6 Effective Tips For Washing Oily Skin

If you have oily skin, you’ve likely dealt with your fair share of complexion frustrations. Skin that looks shiny by midday or makeup that slips and slides around your oily face? You bet. When it comes to taking care of oily skin — and avoiding future frustrations — it’s all about starting your skin care routine on the right foot. 

A solid base for healthy skin starts with making sure you keep it clean by regularly washing it. Keep reading to learn tips on how to wash and care for oily skin and find out about some of the best facial cleansers to keep oily skin looking its best. 

1. Pick The Right Cleanser 

You can’t just pick any cleanser and expect it to work when you have oily skin. Look for a facial cleanser that has a matte finish, as this can help keep your oily skin from looking overly shiny throughout the day. Try the L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Detox & Brighten Cleanser, formulated to seamlessly transform from clay to mousse and mattify the skin. 

Clay works great on an oily complexion by helping to draw out impurities that are trapped under the skin. The ingredients also include charcoal — so if your skin looks dull, it will leave you with a refreshed and glowing complexion. 

2. Double-Cleanse

You might find that one cleanser alone is not enough to adequately cleanse your oily skin. So, consider double cleansing. This method involves using a no-rinse cleansing option like micellar water to remove dirt, makeup, and excess oils from the surface of your skin, then following it up with a rinse-off cleanser to remove any remaining impurities. 

Try pairing the L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser Waterproof - All Skin Types, which purifies and mattifies, with the L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Detox & Brighten Cleanser. 

Editor’s tip: If your skin gets oily quickly, you may be tempted to wash your face multiple times a day. However, this will do more harm than good. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, you should only wash your face twice a day (and after sweating heavily). That’s because over-cleansing your skin can lead to an increase in oil production, which can leave your complexion looking even greasier. It’s best to stick to your morning and evening skin care regimen.

3. Rinse Or Wipe After A Workout

For those who enjoy working out or going for runs, this one's for you. Make sure to always keep a stash of easy-to-use cleanser, like the L’Oréal Paris Ideal All Skin Types Makeup Removing Towelettes, nearby. They’re perfect for cleansing your skin on the go without over-drying it. After a workout, just swipe one over your sweaty face and you’re good to go.

4. Follow Up With Moisturizer

Cleansing and moisturizing go hand in hand. And if you’re normally skipping out on moisturizers because you don’t want to add excess oil, you could be doing your skin more harm than good. If your skin feels stripped it can create even more oil to overcompensate for the loss of natural sebum. 

Instead, look for a lightweight moisturizer that’s formulated for your skin type. The L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Triple Power Anti-Aging Overnight Mask is formulated with hyaluronic acid and vitamin C to help provide long-lasting hydration and a radiant finish. 

5. Exfoliate Regularly

Exfoliating helps to remove dead skin cell buildup from the surface of your skin. Try the L’Oréal Paris Pure Sugar Resurface & Energize Kona Coffee Scrub, which provides deep and gentle exfoliation to help unclog pores and leave your skin looking less shiny. 

You can use this scrub up to three times a week for the best results. Keep in mind that how often you should exfoliate depends on your skin. Pay attention to how your face responds to determine what works best for you.

6. Give Face Masks A Try

A few times a week, add a face mask to your routine to help keep shine at bay and draw out impurities. Grab the L’Oréal Paris Pure Clay Detox & Brighten Face Mask, which works like a magnet to clean out pores and draw out deep impurities like dirt and oil. Apply an even layer to clean, dry skin, leave on for 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. 

Next: Is My Skin Purging Or Am I Breaking Out? 

Edited by Reece Andavolgyi; Photo by Chaunte Vaughn