A healthy and radiant complexion is the envy of many. Particularly for oily-skinned folks, the radiance is easily lost as their natural shine (some would call it grease) dominates.
I personally think it’s easier for those with oily skin to achieve a glow if they are able to control their breakouts, first and foremost.
There are many things you can do to achieve healthy-looking glowing skin. A dedicated skincare routine tailored to personal needs is your best bet. Here’s one way of caring for your skin and allowing it to be the healthiest and most radiant it is capable of being.
Cleanse but gently
Wash your face twice a day, but don’t strip it of its natural oils. I’m not fond of foam-based cleansers since I find them overly drying. Look for a pH-balancing face wash.
Some good options in this regard:
- CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser
- Benzac PH Control Antibacterial Face Wash
- COSRX Low-pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
Exfoliate regularly
Regular in this case does not mean daily. Twice or thrice is enough, especially if you live in a sun-drenched place.
The exfoliants to be used depend on the skin problems you want to address. (Click here to read my summer skincare routine in which I’ve explained my use of exfoliants to achieve certain skincare outcomes. I have, since then, cut down on my use of exfoliants.)
The right exfoliants used in the right manner are crucial to achieving a long-lasting glow.
Use season-appropriate face packs/masks
My current favourite is The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque. It is a treatment mask, which means I consider it a part of exfoliation, but it does leave the skin with a clear glow, which only builds with consecutive use.
I rely on clay-based masks for oil control in humid weather. In cooler weather, I may look at deeply hydrating masks.
Whether you opt for store-purchased or homemade masks, use them at least twice a week to keep your skin in a healthy condition.
Sunscreen is non-negotiable
For six months out of the year, sunscreen is almost the only skincare I engage in on a daily basis. During this time controlling the oil on my face and not breaking out are my biggest concerns. All other skincare goals take a backseat.
Where I live the sun is harsh and the UV Index is extreme for the vast majority of the day, for the vast majority of the year. I spend a lot of time outdoors, so sun protection is of utmost importance.
I rarely use makeup in summer; I find it pointless at best and disturbing (to my skin) at worst.
I use sunscreen religiously and recommend you do so, too. Sunscreen is your friend, summer or winter. If you are going to be in the sun, put on your sunscreen.
Don’t skip facial oils
Even for oily skin, a good facial oil will work wonders.
I do not recommend this product in hot and humid weather as it will be rendered ineffective by the general grease that oily skin produces in such conditions.
Wait for the weather to cool down to find out how helpful the addition of a good facial oil can be to a skincare routine; it will contribute to a healthy glow.
My current favourite is Noni Glow by Kora Organics. (Full review to come.)
Create season-dependent skincare routines
Our skin behaves differently and may need different things, depending on the season. Understand what your skin needs at different times of the year and create skincare routines accordingly.
- Use a gentle face cleanser every day
- Use oil-absorbing face masks
- Reduce the use of hydrating products
- Reduce the use of exfoliants
- Increase the use of sunscreen
- Wear light makeup
In cooler weather:
- Use a gentle face cleanser every day
- Use a rice water-based toner
- Increase the use of hydrating products
- Use exfoliants up to 3 times a week (as part of a proper skincare routine)
- Keep up the use of sunscreen
- Use facial oils
Generally, cold weather does not interfere with makeup. A cooler period is also a good time to experiment with new skincare products.
The colder and drier it gets, the more hydration you may need. The warmer and more humid it gets, a little hydration may go a long way.
To sum up
Glowing skin is essentially healthy skin achieved as a result of a balanced approach not only towards skincare but also life in general. Take the time to understand your skin and create a routine that best serves it. Stick to this routine and you will notice a subtle but unmistakable glow start to emerge.
