It’s a fact of life: skin just seems slithery in the summer. Thanks to increased heat, your sebum (oil) glands go into overdrive as a protective reaction to the environment. That’s great and all, but it does leave you looking very shiny and slick. Add makeup to the equation, and things get even more slippery!
We’re preaching to the choir here, but the best way to combat your oily situation is to take care of your skin strategically. Here are four simple steps to follow this sunny season:
1. Get With Glycolic Acid
Depending on how sensitive your skin is, you’ll want to exfoliate between one to three times per week (some beauties we know claim they exfoliate—gently—every day, but they’re only doing so because their skin is more resilient). For summer, opt for an exfoliator with a chemical base, such as glycolic acid. Glycolic acid is a naturally derived acid that works on the surface of your skin by undoing the “glue” that bonds dead skin cells together. This ingredient is popular because it’s amazingly gentle—even for those with dry skin.
Try: Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos™ Glycolic Night Serum
2. Draw Out The Impurities From Pores
For a really deep clean and sweep, use a pore-cleansing face mask once a week. A mask containing activated charcoal is perfect since it draws out bacteria, other microscopic particles from your skin like a magnet. Treat yourself to a charcoal mask on a day when you’re not exfoliating so you don’t overwork your skin.
Try: Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask to Clear Pores
3. Fight Oil With Oil
This might sound counterintuitive, but there are oils that are actually good for oily skin. Packed with skin-loving nutrients, certain oils can help balance out the natural sebum production in your skin. For example, jojoba oil is a lightweight substance with a very similar molecular structure to the sebum that your skin produces; using this oil will “trick” your skin into creating less of its own sebum. A little goes a long way, so a pea-sized drop is all you need.
Try: Ogee Jojoba Restore Face Oil
4. Get Minerals in Your Sunscreen
Slathering on that white goop might seem unappealing on days fogged up with heat and humidity, but there are sunscreens out there that will allow your skin to “breathe” without feeling overly lubricated. Try an oil-free mineral sunscreen (which physically block UV rays, as opposed to absorbing them) with mattifying properties and a tint. Mineral sunscreens offer a lower chance of irritation, which means your skin will stay happy and balanced.
