Lotus Spa Wandsworth Common
Lotus Spa

Wandsworth Common

[+] menu close menu

Oily Skin

Oily skin acts as a glue that holds dead skin cells to the surface. This can contribute to clogged follicles, leading to the build up of acne bacteria, which stimulate the production of breakouts. Skin is thicker in texture and not particularly sensitive. Exfoliation is very helpful to oily skin. It smoothes, improving skin tone and enhancing skin’s receptiveness to oil-controlling ingredients, and helps to rid oily skin of dulling skin cells to help keep skin clear.

Your Questions

Q: Why is my skin oily?

A: One word: genetics. Because you are genetically programmed to have larger and more productive sebaceous (oil) glands. Your skin may also be thicker in texture and not particularly sensitive.

Q: Can exfoliation help control my oily skin?

A: Exfoliation can be especially helpful to those with oily skin. In addition to smoothing, improving skin tone and enhancing skin’s receptiveness to oil-controlling ingredients, exfoliation helps rid oily skin of dulling skin cells to help keep skin clear.

Q: Why does my Speed Mapping skin analysis prescribe a moisturizer?

A: Oily skin requires protection and hydration as much as any other skin condition. If you attempt to dry out skin by not moisturising after cleansing, your sebaceous glands will produce even more oil to compensate. Applying an oil-free moisturizer after cleansing can help control oil production.

In addition, those with oily skin can still have dehydrated skin, considering dehydrated skin is caused by a lack of water, not a lack of oil. Proper hydration will help maintain water levels in skin.

Q: My skin looks great after completing my skin care regime in the morning, but by mid-day, I have a slick, shiny surface. How can I stop this?

A: Making a few adjustments to your skin care regime can help control oil production from morning until night. Create a ‘matte kit’ for midday touch-ups. Your kit should include oil-free lotions or sunscreens containing Microsponge technology that helps soak up excess oil. It can also contain wipes loaded with Salicylic Acid (not alcohol) to help degrease skin, help prohibit acne bacteria, and keep skin feeling fresh.

Q: Does oily skin mean I could start experiencing breakouts?

A: Not necessarily. While oily skin is a precursor to the cascade of events that lead to breakouts, it doesn’t mean that you will start experiencing breakouts.

Q: Will I grow out of my oily skin?

A: Yes, your skin could become less oily over time. Generally as you get older the oil glands shrink and produce less oil, so your skin may become less oily.

Q: I tan to help clear my oily skin, is this ok?

A: Absolutely not. Sun exposure is never good for skin. While it may seem the sun provides a temporary drying effect, sebaceous glands will fire into overdrive to help replace lost oil. The result: more oil on the surface than before. Shielding skin from sun exposure with an oil-controlling SPF such as Oil Free Matte Block SPF20 will actually help control oil production and maintain a matte finish. Following a prescribed regime that helps control oil production will help minimize your risk of breakouts.