How to Stop Oily Face During the Day

If you struggle with oily skin and heat acne during the summer, you’re not alone. The hot weather can exacerbate your skin’s oil production, leading to unwanted shine and acne outbreaks [1]. It can also cause makeup to melt off throughout the day. 

Fortunately, you can mitigate these skin problems by tackling your skin’s excess oil production at the source and using products that are properly suited to your skin type. 

In this article, we’ll break down how to stop oily face during the day and highlight some personalized products that can make all the difference to your skin this summer.

What Causes Oily Skin During the Day?

Before you can fix and prevent oily skin, you need to figure out what’s causing it. Your oily complexion can be impacted by a host of internal and external factors, and some are easier to address than others.

For instance, some people produce more oil and have acne-prone skin due to their genetics. People with an oily skin type naturally produce more sebum, which is the oil your skin emits from its sebaceous glands [2]. This excess oil can cause acne to develop by clogging the pores. 

While having oily skin is associated with more acne breakouts caused by clogged pores, it also comes with some notable benefits. Since oil preserves the skin, people with this skin type often have fewer wrinkles [3]. 

Having an oily skin type isn’t the only cause of oily skin. People with other skin types (normal, dry, combination, and sensitive) can develop excess oil for the following reasons:

• Stress – Stress can cause you to develop oily skin temporarily. When you’re stressed, your body releases cortisol, which can disrupt your body’s hormonal balance and boost sebum production [4]. As a result, you may notice that your skin has an oilier sheen during times of stress. Stress can also compromise your skin barrier, causing it to lose water [5]. Your skin may then produce even more oil to compensate for the resulting dehydration. 
• Hormonal fluctuations – Cortisol isn’t the only hormone that can offset your skin’s oil production—progesterone can, too [6]. This female sex hormone increases during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle [7]. When progesterone is at its peak, you may notice an uptick in your skin’s oiliness. In fact, pregnancy, menopause, hormone replacement therapy, and hormonal contraception can all alter your skin’s oil production [8].
• Diet – Many people believe the myth that certain foods cause acne and oily skin. While greasy food may have other adverse health effects, this connection isn’t yet confirmed [9]. Instead, the research suggests that a high-glycemic diet may play a greater role in increasing sebum production [10]. High-glycemic foods can cause sudden, stark spikes in blood sugar, while low-glycemic foods result in a slower, more gradual blood sugar boost [11].
• Environmental factors – If you travel from one climate to another, you may notice a change in your skin. Hot, humid climates often cause your skin’s oil production to ramp up, while cold climates can dry it out [12].
• Touching your face – If you touch your face frequently throughout the day, you may be transferring dirt, bacteria, and other oils onto it. This debris can increase oiliness and pave the way for an acne breakout [13].
• Forgetting to moisturize – Some people with oily skin forgo moisturizer, assuming their natural oils provide all the hydration they need. Some may even be afraid to moisturize, believing it will exacerbate their greasiness. The truth is that all skin types benefit from daily moisturizing [14]. After all, oiliness and hydration are not the same thing. And in fact, skipping moisturizer can make you even oilier, as your skin will produce more sebum in response to the resulting dehydration [15].
• Over-washing – While people with oily skin benefit from regular face washing, you don’t want to overdo it. Scrubbing your skin with harsh products can strip it of moisture, sending your sebaceous glands into overdrive [16]. 

How to Mitigate Excess Oil Production

Now that you know some of the primary causes of oily skin during the day, you may be wondering how to overcome them.

There are many things you can do to curb your skin’s excess oil production. Here are just a few examples:

• Find healthy ways to manage your stress
• Avoid touching your face throughout the day
• Follow a healthy, low-glycemic diet
• Use blotting paper throughout the day to reduce excess oil 
• Don’t sleep in your makeup
• Use makeup that is non-comedogenic and oil-free 

In addition to these lifestyle changes, you can keep oiliness at bay by adhering to a customized skincare regime. Here’s how:

1. Find out your skin type – To start, it’s a good idea to figure out your skin type. If you experience oiliness most of the time, you likely have an oily skin type. If your skin is typically tight or flaky, you may have a dry skin type instead. You can determine your skin type by consulting with your dermatologist or taking an online skin type quiz.
2. Purchase products that are suited to your skin type – Once you understand the basic makeup of your skin, you can select products that support its unique needs. Here at PROVEN, we make that process easy. After completing our three-minute skincare quiz, our proprietary AI will match you with skincare selections that are custom-formulated to your skin type, living environment, and lifestyle.
3. Cleanse gently – You can keep your skin looking fresh and matte by washing it regularly. You may think that using micellar water as a cleanser is enough, but they’re not formulated to deeply clean the sebum, dirt, and bacteria from your pores. If you have an oily skin type, washing it morning, night, and after sweat-inducing exercise should be sufficient. No matter your skin type, it’s important to use a cleanser that won’t be too harsh or dehydrating on your skin.
4. Moisturize morning and night – After your face is nice and clean, you want to lock in its hydration by applying a rich moisturizer or night cream. We include both types of moisturizers in our 3-Step Skincare Regimen. As your skin receives the personalized hydration it needs, it can better regulate its sebum production going forward.
5. Keep it simple – If you’re struggling with oily skin, you may be tempted to try out all of the lotions and potions that promise to eradicate the sheen. However, it’s often more prudent to keep your skincare routine simple. Piling on too many products can dry out your skin, potentially worsening your excess oil production.
6. Keep blotting paper sheets on hand – The right skincare regime can do wonders for your complexion. However, it doesn’t hurt to keep some blotting sheets on hand. These sheets can soak up any oiliness that arises during the day as you adjust to your new-and-improved skin care products.

Perfect Your Complexion with PROVEN

Now that you know how to stop an oily face during the day, the next step is investing in skincare products that are well-suited to your skin. 

At PROVEN, we produce supportive skincare formulas made just for you. All you have to do is take our quick and easy skincare quiz. After that, we’ll create and ship out your personalized: 

• Facial cleanser – Our gentle cleanser can clean your skin without drying it out or irritating its delicate barrier.
• Daily moisturizer with SPF – This nourishing daily moisturizer can lock in hydration while simultaneously shielding you from the sun’s rays.
• Night cream – This replenishing night cream can restore your skin’s essential moisture while you sleep. 

All of our evidence-based products are USA-made, cruelty-free, non-toxic, dermatologist-tested, and dye-free. So, what are you waiting for? Put a stop to the oiliness and get your customized PROVEN products today.