Summer Skin Care Tips for Oily Skin - Say Goodbye to That Shiny T-Zone!

Summer is almost here! The sun’s rays grow stronger, the days become longer, and the heat intensifies. For those of us with oily skin, summer can be a particularly challenging time, as increased temperatures can lead to excess sebum (oil) production, clogged pores, and breakouts. Fear not, for there’s always a solution. With the right skin care routine and some essential tips, you can enjoy a radiant and healthy complexion all summer long. In this blog post, I’ve compiled a list of five top summer skin care tips specifically tailored for oily skin types.

Are you tired of feeling like an oil slick in the summer? Here are our recommendations for healthy, shine-free skin!

Step 1: Choose the Right Cleanser

The first step in any effective skin care routine is cleansing. This is especially important for those with oily skin, as removing excess oil, dirt, and impurities is essential for keeping your pores clear and reducing breakouts. Opt for a gentle, oil-free, and non-comedogenic cleanser. Some ingredients to look for in a cleanser include salicylic acid, which helps unclog pores and reduce oil production, and glycolic acid, which gently exfoliates the skin and removes dead skin cells.

During the summer, it’s a good idea to cleanse your face twice a day - a.m. and p.m. - to remove excess oil and sweat accumulated throughout the day. However, be cautious not to over-cleanse, as this can strip the skin of its natural oils and actually cause it to produce more sebum.

We recommend double-cleansing, especially in the evening. Start with an oil-based cleanser such as Clean B Cleansing Nectar to remove oil, sweat, sunscreen, etc.  - all the stuff that sits on the top of your skin. Then follow with Clean B Gentle Honey Cleanser to gently, but deeply, cleanse and exfoliate your actual skin.

Step 2: Incorporate a Toner

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, toners are the unsung heroes of daily skin care routines. Using a toner is a great way to balance the skin’s pH levels and reduce excess oil production. After cleansing your face, apply an alcohol-free toner with nourishing botanical ingredients such as aloe vera, tea tree oil, and various fruit extracts. We recommend Clean B Clarifying Toner with aloe vera, manuka honey extract, calendula extract and a host of other toning plant extracts.

For an extra refreshing effect, store your toner in the refrigerator during the summer months. The coolness will not only feel great on your skin, but it can also help reduce the appearance of pores.

Step 3: Moisturize Right. Who says oily skin doesn't need a moisturizer? Swap your heavy winter cream for a lightweight option like Clean B Hydrating Antioxidant Serum. It contains hyaluronic acid, botanical extracts, and panthenol to hydrate and plump your skin without feeling greasy.

Despite what you might think, oily skin needs moisturizer just as much as dry skin does. Skipping moisturizer can lead to dehydration, causing the skin to produce even more oil to compensate. Another effective option for oily skin throughout the summer is Clean B Clarifying Antioxidant Serum, which contains various tea extracts to tone and tightens and hyaluronic acid to effectively hydrate skin.

Step 4: Sunscreen Is a Must.

Don’t skip the SPF just because you have oily skin. Sun protection is crucial for all skin types, but it’s especially important for those with oily skin, as sun exposure can lead to an overproduction of oil. When choosing a sunscreen, look for oil-free or non-comedogenic options with broad-spectrum SPF of at least 30. These formulas will provide protection without clogging pores or contributing to excess oiliness. We recommend a zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide formula for a natural, physical sunscreen that is oily-skin-friendly.

Step 5: Weekly Mask Treatments. Give your skin an extra boost with a weekly mask like Mean Green Detoxifying Clay Mask. Formulated with French green and bentonite clays, it absorbs excess oil and impurities, leaving your skin refreshed and smooth. Incorporating a clay or charcoal mask into your summer skin care routine can work wonders for oily skin.

Clay and charcoal masks help to draw out impurities, absorb excess oil, and minimize the appearance of pores. Look for masks containing kaolin or bentonite clay, which are highly effective in absorbing oil and detoxifying the skin, or look for masks that include activated charcoal, which can help to unclog pores and remove impurities.

During the summer, use a mask once or twice a week to keep your skin fresh and clear. Apply the mask to clean skin and leave it on until it dries (approximately 15 - 20 minutes). Rinse off with warm water and follow with toner and moisturizer.

Bonus Tip: Smart Makeup Tricks. Mix your foundation or concealer with a lightweight serum or tinted moisturizer for a fresh, natural look that won't clog your pores.