I have struggled with oily skin my whole life. Not the kind of oily skin types I see on TV: fresh faced teenaged actors with barely a shine. The kind that makes me look like I just ran a marathon and now I’m covered in sweat (gross, but I’m trying to keep it real). I debated putting a picture, but I don’t really want to expose myself like that at this very moment.
The summertime is when my skin gets really angry at the world, and I find myself in a constant state of feeling oily, unclean, and acne prone. I struggled through this reality for many years, juggling different drug store products that I hoped would balance my complexion, but never did.
When I did seek help, people would recommend various 12-step skin regimens with mystery products that I had never heard of or knew what to do with. Now, as a young person with an online shopping addiction, I don’t have much money to spare. I find it difficult to force myself into spending sixty dollars on a 6-ounce tube of face wash. After years of experimentation, I’ve finally found a few essential products that work best to keep my oily skin balanced and happy.
Here are my 8 life saving products to help my fellow mortals with oily skin:
1. Neutrogena Deep Clean Cream Cleanser: $5
I was recommended this cleanser by an Ulta employee at the end of my junior year of high school. Now, when I first picked it up, I thought, a cream cleanser? That seems like the opposite product consistency I should be going for, even for an oil-free product. But after trying it out, I discovered I really liked this cleanser! It’s gentle on my skin and it makes me feel super refreshed. It truly does clean deep into your pores, and it’s super affordable.
2. Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Moisturizer: $7
I stayed away from moisturisers for a long time. I thought that with oily skin, adding extra moisture to my face was the last thing I should be doing. I have discovered, however, that there are many moisturizers that are oil-free that are actually super great for oily skin. I especially like this product because of the grapefruit extract and salicylic acid, which seems to really work well to clear my skin. This moisturizer also absorbs quickly so you’re not left with a greasy feeling.
3. Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash: $8
I use this face wash with the matching moisturizer from above. Again, the grapefruit extract works really well for my skin and it also contains salicylic acid. The scrub aspect of the wash helps to reduce the appearance of blackheads, and it also has Vitamin C, which is great for your skin.
4. Thayers Witch Hazel Facial Toner: $7
Now, I am one of those girls that had no interest in skincare products growing up, so when I saw this at Target, I had no idea what toner was. I bought it because it looked very refreshing and I now use this product everyday! The formula is water based and it’s super gentle on the skin. It smells fresh with the added rosewater, witch hazel, and aloe vera, without any artificial ingredients. It is intended to balance the pH level of your skin and it protects your skin from airborne impurities. The toner also tightens your pores and is not over-drying.
But always remember, your skin is beautiful regardless of the aesthetic appearance.