Get the most out of your new buys with our
experts’ six steps for a more matte complexion.
1. Diagnose your skin
‘There are three skin types: dry, oily and
combination,’ explains Dr Murad. ‘But each skin type can experience varying
levels of oiliness, from all-over oily, combination (a greasy T-zone) or
blemished (caused by sebum build-up in pores).’ He recommends using a cleanser,
toner and moisturizer suited to your skin type, followed by a treatment product
(such as a T-zone gel, a mask or mattifying product) specific to your oil
level.
Unnecessarily opting for an entire skincare
range for oily skin will only create problems. ‘The number of oil glands varies
in different areas of the face,’ says Fiona. ‘On the T-zone, there are 900 oil
glands per square centimeter, whereas there are just 300 on the rest of the
face.’
2. Cleanse, cleanse, cleanse!
Forget a quick rub with a face wipe, when
it comes to oily skin, our experts emphasise the importance of a thorough
cleansing regime. ‘Without proper cleansing, bacteria can survive – and thrive
– on your skin, leading to breakouts,’ says Dr Murad. Choose a cleanser suited
to your skin type, that also contains calming ingredients like rose or chamomile.
We like This Works Clean Skin Gentle Cleanser, $28.5, which contains rosehip
oil and eucalyptus to decongest, plus frankincense oil to balance. Massage your
cleanser in before removing with warm water – if it’s too hot, it can increase
sebum production. Do it first thing and before bed. ‘Skin repairs during the
sleep cycle, so you want to ensure it has a clean, balanced environment to do
so,’ says Dr Murad. Once a week, use a mask like REN Invisible Pores Detox
Mask, $27, while washing your pillow cases, make-up brushes and face cloth
weekly is a good idea, too.
This
Works Clean Skin Gentle Cleanser
REN
Invisible Pores Detox Mask
3. Scrub smart
‘The greasier your skin, the greater the
need for an exfoliating agent,’ says Dr Tympanidis. ‘Exfoliating keeps the
epidermis [the top layer of your skin] free of oil and dead skin cells.’ That
said, you need to ensure you choose the right kind; harsh textures (think
grains, scrubs and granules) can irritate your skin, causing it to produce more
oil. Instead, opt for peels or exfoliating agents such as mild glycolic or
salicylic acid to exfoliate without the abrasiveness, and use up to three times
a week. Our favourite? Vichy Normaderm Exfoliating Gel Scrub, $15.9, which uses
salicylic acid to slough away dead cells, boost radiance and leave skin fresh.
Vichy
Normaderm Exfoliating Gel Scrub
4. Moisturize wisely
It’s a myth that oily skin types don’t need
a moisturizer. ‘Moisturisers add water to the skin, not oil, and even oily
skins need hydration,’ says Dr Murad.look for lighter, oil-free formulas if you
have all-over oily skin and an SPF of at least 15 to protect from sun
sensitivity and humidity. If you like to start with a serum, BalanceMe
Congested Skin Serum, $24, works on all skin types to calm stressed skin. Then,
try Decléor Aroma Pureté Shine Control Oxygenating Fluid, $36, which uses zinc
to regulate sebum and an oxygen complex to boost circulation. Ingredients-wise,
look for tea tree, lavender, benzoin or camomile for their antiseptic and
skin-calming qualities. Botanics Shine Away Mattifying Day Cream SPF15, $7.5,
contains willow bark to enhance skin renewal and prevent blemishes, or try
Clarins HydraQuench Lotion SPF15, $50.5, which hydrates and refreshes, while
shielding skin from heat and humidity.
BalanceMe
Congested Skin Serum
Decléor
Aroma Pureté Shine Control Oxygenating Fluid
Botanics
Shine Away Mattifying Day Cream SPF15
Clarins
HydraQuench Lotion SPF15
5. Tailor your make-up
An oil-free base is essential. We rate
Clinique Stay-Matte Oil-Free Makeup, $32.5, a light, liquid foundation that
contains willow bark extract to absorb excess oil, or Garnier BB Cream Miracle
Skin Perfector Combination to Oily Skin, $14.99, with oil-absorbing
ingredients.
Clinique
Stay-Matte Oil-Free Makeup
Garnier
BB Cream Miracle Skin Perfector Combination to Oily Skin
Apply your moisturizer first, then blot
with a tissue to pick up excess moisture before you put on your make-up. It’s
also worth investing in an oil-free primer to stop your make-up sliding off
before lunch. Murad Hybrids Skin Perfecting Primer Blemish and Shine Control,
$43.5, uses probiotics to control bacteria and gives a smooth, matt finish,
while Benefit The Pore Fessional, $32.5, is lightweight and packed with
skin-protecting vitamins. Finally, blot when necessary with Shiseido Oil
Control Blotting Papers, $26.5, which are brilliant for soaking up shine when
you’re on the go. Happy, healthy, gorgeous skin? Voilà!
Murad
Hybrids Skin Perfecting Primer Blemish and Shine Control
Benefit
The Pore Fessional
Shiseido
Oil Control Blotting Papers
