What Are the Best Ingredients for Clients With Oily Skin?
To uncover the best skincare advice for clients with oily skin, we consulted a range of beauty professionals, including a Hair Expert and an RN and Founder. While they provide expert recommendations, we've also gathered additional answers to offer a well-rounded perspective. From the benefits of salicylic acid to the advantages of glycolic acid, here are the top ingredients to look for in skincare products for oily skin.
- Look for Salicylic Acid
- Consider Vitamin C Products
- Use Niacinamide for Oil Control
- Incorporate Bentonite Clay
- Try Zinc Oxide-Based Products
- Opt for Willow Bark Extract
- Explore Green Tea Extract
- Include Glycolic Acid
Look for Salicylic Acid
As a beauty professional, I highly recommend clients with oily skin look for skincare products containing salicylic acid. Here’s why:
Salicylic Acid Benefits
1. Exfoliation: Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that gently exfoliates the skin. It penetrates deep into the pores to remove dead skin cells and excess oil, which helps prevent clogged pores and acne breakouts.
2. Oil Control: Salicylic acid helps regulate the production of sebum, the skin's natural oil. By controlling oil production, it reduces the greasy shine and makes the skin appear more matte.
3. Anti-inflammatory: Salicylic acid has anti-inflammatory properties that can help calm irritated skin and reduce redness associated with acne.
4. Pore Cleansing: It effectively cleanses and shrinks pores, making them less visible over time. This helps in maintaining a smoother and clearer complexion.
5. Acne Treatment: Salicylic acid is a common ingredient in acne treatments due to its ability to unclog pores and reduce acne lesions, making it ideal for those with oily and acne-prone skin.
For optimal results, use products containing salicylic acid in your daily skincare routine. This could include a salicylic-acid cleanser, toner, or treatment. However, it's important to start with a lower concentration to allow your skin to adjust and to avoid over-exfoliation, which can lead to irritation.
Incorporating salicylic acid into your skincare regimen can significantly improve oily skin by controlling excess oil, preventing acne, and promoting a clearer, more balanced complexion.
Consider Vitamin C Products
I always tell my clients with oily skin to check out skincare products that have Vitamin C. It brightens the complexion, minimizes the look of pores, and evens out skin tone—all without clogging pores or adding extra shine. Plus, its antioxidant properties help protect your skin from environmental damage, making it a must-have in any skincare routine.
Use Niacinamide for Oil Control
As the founder of Glow Therapy, a skincare brand focused on light-therapy technology, I would recommend looking for niacinamide. It's a form of vitamin B3 that helps regulate oil production and improve skin-barrier function.
Many of our customers struggle with oily, acne-prone skin, and niacinamide has been hugely beneficial for them. We use it in concentrations of 2-5% in our products, which is effective yet gentle. It works by normalizing oil secretion and preventing excess oil buildup.
For oily skin, I also recommend dimethicone, a mild silicone that creates a protective barrier on the skin without clogging pores. And of course, oil-free, non-comedogenic products are key. Overly harsh, drying ingredients often strip the skin and worsen oiliness.
A simple routine of gentle cleansing, moisturizing, and niacinamide has helped many clients achieve a balanced, shine-free complexion. When lifestyle factors like diet and stress are also addressed, results can be even more significant.
Incorporate Bentonite Clay
Bentonite clay is known for its powerful ability to absorb oil from the skin, making it a popular choice for people with oily skin. This natural ingredient can help reduce shine and keep the skin looking fresh. In addition, bentonite clay has detoxifying properties that can help remove impurities from the skin.
When used regularly, it can lead to clearer and healthier-looking skin. Encourage clients to incorporate products with bentonite clay into their skincare routine for noticeable results.
Try Zinc Oxide-Based Products
Zinc oxide is effective in reducing oil production and calming inflamed skin. This ingredient is often used in sunscreens and helps protect the skin while also providing a matte finish. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it ideal for preventing breakouts and soothing irritated skin.
Products containing zinc oxide can help maintain a balanced complexion. Consider recommending zinc oxide-based products to clients interested in controlling their oily skin and preventing acne.
Opt for Willow Bark Extract
Willow bark extract plays a crucial role in balancing oil production, which makes it perfect for clients with oily skin. This natural ingredient contains salicin, which has similar properties to salicylic acid, and gently exfoliates the skin while keeping oil levels in check. When included in skincare products, willow bark extract can help regulate sebum production and prevent clogged pores.
Its regular use can promote a clearer and more balanced complexion. Advise clients to try formulations containing willow bark extract for improved skin texture and reduced oiliness.
Explore Green Tea Extract
Green tea extract is known for its ability to manage sebum production while providing soothing benefits to the skin. This antioxidant-rich ingredient not only helps control excess oil but also protects the skin from environmental damage. Green tea extract can reduce the appearance of large pores and offer a calming effect on the skin.
Incorporating it into a skincare routine can result in a more even and healthier complexion. Encourage clients to explore skincare options with green tea extract for oil control and skin protection.
Include Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid is a key ingredient for exfoliating the skin and minimizing the appearance of oiliness. This alpha hydroxy acid helps remove dead skin cells and unclog pores, which is beneficial for those with oily skin. Regular use of glycolic acid can lead to a smoother and more refined skin texture.
By reducing the buildup of oil on the skin's surface, it can contribute to a clearer complexion. Encourage clients to include products with glycolic acid in their regimen for effective exfoliation and oil control.