Oily, greasy skin is no picnic, especially during the warmer months here in San Diego (which begin around May). Usually the result of testosterone triggering the sebaceous glands to produce excess sebum (the skin’s natural oil), greasy skin is more prone to blackheads, whiteheads and unsightly breakouts; not to mention it can just look greasy. Luckily, there are several skincare for men tips to combat the problem. All you need are the right tools and a little advice from the experts at 18/8 Fine Men’s Salon San Diego! Here’s our ultimate guide to treating oily skin.
1. Use gentler soap
If you’ve got oily skin, you should avoid using aggressive soaps and alkaline cleansers. Though it might instinctually seem like the most sensible way to eliminate oil, it often produces the opposite reaction.
Why? Because your skin needs a balance of lubricants for protection. If you strip it of all of its natural oils, it will a) become dehydrated and probably quite sensitive, and b) it will gradually start to produce more oil in an effort to compensate for all your scouring – the last thing you want. Instead, use a glycerine-based cleanser specially formulated for oily skin, or those featuring oil-absorbing clay – we like these!
2. Skip the long showers
Heat can be a trigger for your skin to produce excess oil, so skip long, hot showers and wash your face with warm, rather than piping hot, water instead. Remember that warmer weather can also have an impact – people with oily skin can suffer more in the spring and summer. Heat causes those pesky sebaceous glands to become more active, leading to excess oil production and more shine (or breakouts).
3. Try a men’s facial
Getting a facial for men is an excellent way to exfoliate and moisturize, which while it may seem counterintuitive, will really help reduce excess oiliness. Our Skinmetics facial for men in San Diego at 18/8 last for about 45 minutes, and include exfoliation, deep cleansing, a moisturizing treatment, and a neck/scalp massage.
For at-home treatment, look for facial masks that contain ingredients like kaolin clay and use the mask once or twice a week, taking care to avoid the delicate eye area. To improve the mask’s efficacy, apply when your pores are open – like after washing your face with warm water. You can also apply it solely to any problem areas, like the nose.
4. Exfoliate & cleanse your pores
Regularly exfoliating the skin is an integral part of any man’s grooming routine, but it’s especially critical if you have oily skin, as dead skin cells can combine with sebum to form an extra-strength mixture that clogs pores and leads to spots. Try using a gentle product so you don’t irritate the skin too much and look out for products containing salicylic acid. As well as acting as an exfoliant, this ingredient has other useful properties for guys with spot-prone, oily skin.
5. Switch up the moisturizer you’re using
No matter what your skin condition, pretty much all of us suffer with dehydration due to diet and lifestyle. A high quality moisturizer will add that critical hydration while also protecting your skin against everyday environmental stressors.
It’s crucial you use the right product, though. To add moisture without grease, opt for lightweight, oil-free moisturizers especially formulated for oily skin (they’re usually labeled ‘oil control‘). If spots are a problem, look for moisturizers containing salicylic acid, which will help prevent follicles from becoming blocked by grease and dead skin cells.
Tip: Always factor in sun care! Oily skin can wrinkle easily if overexposed to the sun’s UV rays. Not only that, you run the risk of sagging and developing sun spots and uneven pigmentation. Sunscreens have come a long way in recent years, so don’t be afraid to lather it on and protect your face!
Book an appointment at 18/8 4S Ranch today for your next facial for men in San Diego!