Oily skin can be tough to care for, especially in the summer. The excessive sebum, sweat, and heavy sunscreens make for an uncomfortable skincare combination. However, with the right cleansing gel for oily skin and sunscreen creams, it’s all within reach.
Here’s all you need to know about shielding oily skin from the sun’s UV rays.
How Does the Sun Affect Oily Skin?
The sun gives off two types of harmful rays: UVA and UVB. UVA rays go deep into your skin, causing wrinkles and dark spots, while UVB rays are the ones that burn your skin. This is why broad-spectrum sunscreen creams are essential during the summer.
However, the trouble doesn’t end there for oily skin types. Sunscreen formulas can often feel heavy on the skin and can even clog pores or trigger acne. If you already have oily skin, sun exposure can make things worse by triggering more oil production and clogging pores. Too much sun can even dry out your skin, which then produces more oil to compensate.
This endless cycle of greasiness, breakouts, and sun damage is tough to control but not impossible. Here’s a step-by-step skincare routine that will protect oily skin from the sun.
Step-by-step routine to protect oily skin from the sun
- Cleanse
Cleansing gels for oily skin are crucial to keep your pores unclogged and your skin free from impurities. Look for ingredients like salicylic acid among other AHA/BHA/PHA acid formulas. These exfoliants dissolve excessive sebum and dead skin cells, and even reveal a brighter skin tone. Make sure you use a cleansing gel for oily skin before layering on the sunscreen cream.
- Tone
Using a toner helps you get to any remnant impurities in your pores. Try to look for toners with lactic acid to remove excessive sebum, clear your T-zone, and prep your skin for the rest of your skincare.
- Sunscreens
It’s important to look for oil-free and non-comedogenic sunscreens that won’t clog your pores or make your skin feel heavy. Gel-based or mattifying sunscreen creams are more lightweight, absorb quickly, and control shine. Look for broad-spectrum protection formulas with at least SPF 50+. Additionally, ingredients like Glycyrrhetinic Acid and Licochalcone A help you fight off any pigmentation or oxidative stress.
Tips To Protect Oily Skin From The Sun
Sunscreen creams are a must, but here are other ways to protect your skin:
- Use a Light Moisturiser with SPF: Many people with oily skin skip moisturizer, but this can lead to more oil production. A lightweight, gel-based moisturizer with SPF keeps skin balanced.
- Reapply Sunscreen Every Two Hours: Oil and sweat break down sunscreen faster. Reapply every two hours, especially if you’re outdoors.
- Blotting Papers and Powder Sunscreens: If your face gets oily during the day, use blotting papers to remove excess shine without ruining your sunscreen. Powder sunscreens are also great for quick touch-ups.
- Wear Hats and Sunglasses: Wide-brimmed hats and UV-protective sunglasses give extra protection, especially on hot days.
Wrapping Up!
Keeping oily skin protected from the sun is all about balance. Never skip a cleansing gel for oily skin and use the right sunscreen creams, reapply regularly, and add extra protection with antioxidants and oil-control methods. Studies show that 90% of visible skin aging is caused by sun exposure, so taking the right steps now will help keep your skin looking fresh and healthy for years to come.
