Too much of anything can be a bad thing. While our bodies naturally produce oils to keep our skin healthy and moisturized, when the sebaceous glands produce too much sebum our skin becomes oily. Unfortunately, oily skin can lead to random acne flare-ups. Dermatologists agree that cleansing your face with a cleanser meant for oily skin twice a day, morning and night, is the most effective way to manage oily skin. Here are my top five cleansers for oily skin:
1. The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Facial Wash, $13
This facial wash is infused with tea tree oil to help fight breakouts with every use. When applied, there is a very gentle cooling and minty sensation on the skin. This product removes all excess oils while gently cleansing and purifying your skin. Use morning and night for best results. A little goes a long way, an 8-ounce bottle usually lasts 6-7 months.
2. Formula 10.0.6 Best Face Forward Daily Foaming Cleanser, $6
Formulated with passionfruit, chamomile and green tea, this gel cleanser washes way all excess oil and impurities. Skin appears clearer and healthier after each use, all while being shine-free. Follow up with their Seriously Shine Free Mattifying Oil Free Moisturizer for best results.
3. Bioré Deep Pore Charcoal Cleaner, $6
Oil-free, hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic and dermatologist tested. Does it get any better than that? This charcoal deep pore cleanser deeply cleans skin by drawing out dirt and impurities. Results are visible after just one use. Use twice daily. Follow up with a toner and an oil-free moisturizer for best results.
4. Cerave Foaming Face Cleanser for Normal to Oily Skin, $11
The three essential ceramides (1, 3, and 6-II) in this formula gently cleanse and remove excess oil without disrupting the skin’s protective barrier. It’s a non-comedogenic, non-drying and non-irritating formula is ideal for oily skin. Use twice daily, morning and night, for best results. Follow with up with Cerave’s oil-free Facial Moisturizing Lotion.
5. Bliss Fab Foaming 2-In-1 Cleanser, $10
This oil-free formula is a gel cleanser that also provides gentle daily exfoliation with bamboo fibers while removing makeup and excess oil for visibly radiant skin. This cleanser is free of parabens, phthalates, sulfates, SLS, SLES, mineral oil, formaldehyde, and other harsh chemicals.
While these cleansers may not work for every girl with oily skin, they are my top five. All these cleansers are gentle on my skin; they remove excess oil without making my skin feel dry. After I cleanse, I use a toner, followed by an oil-free moisturizer or a facial mattifying lotion. There is a lot of trial in error in finding products that work well on your skin. Remember that the price tag does not always equal quality and sometimes the drugstore has hidden gems.