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La oily skin It produces a high amount of sebum, which can cause shine and promote the appearance of blackheads and pimples. To manage it, just a few products are enough: gentle cleanser, light moisturizer and sunscreen. If necessary, a product with salicylic acid can help treat clogged pores.
La unclean skin It can have blackheads, clogged pores and pimples even when it is not particularly oily.
Avoid excessive washing, harsh scrubs, and products that irritate the skin. If pimples are deep, painful, or leave scars, it's best to consult a dermatologist.
What you will learn:
Why does the skin become oily and impure?.
How to distinguish between oily skin and acne-prone skin.
Which products to use morning and evening.
How to treat blackheads and shine without irritating your skin.
What mistakes to avoid and when to see a dermatologist.
Index
Shiny skin a few hours after washing your face is a common problem. Sometimes blackheads, visible pores, and pimples also appear.
The temptation is to wash more often or use highly degreasing products. But this isn't always the right choice.
Oily skin needs simple, regular care, not aggressive treatments.
Why skin becomes oily: the most common causes
Sebum is a natural substance that helps protect the skin. When the sebaceous glands produce too much of it, the face can appear shiny, especially on the forehead, nose, and chin.
The most common causes are:
Genetics: Some people naturally have increased sebum production.
Hormones: especially during puberty, but also at other stages of life.
Cosmetic products: Some formulations may be too heavy or cause clogged pores.
Stress: may contribute to worsening blemishes in some people.
Environmental factors: Heat and humidity can make the shine more noticeable.
Oily skin isn't necessarily a result of poor hygiene. Constantly washing your face doesn't address the underlying cause of sebum production and can irritate the skin barrier.
The role of hormones
Androgens affect the activity of the sebaceous glands. This is one of the reasons why oily skin is common during adolescence.
Even in adulthood, skin changes related to hormonal changes can occur.
If the appearance of acne is sudden, severe, or associated with other symptoms, it is helpful to talk to a doctor.
Impure skin: meaning and differences from oily skin
La oily skin It is recognized above all by the abundant production of sebum and by its shine.
The expression unclean skin, instead, is commonly used to describe skin with blackheads, clogged pores and other imperfections.
They're not exactly the same thing.
A person can have oily skin without developing acne. Likewise, acne can appear even on skin that doesn't appear particularly shiny.
Oily or acne-prone skin?
| Oily skin | Acne skin |
|---|---|
| Frequent lucidity | Comedones and inflammatory lesions |
| High sebum production | Pimples, papules or pustules |
| Pores that may appear noticeable | In the most serious cases, nodules and risk of scarring |
| It does not necessarily require medical therapy | May require specific treatments |
If you mostly have shine and a few blackheads, a proper skincare routine may be enough.
If deep, painful, or persistent lesions appear, don't rely solely on cosmetics.
Skincare for oily skin: what to use morning and night
A good one skincare for oily skin It doesn't necessarily have to include many products.
To get started, focus on three essential steps: cleanse, moisturize, and protect from the sun.
1. Gentle cleanser
Wash your face with a cleanser suitable for oily skin, usually in the morning and evening.
Choose formulas that cleanse without leaving your skin feeling tight.
There's no need to look for very aggressive products: excessive cleansing can cause irritation and dryness.
A gentle cleansing gel can be a practical choice for daily cleansing.
HELPFUL TIP
Facial purifying cleansing gel
Facial cleanser designed for the daily cleansing of oily and impure skin.
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2. Toner: is it really necessary?
Tonic is optional.
It may be pleasant to use, but it is not essential to properly cleanse your skin and does not permanently tighten pores.
If you want to include it in your skincare routine, choose a well-tolerated formula, avoiding ingredients that cause burning or irritation.
3. Light moisturizer
Even oily skin needs hydration.
A light cream, preferably non-comedogenic, can help keep the skin barrier in good condition without weighing down the face.
Gel or fluid formulations may be more comfortable for those who don't like rich creams.
For a more complete daily care, also read our guide on How to create a simple and effective beauty routine.
If you're looking for a product that's easy to use every day, you might consider a light face cream suitable for oily skin.
HELPFUL TIP
Light mattifying face cream
It moisturizes without greasiness and helps keep skin more even.
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4. Salicylic acid for blackheads and clogged pores
Salicylic acid, also known as BHA, is an ingredient used in skin products for blackheads and blemishes.
It can help reduce the buildup of dead skin cells in pores.
If you've never used it before, start with moderate frequency, following the product directions and observing how your skin reacts.
Don't combine it immediately with several other exfoliants: you may increase the risk of irritation.
A serum with salicylic acid can be helpful when blackheads are the main problem.
HELPFUL TIP
Exfoliating serum with salicylic acid (BHA)
Serum with salicylic acid, an ingredient used to treat blackheads and clogged pores.
See on Amazon →
5. Clay mask: an optional help
A clay mask can temporarily absorb some of the surface sebum and make the skin less shiny.
However, it is not a necessary treatment and does not replace essential products.
If you use it, follow the times indicated on the package and stop applying it if you experience irritation.
For those who appreciate this type of treatment, a clay mask can be an occasional addition to your skincare routine.
HELPFUL TIP
Purifying green clay mask
A great classic for impure skin.
