If you’ve ever blotted your forehead for the tenth time before lunch and wondered if your skin is plotting against you, you’re not alone. Oily skin often gets a bad rap, and with it comes a flood of myths that need to be retired, like yesterday.
First off, no, oily skin does not mean your face is dirty. In fact, according to the Cleveland Clinic, excess oil is usually the result of overactive sebaceous glands, not a sign you need to scrub your face raw. Speaking of which, over-washing is another common mistake. It is stated that stripping your skin with harsh cleansers or washing too often can backfire, causing your skin to pump out even more oil in an attempt to compensate.
Another myth worth busting? That oily skin doesn’t need moisturiser. The truth is, skipping hydration can leave your skin feeling parched, which again sends it into oil-production overdrive, according to Healthline. Hence, the publication recommends oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturisers to keep skin balanced without clogging pores.
Let’s also clear the air about makeup: no, you don’t have to ditch it altogether. The trick is in the formula. Matte, oil-free, and long-wear products are your friends, states Byrdie. Just don’t forget to cleanse properly at the end of the day to keep your pores happy.
Here’s a fun fact: oily skin actually ages more slowly. According to Medical News Today, the natural oils help keep skin plumper and more elastic over time. So while you may be blotting today, your future self might just thank you.
Bottom line? Oily skin isn’t the enemy. With the right care (and a few fewer myths), it can be your glowiest asset.
Also see: Age backwards with laser skin tightening
