Winter Skincare Tips: Oily Skin

While your friends, with very dry skin, might feel the need to smear petroleum jelly-based products on their faces at bedtime, this is not a good idea for you.

That’s approximately every other day. Do NOT scrub vigorously, or use physical exfoliants (they generally have a sandy or grainy texture), because that will irritate and potentially even damage your skin. The best exfoliants contain salicylic or glycolic acid, which will deep-clean your pores. Exfoliate skin 2-3 times per week. That’s approximately every other day. Do NOT scrub vigorously, or use physical exfoliants (they generally have a sandy or grainy texture), because that will irritate and potentially even damage your skin. Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells on the surface as well as dirt and excess oil. The best exfoliator for an oily skin type contain salicylic or glycolic acid, which will deep-clean your pores. Choose wisely so skin feels refreshed, not tight and 'squeaky" clean.

Start with using it once every two days after cleansing and/or exfoliating, and gradually use more often if needed (up to twice a day) if your skin is naturally very oily. If you have combination skin with an oily t-zone, use toner on the t-zone area only. If you want an all-natural solution, try products with tea tree oil or willow bark extract. Make sure that whatever formula you select does NOT contain denatured alcohol or witch hazel, as these ingredients can be very drying on skin, especially during winter weather months.

Retinol has a whole host of benefits, among them reducing sebum, which helps regulate oily skin and reduce breakouts. Because it accelerates cell turnover, retinol also reduces the appearance of hyperpigmentation and fine lines and wrinkles, resulting in younger-looking, brighter skin. If you are pregnant, consult your doctor about the amount of retinol in your skincare products before you use them.