How to manage your oily skin

Fact: we all want luscious, dewy skin. But if that glossy sheen on your skin is more oil slick than morning dew, you probably have oily skin. Welcome to the club. 

Oily skin is one of the most prevalent (and annoying) skin concerns, with more than 85% of people in the UK said to have excessively oily skin. But it is not just the discomfort and greasy appearance that makes oily skin so unpleasant - it is also the long list of issues it can lead to, such as acne and pigmentation.

You can’t choose your skin type but you can choose how to manage it and Poko is here to help you. 

How can you manage oily skin?

Try going without makeup

Makeup holds no benefits to the skin and forces the pores to produce more sebum, over time causing bigger problems. Even a mattifying foundation that promises to stop shine and oil can exacerbate the problem.

If makeup is a must for you, we suggest sticking to BB and CC creams or lightweight mineral makeup using a supportive base that allows skin to breathe. Try using a primer that will help makeup stay in place while simultaneously protecting oily prone skin. Our award-winning Soothing Serum resets the surface of the skin and protects from irritating overproduction of sebum.

Formulated with calming ingredients such as aloe vera, tea tree, and cedarwood it soothes not only stressed-out skin but also fights acne-causing bacteria. Skin is gently hydrated and nourished from added benefits of vitamins B, C, and E, without leaving it oily

Try it yourself to see results - whether you use it as a serum when going makeup-free, or as a primer when wearing cosmetics.

Use a cleanser with glycolic acid and niacinamide

With oily skin, it’s best to use a gel cleanser instead of a cream or oil-based one. Extra points if the cleanser contains glycolic acid and niacinamide, two powerhouse ingredients that are very beneficial for oily skin.

Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) with a powerful penetrating function that is ideal for oily skin. It exfoliates dead skin cells and debris on the skin's surface that can lead to clogged pores. This makes way for new, healthier skin cells and clearer skin.

Niacinamide (vitamin B3) regulates sebum production in the skin and helps combat any acne that may be present. A bonus is that it helps with redness and irritation.

When combined in a cleanser such as our Purifying Gel Cleanser, these two potent ingredients cover all bases - exfoliating and restoring skin while giving it a healthier, fresher appearance.

Don’t forget to tone

Instead of using a toner with harsh ingredients that strip the skin, we have developed the Brightening Rosewater Toner as a natural and gentle alternative to most toners out there. 

The refreshing Brightening Rosewater Toner is formulated with gentle floral waters to help keep skin hydrated while removing any debris left over after cleansing. A formulation of aloe vera and water-soluble azelaic acid refreshes skin while helping control excess sebum production. Oil-related breakouts are reduced, and your skin is primed for the rest of the oil-combatting products in your skincare routine for proper skin penetration.

Chemical exfoliation

While you should avoid harsh, sandpapery exfoliators at all costs, adding a chemical exfoliating treatment to your skincare routine is necessary if you have oily skin. Just make sure the one you choose is gentle enough that it won’t damage skin cells, such as Poko’s AHA Exfoliating Treatment, which is gentle enough for everyday use. After applying toner, smooth a few pumps of treatment onto clean, dry skin. Let the treatment sit for 15 minutes before applying moisturiser with no need to rinse.

Its formulation of skin-loving AHAs, keratoline and rosehip oil helps remove dead skin build-up and rejuvenate oily skin, leaving it fresh, healthy and clear. It is the perfect way to introduce AHAs into your skincare routine while simultaneously addressing oily skin. 

Don’t skip SPF

SPF is arguably the most important product you will apply to your skin to protect it’s integrity from signs of ageing and also your health. Oily skin can be triggered from overall sun damage as the skin tries to heal. 

The sun can do real damage if you are not careful. And by careful, we mean using SPF every day. Every. Single. Day. Rain or shine.

Yet, it’s understandable to be nervous when using SPF on oily skin. So many sun creams are occlusive and heavy, making oily skin even worse. But not all of them are like that. The trick is to find ones that benefit oily skin, such as the Daily SPF 50 Moisturiser. This broad-spectrum UVA & UVB protecting product is a lightweight daily moisturiser with SPF 50, sandalwood, and white horehound. Fortunately for those with oily skin, it is non-occlusive and sinks right into the skin without leaving a film-like feeling.

Don’t shy away from moisturiser

Many people with oily skin have the belief that oily skin doesn't need moisturiser and that they will only make the situation worse. In fact, by skipping moisturisers, you could be exacerbating the condition. 

If you don’t moisturise, your skin will try to rectify the lack of hydration by producing even more sebum, making your already oily skin even greasier. 

Choose the right moisturiser for oily skin to combat your concerns such as lightweight, non-occlusive moisturisers. The Light Hydrating Moisturiser has a light texture that allows the skin to breathe while the formula works its magic. Ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and allantoin help the skin heal and retain water, which prevents it from producing too much sebum. Skin is left hydrated and healthy - without being oily. 

Feeling prepped?

Oily skin can be a pain, but don’t let it rule your life. With a few simple steps and adapting to some new products, you and your skin can be fully prepped. 

Keep an eye on the type of makeup you use (and how frequently you use it), use a cleanser with beneficial ingredients, a non-stripping toner, and protect with SPF and moisturiser. All of these are totally manageable and ensure healthy and happy skin.