Avoid Using These Skincare Ingredients If You Have Oily, Acne-Prone Skin

We all desire dewy, lit-from-within skin—but if you possess excess oiliness, it's a whole lot different for you. Those with oily skin encounter problems every step of the way. As you lather foundation to conceal your blemishes, there looms a constant threat of clogged pores and pus-filled inflammations that may make their way to your face the next morning. Besides, what are the chances that the greasiness will allow your makeup to stay put for more than just a few hours? Slim. 

"Oily skin demands special care. Look to apply products to your skin that are lightweight, moisturising, deep cleansing, yet not over-drying. By opting for heavy-weight, drying products, you will propel clogged pores and excess sebum secretion, which in turn, may lead to breakouts," explains a skincare expert from Kaya Skin Clinic. "It is difficult to navigate the skincare space if you possess oily, acne-prone skin. Hence, lean towards safe, all-natural, and non-toxic ingredients," adds Dhruv Bhasin, Co-Founder, Arata.

Below, the skincare experts have shortlisted a few commonly used ingredients and products that do no good to oily skin—so stray away. 

 

Alcohol-Based Products

 

"Alcohol-based products strip the skin off of its natural moisture. And, while those with oily skin are often tempted to head for these formulas for squeaky clean skin, once the skin loses its natural moisture, it will produce more sebum to compensate for the loss, making it all the more oily! Similarly, you mustn't over-scrub your skin since it may disrupt the moisture barrier, leading to excessive greasiness. Instead, practice light scrubbing in regular intervals, to get rid of the accumulated dead skin," suggests an expert from Kaya Skin Clinic.

 

Silicones

 

Aside from being non-eco-friendly, silicone’s occlusive traits—forming a protective surface layer on the skin to avoid moisture loss—can be severely damaging to oily, acne-prone skin. Silicone-based products also work as a barrier to trap other comedogenic ingredients, dirt, and grime, which, in turn, can aggravate skin conditions such as acne, clogged pores, and blackheads or whiteheads," explains Dhruv Bhasin.

 

Oxybenzone and Octyl Methoxycinnamate

 

Beauty jargon, we know—but oxybenzone and octyl methoxycinnamate are commonly used chemical agents in sunscreens that can cause skin sensitivity, acne, and breakouts, especially on the oily skin type. "So before you pick a sunscreen off the shelf, read the label to make sure that the product is well-suited to your skin type and doesn't trigger woes," adds Dhruv. 

 

Oleic Oils

 

If your skin is already over-producing sebum, application of face oils, especially the ones that are high in oleic acid, may cause further blockage of pores, causing breakouts. Plus, it will make your skin look greasier than usual. "Although, depending on how oily your skin is, specific face oils can be applied to the skin in controlled portions. However, avoid experimentation and consult your dermatologist before trying out a new product," informs an expert from Kaya Skin Clinics. 

 

Occlusive Ingredients

 

Beeswax, petroleum jelly, silicone derivatives, paraffin, and mineral oil are a few occlusive ingredients that are often found in moisturisers, lotions, and sunscreens. As mentioned previously, they form a protective barrier on the skin and prevent loss of moisture. And, while moisturisation is extremely important for all skin types, the heavy texture of occlusives may feel sticky on oily skin, causing clogged pores and breakouts. "Instead, those with oily skin should opt for products high in humectants, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, AHAs etc. Humectants attract and absorb water into the skin, lending moisturising properties without excessive greasiness," adds the skincare specialist from Kaya Skin Clinics.