Dermatovenerologist Iveta Gylienė explains in the “Eurovaistinė” press release why it is important not to “degrease” oily skin but to balance it, and what a simple daily care routine should look like.
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Shine does not always mean the skin produces too much oil
Skin condition is an important matter of self-confidence and well-being. The National Well-being Index (NWI) study initiated by “Eurovaistinė” shows that skin, hair, nails, and similar problems are much more relevant to women than men.
In the study, women reported experiencing skin dryness, hair loss, and nail breakage much more often than men. Less than 20% of women said they did not face any of these issues, while among men, this was as high as 41%. Changes in appearance and skin condition can become not only an aesthetic but also a daily comfort issue for many women. One common practical challenge is oily skin, where the face quickly starts to shine, and pores tend to clog.
Shiny skin is often immediately associated with oily skin, but dermatovenerologist I. Gylienė emphasizes that this is not exactly the same. Sebaceous glands work continuously, but shine is influenced not only by the amount of sebum.
“Shine is also influenced by sweat, skin microrelief, applied products, and light reflection. Therefore, after exercise, on a hot and humid day, or after applying several richer layers of cosmetics, the face may appear shinier even without increased sebum production,” explains the dermatovenerologist.
The biggest mistake is trying to “degrease” the skin
I. Gylienė notes that people with oily or combination skin often use acids, retinoids, alcohol-based tonics, alkaline cleansers, or abrasive scrubs simultaneously, hoping to reduce the oil layer. However, this primarily affects not the sebaceous glands but the skin’s protective barrier.
“An unbalanced, aggressive routine removes some of the skin’s surface lipids, increases water loss, causing the skin to dry out, dehydrate, and become irritated. The sebaceous glands then try to compensate for this and continue to produce sebum confidently. Therefore, a person can have a paradoxical situation – the skin is both oily and dry at the same time,” says I. Gylienė.
Among the most common mistakes made by people with oily skin, the dermatovenerologist also names washing the face too often, especially with hot water and active cleansers. Often, after that, various cosmetic products are layered heavily or the skin is not moisturized enough at all.
What routine is suitable for oilier skin
According to I. Gylienė, a good skin routine is usually short. The more layers used, the harder it is to understand which product actually helps, which irritates, and which only adds extra shine.
“The foundation should be gentle cleansing, moisturizing, one or several targeted active ingredients, and consistent sun protection,” advises the specialist.
Morning. For oily skin, she recommends washing with a gentle, soap-free cleanser and lukewarm, not hot water, using only fingers. Then you can choose a product with niacinamide, which studies show has a sebum-suppressing effect.
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“An important step is moisturizing. Light consistency lotions, emulsions, or creams with glycerin, hyaluronic acid, panthenol, ceramides should not burden the skin. Sometimes moisturizing effect is sufficient even from a quality protective sunscreen. It should have an SPF of at least 30 and be used consistently all year round,” emphasizes the dermatovenerologist.
Day. If the face starts to shine, it is better not to wash it again but to absorb excess sebum by pressing a clean tissue or a special cosmetic blotting paper to the skin.
Evening. Products with salicylic acid, which has a sebum-dissolving effect, may be suitable for cleansing oily skin. If the makeup is “heavy” or waterproof cosmetics are used, it is worth first removing the face with oil-based or micellar cleansers.
“You can gradually introduce a product with azelaic acid, which is often tolerated even by sensitive skin. After consulting a specialist – also retinoids. Depending on the chosen formulas, finally complete the evening routine with a gentle, light consistency moisturizer,” advises I. Gylienė.
What is important to know about combining different active ingredients
Pharmacist Toma Gečienė agrees that products containing salicylic acid, niacinamide, glycolic acid, or retinol can help care for oily skin more effectively.
“However, it is important to mention that products with salicylic acid cannot be used together with products containing retinol. Niacinamide-containing products, on the other hand, combine well with both retinol and salicylic acid skin care products,” says T. Gečienė.
The pharmacist emphasizes that acidic products or those with retinol should be introduced gradually into the routine, starting with lower concentrations a few times a week while monitoring the reaction. This reduces the risk of over-irritating the skin and damaging its protective barrier. And the best is to consult a specialist before starting to use them.
“When choosing a cleanser, moisturizing cream, and SPF for oily skin, attention should be paid to the composition and texture of the products. They should not contain pore-clogging ingredients such as mineral oils, and the texture should be light, quickly absorbed, and not burden the skin. Gels, serums, and fluids are most suitable for very oily skin,” lists the pharmacist.
T. Gečienė reminds that skin problems cannot always be solved independently. A dermatologist should be consulted when home facial care products do not help, severe skin inflammation occurs, painful nodules leaving scars appear, or when the skin becomes very red and irritated. Also in cases when skin problems are accompanied by other symptoms.
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