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Oily skin and pimples are the worst combination. The overactive sebaceous glands produce excess sebum, contributing to a shiny, greasy look and leading to pimples, blackheads and whiteheads.
I understand the pain, as I have been dealing with oily skin and pimples for the longest time, and these are the top 7 beauty tips for oily skin and pimples that actually worked. These tips helped me to improve my skin and made my life easier, giving me back my confidence.
1. 60 Seconds Cleanse
Have you ever wondered why your face wash didn’t work, even though it has amazing reviews?
The problem might be that you didn’t know how to use the face wash properly. You heard it right as I was making the same mistake. Most of us just apply face wash and rinse it off within 10-15 seconds. But, if you’re using actives like benzoyl peroxide, glycolic acid, or salicylic acid, that’s just not enough time for them to work.
Actives in face wash need time to come into contact with your skin in order to work. So, instead of applying and rinsing face wash in less than 15 seconds. Try to massage your cleanser gently and let it sit for a few minutes (I prefer 1 minute) before washing it off.
I learned this technique from Dr Shereene Idriss, and it changed the way I wash my face. I could see acne calming down and I couldn’t be happier.
2. Trying too many Products
The moment your skin starts breaking out, you want to fix it immediately.
So, you start using a new face wash, a new serum, a new spot treatment, or maybe a DIY remedy.
I get it. I’ve been there.
But piling on too many products at once actually makes things worse. Your skin gets overwhelmed and irritated, leading to more breakouts.
I know it’s irritating, but sometimes, less is more. Stick to one new product; give it time to work before adding another. I learnt it the hard way.
3. Ignoring Trigger Factors
Certain foods can trigger breakouts, and it’s different for everyone.
According to Healthline. The top 5 foods that cause breakouts are-
- Refined grains and sugars
- Dairy Products
- Fast Food
- Chocolate
- Whey Protein Powder
For me, the foods that trigger pimples are maida and milk. Even a little bit can trigger acne overnight. It took me way too long to figure out.
But your triggers might be different. It could be sugar, fried food, or whey protein.
It is better to start noticing patterns. Your skin tells you what it doesn’t like and what it does.
4. Not Changing Towels and Pillows Often
I think everybody has heard that you should change towels and pillows often. It sounds simple, but it matters more than you think.
You sleep on your pillow every night. Oil, sweat and dirt accumulate on the pillow. Sometimes, you feel too lazy to remove your makeup, thinking you’ll wash your face later and lie on the bed with your face against the pillow.
I’m guilty of it, and it is not recommended to sleep with your makeup on, or else you’ll end up with pimples.
Don’t be lazy and save yourself from those one or two pimples that form overnight by changing your pillow.
The same goes for towels, especially if you’re using the same one for your body and face. Don’t do it. Instead, use a separate, clean towel just for your face.
5. Not Researching About Your Skin Needs
The internet is full of advice, “use this moisturiser”, “try that serum”, “this product did wonders for my skin”. You end up buying the product only to realise that it didn’t work for you. You end up feeling frustrated and wasting your money.
But here’s the thing, your skin isn’t the same as everyone else’s. You might be dealing with acne, dark spots, or sensitivity, while another person might be dealing with blackheads, acne scars or large pores. And, each of these needs a slightly different approach or ingredient to tackle.
There is also a chance that you might be sensitive to a certain ingredient. Like, I can’t tolerate fragrance in any skincare products because I get headaches. This creates a problem for me because beauty creators don’t specify whether a product has fragrance or not.
So, before spending money on any product, ask yourself: What am I trying to fix? Whether a certain ingredient will be suitable for me?
6. Following Influencers Who Don’t have the Same Skin Type as Yours
It baffles me when influencers recommend products for oily, dry, and combination skin, all in the same video. The creators might have dry skin. How can one recommend products for oily or combination skin?
I have oily skin, and some products meant for oily skin still don’t work for me. So, like, how can creators recommend products and know this works when you don’t have that particular skin type?
What’s even more funny is that people would trust creators blindly. But, here’s the truth: if someone doesn’t have your skin type, their products or routine might not work for you. Also, very few influencers disclose their skin types and recommend products that actually work; otherwise, it’s mostly just marketing.
So, try to follow people with similar skin concerns and show real results over time.
7. Using Matte Products
Oily skin means dealing with shine. It is like one has slathered oil on the face. No matter how many products meant for oily skin I have used, they didn’t control my shine. Until I started using matte products, it has been my lifesaver, and they can be yours too.
Matte products help reduce extra shine and make your skin look fresh for longer. Also, your makeup is less likely to slide off by the middle of the day.
If your sunscreen makes your face look even more oily and heavy, try switching to a matte sunscreen, as they help absorb excess oil. The same goes for makeup, choose matte foundation, compact powder works better for oily skin instead of dewy products that can look greasy.
Also, while choosing matte products, make sure that they are oil-free and non-comedogenic, so they don’t clog your pores or make your pimples worse.
FAQ
How to reduce pimples on oily skin?
To reduce pimples on oily skin, keep your routine simple and consistent. Wash your face twice a day with a cleanser, use a lightweight moisturiser, and apply matte sunscreen. Avoid foods that trigger acne, and wash your pillows and towels often.
Why Trust Subtleedgelife
Hi, I’m Manisha, founder of Subtle Edge Life. My blog currently focuses on oily skin. I test everything myself, take detailed notes, and tell it like it is — no sugarcoating, no sponsored fluff. My goal is to help you make smarter choices, avoid wasting money, and finally feel confident in your skin.Read more
