A summary of the easiest oily skincare routine in Singapore

Humid and hot, city living in Singapore tends to bring out the worst in those of us with oily skin types. While oily skin might be a boon for those living in drier climates, having excess sebum in a place like Singapore can feel like a nightmare. Imagine the endless blotting paper and constant need to cleanse the oil away, all to stave off the looming threat of another acne outbreak caused by clogged pores.

Life doesn’t have to be this way, at least not if you follow out guide to living with oily skin in Singapore.

Causes of oily skin

Oily skin is the result of sebum overproduction, an oily substance composed of fats produced by your sebaceous glands. While sebum isn’t inherently problematic and plays a crucial role in moisturizing your skin and keeping your hair shiny, excessive amounts of it leads to skin issues, like enlarged pores and acne outbreaks.

Oily skin or excess sebum production is mainly caused by: 

Genetics: If your family members tend to have oily skin, chances are high that you might as well.

Age: Younger people are more likely to experience oily skin as sebum production tends to decrease with age.

Climate: Living in the hot and humid Singaporean climate can stimulate your skin to produce more oil. This is especially noticeable in the middle of the year when heat and humidity are at their peak. 

Lifestyle factors: Hormonal fluctuations during puberty, pregnancy, menstrual cycles or the use of oral contraceptives can increase oil production. 

Diet: Consuming foods high in fat, sugar, or salt can provoke your skin to produce more oil.

Skincare: An incorrect skincare routine—like over-washing or excessive exfoliating—can dry out your skin, causing it to compensate by producing more oil. Enlarged pores, which can occur if they are clogged or if your skin is thick, have more sebaceous glands and therefore can yield more oil.

How do I start a skincare routine for oily skin?

Managing an oily face, especially in a hot and humid climate like Singapore, can indeed be challenging. However, the right combination of lifestyle adjustments and skincare practices can help control the excessive oiliness and improve your skin’s overall health.

A fundamental starting point is refining your skincare routine. 

1. Do not try to ‘wash off’ the oil 

Be mindful not to over-wash your face, as this can strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to increased oil production to compensate for the dryness. Instead, use a mild cleanser on your face twice a day, once in the morning and once before bed. 

Tip: Weekly exfoliation with an exfoliator containing copper peptides  can also help. This substance can penetrate deep into your pores to unclog them, reducing the appearance of oiliness.

2. Use a lightweight, oil-free moisturiser 

It might seem counter-intuitive to add more moisture to already oily skin, but remember, oily skin can still be dehydrated. A water-based moisturiser can hydrate your skin without adding more oil to it. You should also use an oil-free sunscreen during the day. It is a little-known fact that prolonged sun exposure can cause your skin to produce more oil, so protecting it can help manage oiliness.

Lifestyle tips for managing oily skin 

1. Have a balanced diet 

Maintaining a balanced diet that’s low in oily, spicy foods and high in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains can help control oil secretion. Consider having a food diary to keep track of your triggers. 

2. Manage stress levels and get adequate sleep 

Stress management techniques such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing can help, too. Stress can cause hormonal fluctuations leading to oilier skin, so keeping stress levels in check can have positive effects on your skin. Adequate sleep is equally important, as lack of sleep can exacerbate skin problems, including oiliness.

3. Regular exercise 

Regular exercise can also aid in regulating your body’s hormonal balance, reducing the likelihood of increased oil production. Just remember to wash your face after! 

4. Choose non-comedogenic makeup products 

When it comes to makeup, opt for oil-free, non-comedogenic products that won’t clog your pores or contribute to oil build-up. 

Very important: Removing makeup before going to bed is a must, as leaving it on can lead to clogged pores and increased oil production.

Seeking professional help

Despite using oil-control products and adhering to a strict skincare regimen, some individuals may still struggle to manage their oily skin. In such situations, it may be time to consult a professional for treatment.

Professionals, with their knowledge of skin conditions, can provide effective treatments tailored specifically to your skin type and lifestyle. They can also suggest appropriate topical treatments, oral medications, or advanced procedures like chemical peels or laser therapy, depending on the severity of the condition.

Furthermore, persistent oily skin can lead to various other skin problems, including acne, blackheads, and increased susceptibility to skin infections. A professional can address these accompanying issues and provide comprehensive skincare advice to prevent future flare-ups.

Control your oily skin with our oily face treatment.

You shouldn’t need to live with an oily face. Let our team of experienced, well-trained therapists help you to achieve clean and clear skin with our oily face treatment. At SkinLab, Singapore’s largest medical spa chain, our team uses the best tools and treatment options in Singapore to give you the oil-free skin you deserve.

Make an appointment with us now.