See on Amazon →
6. Sunscreen every day
Sun protection is also important for those with oily skin.
Choose a broad spectrum product with SPF 30 or higher, suitable for the face and comfortable to wear.
If you have blemishes, you can look for lightweight, non-comedogenic formulas. Sunscreen also helps limit the darkening of pimple marks.
A light SPF 50 face sunscreen can be particularly practical for everyday use.
HELPFUL TIP
Facial sunscreen oily skin SPF50
It is non-greasy and protects without occluding pores.
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What to do immediately if your skin is very shiny
If your face already appears greasy after a few hours, don't automatically increase the number of washes.
Try this organization instead:
In the morning: gentle cleanser, light cream if needed, and sunscreen.
During the day: Avoid rubbing your face constantly. If necessary, use a face wipe without rubbing.
In the evening: Remove makeup, sunscreen, and impurities with a proper cleanser, then apply a moisturizer.
If your skin becomes red, burning, or peeling, reduce potentially irritating products and seek professional advice.
Impure skin: useful natural remedies and precautions
Aloe vera, green tea, and tea tree oil are often recommended for blemishes.
However, evidence regarding their effectiveness is limited or variable, and not all natural remedies are suitable for all skin types.
In particular:
Aloe vera: Some formulations may have a soothing effect, but can still cause reactions.
Green tea: Some ingredients derived from green tea are studied in cosmetics, but home compresses do not have guaranteed results.
Tea tree: Essential oil may irritate or sensitize the skin, especially when used neat.
Avoid applying lemon, baking soda, or harsh DIY mixtures to your face.
If you have persistent acne, natural remedies should not replace appropriate treatments.
Diet and oily skin: how important is it?
Diet isn't the only cause of oily skin.
Some studies suggest an association between high-glycemic foods and worsening acne in certain people. However, the evidence doesn't suggest that eliminating a single food automatically solves the problem.
For general well-being, it is helpful to maintain a balanced diet, with vegetables, fruit, whole grains and adequate protein sources.
You don't need drastic diets to manage facial shine.
Even one healthy lifestyle can contribute to the overall well-being of the skin.
THE'’regular physical activity It is helpful for overall health, but it is not a cure for acne by itself.
Mistakes that can make oily skin worse
Some habits can irritate the skin or promote the appearance of blemishes.
Above all, avoid:
Too frequent washing and aggressive detergents.
Strong scrubs for inflamed pimples.
Continuously squeeze blackheads and pimples.
Changing many products at the same time.
Skip removing makeup before bed.
Using cosmetics that cause irritation or clogging of pores.
Exposing yourself to the sun without adequate protection.
The solution is not to completely eliminate sebum, but to manage the skin without damaging its protective barrier.
How long does it take to see improvements?
It depends on the problem and the products used.
The feeling of clarity can also change rapidly with a suitable cosmetic formulation.
Blackheads and pimples, on the other hand, may require several weeks of consistent treatment.
If you use an active product, follow the directions and don't increase the number of applications just because you don't see immediate results.
How to understand if the products work
Observe over time:
the frequency of new pimples;
the presence of blackheads;
the tolerability of the products;
the appearance of redness, burning or dryness;
clarity throughout the day.
Don't evaluate a skincare product solely based on its immediate mattifying effect.
When to see a dermatologist
Oily skin, by itself, is not necessarily a medical condition that needs to be treated.
However, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist when:
deep or painful pimples appear;
scars begin to form;
imperfections persist or worsen;
the products used cause significant irritation;
acne causes emotional distress;
you suspect that the skin changes are associated with a hormonal problem.
A dermatologist can distinguish simple blemishes from acne that requires specific treatment.
In summary
To manage the oily and impure skin you don't necessarily need many products.
The foundation is gentle cleansing, combined with hydration and sunscreen. Salicylic acid can be helpful for blackheads, while toners and masks are optional.
Avoid harsh products and give your skin time to respond to treatments.
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
Can oily skin become normal?
Sebum production can change with age and hormonal changes. Cosmetics can help manage shine, but they don't necessarily permanently change your skin type.
Which ingredient helps against blackheads?
Salicylic acid is one of the ingredients commonly used to treat clogged pores and blackheads.
Does moisturizer make oily skin worse?
Not necessarily. A light, well-tolerated, non-comedogenic cream can help maintain the skin barrier without weighing down the face.
Does the sun improve pimples?
The sun isn't a cure for acne. Unprotected exposure can damage the skin and make some spots more noticeable after pimples.
How long does it take to see results?
It depends on the treatment. Blackheads and acne can take several weeks to resolve; if the problem persists, it's helpful to seek professional advice.
Does diet affect blemishes?
In some people, there may be a connection between diet and acne, but there is no universal diet that solves all cases.
Does oily skin get worse in summer?
Heat and humidity can increase the sensation of shiny skin. In summer, light products and suitable sunscreen may be more comfortable.
Conclusion
Oily skin shouldn't be fought with increasingly aggressive products.
A simple skincare routine, built around a few products suited to your skin, is a more sustainable starting point.
Start with a gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen. Add other treatments only when absolutely necessary.
If pimples and blemishes persist, seek a dermatologist's advice instead of continuing to change products.
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