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How Do I Choose the Best Oily Skin Serum?

Kristeen Moore
Kristeen Moore

An oily skin serum is preferable over traditional moisturizers if your pores produce excess sebaceous material because it usually decreases the risk of breakouts. Both department stores and beauty supply centers sell these types of products at varying prices, but the most important step is to look for a serum that is specifically designed for your skin. A true oily skin serum is one that is non-comedogenic, meaning that it is guaranteed not to clog your pores. Serums that are free of alcohol and chemicals generally work best if you have oily as well as sensitive skin.

There is a misconception that oily skin types should avoid moisturizing their faces. Ironically, to prevent oily skin requires the proper type of hydrating solution. Whenever you cleanse your face, the washing process removes excess oils as well as natural ones from your sebaceous glands. Over-stripping your pores from oil can cause your face to become dry, and may even lead to more breakouts. An oily skin serum helps to add just the right amount of moisture back into the skin without increasing oil production in the pores.

Cleansing the face helps remove excess oil, but overdoing it can cause skin to produce even more oil.
Cleansing the face helps remove excess oil, but overdoing it can cause skin to produce even more oil.

Shopping for a hydrating product for oily skin can be confusing, especially if certain types are not labeled for specific moisture needs. A true oily skin serum is labeled as such, and it should also state that the product is non-comedogenic so that it will not cause more breakouts. The primary ingredients should be water-based, and a particular label might state that it does not contain any oil whatsoever. Normal to combination moisturizers usually do not come in the form of serums, but there are a few on the market. These are not the most suitable for oily skin, because they tend to contain emollients that add extra oils.

Choosing a cleanser formulated for oily skin can help to improve tone.
Choosing a cleanser formulated for oily skin can help to improve tone.

Another type of oily skin serum is one that is specifically designed for people who are sensitive to chemicals as well as synthetic materials contained in traditional products. Organic or all-natural products might work better if your skin is sensitive, because these do not usually contain as many chemicals. At the same time, plant extracts and herbs can still have the propensity to cause rashes and other adverse effects, so it is important to use any new product with caution. Consider testing the serum on a small area of the face before use if you have sensitive and oily skin in order to see how your body reacts to it.

Discussion Comments

serenesurface

@ddljohn-- I'm sure it will be fine, as long as it doesn't have any other ingredients that might aggravate oily skin. I've heard that vitamin C helps fade blemishes and many of us with oily skin have old acne marks, so that's a great idea.

I would also recommend serum with ylang ylang. I've been using it for the past two weeks and like it very much. It's a very soothing serum.

You might also want to read some product reviews before you invest in a serum because it can be kind of expensive.

ddljohn

Is vitamin C serum suitable for oily skin?

discographer

I like skin serums a lot. I think skin serum is very good for oily skin because it's lighter and more fluid than moisturizer. My skin absorbs it more easily so it's much more hydrating than face lotions.

However, some skin serums have silicone which is a terrible ingredient for oily skin. I've used two skin serums with it so far and both of them made my skin very greasy and shiny. My skin didn't absorb the silicone, it just sat on my skin and made it more oily.

So if anyone is looking for a skin serum, I would highly recommend staying away from ones with silicone in them.

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    • Cleansing the face helps remove excess oil, but overdoing it can cause skin to produce even more oil.
      By: naka
      Cleansing the face helps remove excess oil, but overdoing it can cause skin to produce even more oil.
    • Choosing a cleanser formulated for oily skin can help to improve tone.
      By: ipag
      Choosing a cleanser formulated for oily skin can help to improve tone.
    • Teenagers are more likely than adults to have oily skin.
      By: Skazka Grez
      Teenagers are more likely than adults to have oily skin.
    • Skin care products should be selected based on the person's skin type—whether oily, normal, or dry.
      By: gosphotodesign
      Skin care products should be selected based on the person's skin type—whether oily, normal, or dry.