massage your face for roughly 30 seconds. Once through, use cold or lukewarm water to rinse off the formula. Avoid hot water as it dehydrates the skin, making it appear dull, flaky, and dry.

3. Follow up: Next, apply moisturizer and sunscreen

Dab your face dry and apply a generous amount of moisturizer. This emollient-rich formula seals hydration and treatment into your skin, ensuring effective results. Moisturization is crucial for oily skin too as it keeps the sebaceous glands in check for a balanced skin.

Next, apply 2 fingers’ worth of sunscreen to shield your skin against UV rays, preventing burns, tanning, and pigmentation.

Can Face Wash Alone Solve Oily Skin Problems?

To answer the question – no. Face wash alone doesn’t solve oily skin related problems. You need a comprehensive routine comprising toning, moisturizing, and SPF to keep the excess sebum, enlarged pores, and acne at bay. Additionally, here are some lifestyle changes for your consideration

1. Opt for a balanced diet: Swap your high-glycemic, trans fat, and sugar on your plate for healthy minerals, vitamins and antioxidants.

2. Manage your stress: Excess stress cues the sebaceous glands into overdrive mode, resulting in more oiliness than usual. To keep this problem at bay, try meditation, yoga, and other mindful activities.

3. Use non-comedogenic products and formulas: Since oily skin is prone to clogged pores, check for the non-comedogenic value marker on your product label.

Common Mistakes To Avoid For Oily Skin

In addition to the above tips, here are the common mistakes you should avoid for oily skin-

1. Over washing: Over washing removes moisture molecules from the skin, making it dehydrated. This lack of hydration cues the sebaceous glands into overdrive mode, leading to more greasiness than usual

2. Harsh cleansers: Using harsh cleansers with SLS or alcohol is counterproductive to efforts for a balanced microbiome. For those unaware, SLS and alcohol dislodge your skin’s natural moisture, leading to an unwarranted shine.

3. Skipping moisturizer: Are you skipping moisturizer due to oily skin? If yes, it’s time to remedy this oversight in your routine. You see, the lack of moisturizer dehydrates the skin, triggering the sebaceous glands into overdrive mode. This, in turn, results in more greasiness and shine on the face.

Conclusion:

Facial cleanser reduces the oiliness and unwarranted shine on the skin. Look for ingredients like Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, Tea Tea extract, and more to administer a balanced skin microbiome. But that’s not enough. One needs to follow a rigid skincare routine, undertake lifestyle changes (a balanced diet, less stress), and steer clear of comedogenic products to see quick and visible results.

FAQs

1. Can face wash stop oily skin permanently?

Face wash can manage oily skin, minimize the appearance of pores, and prevent acne. But it doesn’t permanently stop oily skin.

2. What’s the best type of face wash for oily skin?

Look for a gentle, pH-balancing formula that removes dirt, sebum, and impurities seated deep within the pores. Look for oil-controlling ingredients like Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide, Tea tree extract, Benzoyl Peroxide and more in the formulation.

3. Should I use a face wash with exfoliating beads?

The exfoliating beads can irritate your skin, leading to more breakouts. Therefore, folks with oily or acne-prone skin should avoid such formulas.

4. Are natural face washes effective for oily skin?

Natural face washes with ingredients like witch hazel, tea tree, and aloe vera are effective for oily skin.