Without the right information, toners and moisturizers are actually two of the most difficult skin care products to choose. There are millions of them, and much conflicting and misleading information about them abounds in advertisements and at cosmetic counters. For oily skin types, the issue is especially problematic; since toners and moisturizers marketed for them often contain ingredients that end up worsening the problem.
Suggested Toners for Oily Skin
There is a great deal of argument about whether or not the skin really needs a toner. The consensus seems to be that skipping the toner step of a skin care regimen will not harm the skin, but that there are nonetheless a few good reasons to use one regularly. If heavy makeup is worn, a toner can help remove the last traces of foundation, powder, and color cosmetics.
If the skin feels slightly tacky to the touch even after cleansing, or if cleansing is accomplished with soap and hard water, a toner is very beneficial. Finally, if buildup of oil or dirt is apparent during the day, a toner can make an excellent “between washings” cleansing agent.
Toners that come highly recommended by various skin care experts include:
- Topix Glycolix Elite (with glycolic acid)
- Prescriptives Immediate Matte and Immediate Smooth
- Pom Mist by Jane Iredale (antioxidant-rich)
- Eucerin Clear Skin Formula Deep Action Toner
Avoid toners containing acetone, high levels of alcohol, camphor, boric acid, alum, eucalyptus, and menthol. They are supposed to close pores (which isn’t possible) or cool and tighten the skin, but are all so irritating that any slight beneficial effects are negated.
Facial Water Sprays for Oily Skin May Be a Waste
Hydrating water sprays from Evian, Vichy, or La Roche-Posay may prep oily skin with dry patches for moisturizing or provide enough moisture to be used alone, according to some sources. Other experts call such products overpriced and unnecessary, so it’s up to the consumer to decide whether purchasing one is worth the expense. Vichy and La Roche-Posay waters contain anti-inflammatory substances (sulfur and selenium, respectively), so they might aid in combating redness in acne-prone skin.
Moisturizing Oily Skin Types
Obviously, skin that is excessively oily all over the face need not be moisturized at all. Many oily complexions have a few occasional dry patches, though; without necessarily being considered strict combination skin. This is especially true during the winter or if drying acne medications are being frequently used.
The trick to moisturizing oily skin is to add enough oil and water to its surface to keep it looking fresh without lubricating it into an overly greasy state. The products used should be light and easily absorbed; unfortunately, terrific moisturizers for oily skin can be difficult to locate. Three of the best on the market are probably Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel, Lorac Oil-Free Moisturizer, and Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Moisture Gel.
A light serum or face primer containing antioxidants, niacinamide, or mattifying ingredients may also work well. Try Olay Regenerist Daily Regenerating Serum, Revlon Age Defying Instant Firming Face Primer All Skin Types, or Clinique Pore Minimizer for shine-free, silky skin.
Natural Products for Oily Skin
Sometimes health food stores can provide interesting alternatives to the standard cosmetic line offerings. Twin Labs makes a good mildly moisturizing liquid that consists of only aloe vera and sodium PCA, both of which are completely non-oily. Sodium PCA (NaPCA) is one of the best humectants around, and will keep moisture nicely locked into oily skin. Plus it is virtually impossible for this product to clog pores.
Surprisingly, pure jojoba oil does an amazing job of moisturizing dry patches without leaving any sticky residue behind. It is absorbed quickly into the skin, does not usually cause breakouts, and resists rancidity longer than other oils.
Neglecting to care for oily skin will usually result in acne breakouts or a greasy-looking complexion. A little time, care, and the correct product choices will help gently balance and minimize the surplus oil; and replace it with the healthy sheen of clean, glowing skin.
Readers of this article may also enjoy “Facial Cleansers for Oily Skin” and "Inexpensive Face Primers and Makeup Bases" in Suite 101’s Home & Style section.
Sources
- Baumann, Dr. Leslie, The Skin Type Solution, New York: Bantam Dell, 2006.
- Berg, Rona, Beauty: The New Basics, New York: Workman Publishing, 2001.
- Conway, Paula and Regan, Maureen, The Beauty Buyble, New York: HarperCollins, 2006.
- Yarosh, Dr. Daniel, The New Science of Perfect Skin, New York: Broadway Books, 2008.
Amy Sillup - I have a B.S. in Chemistry from Delaware Valley College and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania. I have worked as a ...
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