How to Exfoliate Oily Skin [3 Easy Steps]

Keeping the topmost layer of skin free from debris and excess oil build-up is crucial for managing oily skin. Exfoliation helps remove the dead skin cells or toxins and makes your skin juvenile and glowing. Regular exfoliation is essential for oily skin as it deeply cleanses the clogged pores and inhibits excess sebum production, hence reducing the risk of acne breakouts. 

This guide is designed to help you learn how to exfoliate oily skin the right way. Let’s start! 

Why Should I Exfoliate Oily Skin?

Oily skin is susceptible to acne breakouts, blemishes, wrinkles, and premature aging signs as the excess oil prevents the regular shedding of dead skin cells. The build-up of dead skin cells or toxins locks the excess oil in skin pores, causing pimples, blemishes, or blackheads. Regular exfoliation helps the skin cleanse and get rid of clogged pores, thus making skin well-nourished.

How to Exfoliate Oily Skin?

The foremost requirement to exfoliate oily skin is to be gentle to your skin as harsh scrubbing may increase skin sensitivity. 

Exfoliation for oily skin is typically a 3-step process, comprising scrubbing, moisturizing, and applying sunscreen. Follow the key steps while exfoliating oily skin to get a radiant and glowing complexion.

• First, wet your face with simple water and cleanse it with a good-quality cleanser to remove all the impurities from your skin.
• Apply exfoliant on your skin, preferably containing salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or lactic acid, and massage on wet skin in a circular motion. Ensure doing gentle massage to avoid any irritation. Avoid contacting the sensitive areas, such as the eyes and under the eyes,  while exfoliating to prevent skin blemishes and redness.
• Rinse with cold water and apply a good moisturizer to soothe your skin and balance its natural moisture. You can apply a face serum before applying moisturizer on your skin for the best results.

How Often Should I Exfoliate Oily Skin?

Regular exfoliation will help your skin appear its best. It’s recommended to exfoliate your skin at least twice a week. However, you can exfoliate up to three times a week if your skin can tolerate it well or once a week if you have sensitive skin. 

The optimum time to exfoliate your skin is in the morning because the skin repairs during the night by shedding the dead cells and regenerating the new cells.

Which Exfoliants are Best for Oily Skin?

Salicylic acid, a kind of beta hydroxy acid, is oil soluble that is considered exceptionally good for oily skin. The most important factors that make it exceptionally ideal for oily skin exfoliation are:

• Salicylic acid can prevent acne by penetrating deep inside the pores.
• It inhibits excess oil production, the main requirement for healthy skincare for oily skin.
• Salicylic acid boosts collagen production and contains amazing antibacterial properties, reducing the risk of acne development on oily skin.
• It contains anti-inflammatory properties which inhibit skin sensitivity and acne breakouts.

Be gentle to your skin and choose the skincare products that can efficiently control excess sebum while retaining the natural skin’s moisture.