How To Combat Oily Skin During The Summer Months

Oily skin may be less of an issue during the winter months where your skin is drier, but during the summer it can be a real bummer. Summertime is supposed to be a relaxing season, your skin is the last thing you should have to worry about. We’ve compiled a list of ways you can combat oily skin during the summer months.

Why is my skin oilier during the summer?

Your skin becomes oily due to overproduction of sebum by the sebaceous glands. Sebum is a waxy secretion in the pores that helps to moisturise and protect the skin; overproduction of this substance is what causes an oily complexion and clogged pores.

Excess sebum production has several causes which includes genetics, diet choices, hormonal changes, stress, and the environment. During the summer where the temperature is higher and more humid, more sebum is produced; this coupled with sweat is what gives you the characteristic shine. Here are a few tips to keep the oiliness at bay:

1/8: Cleanse Thoroughly

The last thing you want as a result of your oily skin is clogged pores and breakouts, so ensure you cleanse thoroughly using a mild cleanser twice-a-day to wash away all that unwanted dirt and oil. A gentle cleanser is beneficial as it will cleanse and refresh the skin without altering the pH and stripping away the essential oils your skin needs to function properly.

Over cleansing is definitely a problem and while you think a squeaky clean face is beneficial, it’s probably doing more harm than good. By washing away all the essential oils on your face you’re promoting excess oil production in the sebaceous glands as they will be working over time to combat the dryness. So, use a gentle product but ensure you’re thorough! We recommend Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser for this exact purpose.

2/8: Moisturise (And use the right product!)

Definitely don’t skip out on moisturising, keeping your skin hydrated will help combat oiliness. By moisturising you’re ensuring the sebaceous gland activity remains at a minimum. It’s essential that you use the right product, stay away from thicker oil-based moisturisers. These are usually fine during the winter where your skin is drier, but in the summer these can aggravate the problem.

We recommend Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream, a light- weight non-comedogenic (meaning it doesn’t block pores!) formula that keeps your skin hydrated. It leaves your face feeling lovely and cool after application too.

3/8: Try Oil Blotting sheets

Sometimes no matter what you do the fact is that your skin will get oily at some point during the day. The best way to combat this is to use a simple blotting sheet, which are cheap and easy to carry. Try Clean & Clear Instant Oil-Absorbing Sheets, an inexpensive item which won’t smudge your makeup.

If you’re looking for a quicker, temporary solution a facial tissue works just fine, simply blot the oilier areas using the tip of your finger.

4/8: Exfoliate

Make sure you don’t skip out on exfoliating when your skin is more oil-prone. Oilier skin is more likely to get clogged, leading to acne and blackheads. By exfoliating you’ll be ensuring that all the dirt and oil gets sloughed off, keeping your pores nice and clean.

Exfoliating should however be limited to 2-3 times a week, exfoliating too much can irritate or damage the skin, as well as dry it out.

5/8: Use the right sunscreen

SPF is an essential product in the summer as it prevents harmful UV rays from damaging your skin. You have to make sure you’re using the correct SPF though; it should be oil-free and non-comedogenic.

We recommend Kiehl’s Ultra Light Daily UV Defense Aqua Gel SPF 50. This is an extremely light-weight SPF gel with SPF 50 and pollutant protection. It’s readily absorbed into the skin and works great in humid environments.

6/8: Check Your Diet

A diet high in fats, oils and sugar will have terrible consequences in the summer months. Your skin will already be producing more oil due to the heat, and by consuming unhealthy foods you’ll only be exacerbating the problem.

It may be difficult to stay away from the cocktails, but opt for sugar-free where possible, and don’t skip out on the veggies.

7/8: Stay Hydrated

Increased sweating means you’re more prone to dehydration. Make sure you increase your water intake to account for the increased activity and sweat you’re producing. Drinking enough water will ensure your skin remains hydrated, and so all those toxins can be pushed out of your body.

8/8: Use An Oil-fighting Serum

There are many oil-fighting serums out there that help balance sebaceous gland activity and also exfoliate the skin. Salicylic Acid, a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid) is an excellent ingredient that exfoliates deep into your pores and regulates sebum production.

Glycolic Acid, an AHA (alpha-hydroxy acid) is another fantastic ingredient found in many toners that penetrates deep into the skin and helps to keep it smooth and clear.

Niacinamide is another ingredient which can help with oily skin. Niacinamide helps to regulate sebum production, and also improves skin barrier function.

Well, that’s all there is to it. We hope these tips have been helpful towards keeping your skin looking at it’s best, so you can best enjoy the summer 🙂