One of the most frustrating aspects of hot summer days is dealing with oily skin, which can severely impact confidence levels. Oily sweat tends to attract dirt, leaving the "sufferer" with a perpetually shiny face. Whether you’re outdoors or indoors, you might find yourself constantly reaching for tissues or towels to wipe your face.
But it doesn’t stop there; oily sweat can also lead to acne, and we all know how disheartening it is to see a pimple pop up in this sweltering heat!
With summer fully upon us, gentlemen, it’s time to arm yourselves with effective strategies to combat oily skin.
"Know your enemy and know yourself, and you can fight a hundred battles without disaster." First, let’s identify if you fall into the oily skin category by checking for the following signs:
Frequent blackheads and whiteheads
A consistently greasy and shiny face, especially in the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin)
Enlarged pores
Feeling uncomfortable even after thoroughly washing your face, with your skin quickly returning to a greasy state
While everyone may face pimples and oily skin in the hot season, if you find yourself intimately familiar with the symptoms mentioned above, then this guide is tailored for you. Here are four essential skincare steps to manage oily skin:
Face Wash
Make it a habit to wash your face twice daily, in the morning and at night, using lukewarm water to reduce oil production. Look for products specifically designed for oily skin, as they need to ensure a deep cleanse without stripping away your skin's natural moisture. If your current cleanser leaves your skin feeling overly dry, it’s time to part ways with it, as that dryness prompts your oil glands to go into overdrive.
Some recommended face washes for oily skin include: Dermalogica Precleanse, Lab Series Power Wash, L'Oréal Men Expert Pure & Matte, and Clinique Liquid Face Wash Extra Strength. While some of these may be hard to find in Vietnam, I personally use The Body Shop's Tea Tree Foaming Cleanser, which contains gentle green tea extract and works beautifully.
Using Toner
Many men overlook toner, thinking it’s unnecessary, but this step is crucial for oily skin. After cleansing, your face loses some pH balance. A toner helps restore that balance, tightens pores, and prevents excess oil production later on.
Popular toners you might consider are Dermalogica Multi-Active Toner, men-u Matt Skin Refresh Gel, and Baxter Of California Herbal Mint Toner.
Moisturizing
It may seem counterintuitive to moisturize when your skin is already oily, but using a moisturizer formulated for oily skin is essential. When applied correctly, it can help reduce oil production and balance your skin’s moisture levels.
After washing your face and using toner, apply a lightweight moisturizer before bed. You’ll notice a significant reduction in shine over time. I recommend the Bulldog moisturizer, which offers excellent results at an affordable price (around 200,000 VND).
Using Exfoliating Masks
Exfoliating twice a week is a common practice for oily skin. This method helps remove dead skin cells, dirt, and absorbs excess oil trapped within the skin. Exfoliating masks can brighten your complexion and strengthen your skin. While they might feel stinging or uncomfortable initially, the soothing effect kicks in after a minute. After 10-20 minutes, rinsing off the mask will leave your skin feeling tight and refreshingly clean.
By following these skincare steps, you can successfully fight against oily skin and enjoy a more confident summer!
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