June 15, 2023

Ultimate Skincare Guide for Oily Skin in Singapore: Banish the Shine and Unveil a Luminous Complexion

Having oily skin is a common issue, especially in Singapore’s hot and humid climate. Besides the unwanted shine, excess sebum production can lead to greasy skin, clogged pores and frequent breakouts. While this may seem like a difficult issue to resolve with Singapore’s tropical weather , the right oily-skin skincare routine can help you effectively manage and control excessively oily skin. Let’s dive deeper to understand more about the causes of oily skin, and how we can battle this with targeted skincare products.

What Causes Oily Skin, and Why Should We Address It?

Oily skin occurs when the sebaceous glands in the skin produce an excessive amount of sebum, which is a natural oil that is meant to moisturize and protect the skin. While oily skin can be due to genetics, there are several other factors that can contribute to oily skin – hormonal imbalances, overactive sebaceous glands and environmental factors like humidity and pollution. 

Besides the unwanted greasy appearance, oily skin is more prone to acne breakouts, blackheads and enlarged pores due to the accumulation of excess sebum and dead skin cells in the pores. These larger issues make it all the more important to find a good solution to treating oily skin and preventing it from causing further problems.

It’s important to avoid touching your face unnecessarily, as this can transfer bacteria and dirt from your hands to your face,leading to more frequent breakouts.. Other tips and tricks to tackle oily skin include using oil blotting paper and avoiding pore-clogging makeup that could potentially lead to acne. However, the most crucial part of dealing with oily skin in Singapore is to have the right skincare routine in place to effectively control sebum production and achieve a healthier, balanced complexion. 

Skincare Routine for Oily Skin & Important Skincare Ingredients

To effectively manage oily skin, it’s crucial to establish a skincare routine with products specifically targeting oily skin and its needs. 

In sourcing skincare products designed for oily skin, the scientifically-backed skincare ingredients to look out for are Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide, Witch Hazel, Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) and Sulfur. Here are some critical steps for an oily skincare routine that can help incorporate these ingredients to effectively transform oily skin.

1. Gentle Cleansing

Regular cleansing is a crucial step in any skincare routine, but over-cleansing with strong products can strip the skin of its natural oils. Opt for facial cleansers that contain salicylic acid or AHA, which can help to unclog pores and reduce oil production. It is also important to avoid harsh cleansers that contain large amounts of alcohol ingredients, as these can dry out the skin and cause skin irritation, triggering more oil production. 
The PCA Skin Facial Wash is a great cleanser that contains lactic acid, a type of AHA, to remove excess oil and break down environmental impurities. This targeted cleanser is the best facial wash for oily skin and is perfect for everyday use on oily or acne-prone skin, as it provides thorough cleansing while maintaining the skin’s natural oil balance.

2. Exfoliate

To remove dead skin cells and prevent clogged pores, exfoliating once or twice a week is a key step to add to your skincare routine. However, it is especially important for those with oily skin types to use a gentle exfoliator as over-exfoliating with harsh products can lead to irritation and increased oil production.
Toners like the Zo Skin Health Oil Control Pads, which contain salicylic acid and glycolic acid (a form of AHA), can help to decongest and minimize the appearance of pores and target excess oil to mattify skin.. Being specifically formulated for oily skin, these non-abrasive, smoothing pads physically and chemically aids with clearing up clogged pores and dead skin cells with a gentle formulation.

3. Tone & Moisturize

Though these are the most common steps in daily skincare routines, toning and moisturizing with the right products is especially crucial for the oily skincare routine. Look for toners that contain witch hazel, which is a natural ingredient that helps to reduce oiliness and redness in oily skin. 

A key misconception is that oily skin does not require moisturizers – which is definitely false! However, it is important to opt for oil-free and lightweight moisturizers that are specifically formulated for oily skin. This will allow your skin to stay hydrated, but not greasy.

4. Serums & Clay Masks

Acne can be a common concern for those with oily skin types, and prevention is always better than cure. A good serum for oily skin is the PCA Skin Acne Gel, which contains mandelic acid to help reduce oil production and unclog pores. This serum also has 2% salicylic acid which is great for spot-treating existing acne, and also as a daily full-face serum for the prevention of future breakouts. 
To level up your skincare routine, treat yourself to a calming clay mask once a week to help draw out impurities, absorb excess oil and tighten the pores. The Zo Skin Health Complexion Clearing Masque is a natural, clay-based solution that contains kaolin and bentonite, which are both ingredients that are particularly effective in controlling oiliness and preventing breakouts. It also contains sulfur, which is another key ingredient for battling oily, acne-prone skin!

5. Sun Protection

The final but most important step in any skincare routine, especially in Singapore – is sunscreen! Sun protection is important for all skin types, and those with oily skin types should be on the lookout for products specifically formulated for oily skin. Lookout for products that are “non-comedogenic” as these products are specifically formulated not to clog your pores. 
The Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Matte SPF 50 contains a lightweight formula that is non-greasy and absorbs excess oil to give a unique mattifying effect. This sunscreen for oily skin has SPF 50 and provides all-rounded protection against the various free radicals that contribute to skin damage.

Finding the Best Skin Care Products for Oily Skin in Singapore

Oily skin can be challenging to manage, but the right products and skincare routine can help achieve a healthier, balanced complexion. Besides looking for the skincare ingredients we mentioned above, it’s also important to avoid ingredients like mineral oils, alcohol and fragrance in your oily-skin skincare products.
Zoe Nissi Pte Ltd is a premium skincare distributor in Singapore that carries the best skincare products for all skin types, including products specifically formulated for oily skin. From facial wash to serum and sunscreen, Zoe Nissi has all you need to create the best skincare routine for oily skin in Singapore!