One of the most frustrating things about summer is dealing with oily skin. It's a confidence killer for many of us, as stepping outside in the heat often leads to a shiny, greasy face. And once the sweat mixes with dirt, it’s game over - your skin becomes a magnet for grime, forcing you to constantly reach for tissues or towels to wipe it clean, whether you're out and about or just walking back inside.
On top of that, oily skin is a breeding ground for acne, and we all know how dreadful it is when pimples pop up in the middle of a heatwave.
With the scorching weather already upon us, it’s time to gear up and fight back against oily skin, guys.
"Know your enemy, know yourself, and you'll win every battle." First, you need to recognize if you're part of the oily skin club. Here are some telltale signs:
– Constant blackheads or whiteheads – Your face always feels greasy and shiny, especially in the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) – Enlarged pores – No matter how thoroughly you wash your face, it quickly gets greasy again
Now, it's normal to experience some oiliness and acne in the summer, but if these symptoms sound all too familiar, then this article is for you. Follow these four essential steps to manage oily skin like a pro:
Cleanse Your Face
Make it a habit to wash your face twice a day - once in the morning and once at night - with lukewarm water. This helps reduce oil production and keeps your skin fresh. When choosing a facial cleanser, go for one made specifically for oily skin. It should deep-clean without stripping your skin of its natural moisture. If your face feels tight and squeaky after washing, it's time to ditch that product, because it’s over-drying your skin, which only makes the oil glands go into overdrive.
Some top picks for oily skin include Dermalogica Precleanse, Lab Series Power Wash, L’Oreal Men Expert Pure & Matte, and Clinique Liquid Face Wash Extra Strength. These products are highly recommended but can be hard to find locally. I personally use The Body Shop's Tea Tree Foaming Cleanser - it's gentle, effective, and infused with green tea extract.
Don’t Skip Toner
A lot of guys skip toner, thinking it's unnecessary, but if you’ve got oily skin, it's a crucial step. After cleansing, your skin’s pH balance can get thrown off. Toner helps restore that balance, tighten your pores, and prevent excess oil production.
Some of the best toners out there include Dermalogica Multi-Active Toner, men-u Matt Skin Refresh Gel, and Baxter of California Herbal Mint Toner.
Moisturize - Yes, Even with Oily Skin
It might sound counterproductive, but moisturizing is essential - even for oily skin. The key is to choose the right one. A moisturizer specifically formulated for oily skin will help regulate oil production and leave your skin more balanced.
After cleansing and toning, apply a small amount of moisturizer before bed, and you'll notice less shine the next day. I've been using Bulldog’s moisturize - it’s affordable (about 200,000 VND) and delivers great results.
Exfoliate Regularly
Exfoliation is your secret weapon against oily skin. By exfoliating twice a week, you’ll get rid of dead skin cells, dirt, and excess oil, leaving your skin brighter and healthier. Most exfoliating masks will give you a slight sting at first, but that means they’re doing their job. After 10-20 minutes, rinse thoroughly and enjoy the clean, tight, and smooth feeling that follows.
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