Many of us strive for fresh-faced radiance and clear skin in the summer, but the reality might look a lot more like oily skin. Fortunately, there are ways to counteract excess oil and bring shine under control. Read on to find effective methods to prevent oily skin and maintain a radiant complexion.

What Causes Oily Skin?

Oily skin is a common complaint during the summer months. Rising temperatures, pollutants, and high humidity can lead to an overproduction of sebum from the sebaceous glands found in the skin. While sebum contains protective lipids and fats to prevent the skin from drying out, too much of it can lead to a greasy complexion.

How to Get Rid of Oily Skin

Maintain a balanced diet

What we consume is key to maintaining balanced skin. So stick to a healthy diet — drink plenty of water, load up on fruits and vegetables, and limit your alcohol intake.

Cleanse and exfoliate in moderation

If you’re suffering from oily skin, don’t give in to the urge to over-cleanse or over-exfoliate. Too much of either could trigger further oil production and even scar your skin. Cleansing twice a day and gentle exfoliation two or three times a week is sufficient. Try a cleanser formulated with salicylic acid or glycolic acid to sweep away oil from the pores. 

Switch to lightweight formulas

Conventional foundations can feel heavy on the skin, clogging up pores and causing them to produce even more oil. Consider switching to lighter formulas such as sheer coverage and tinted foundations or mineral powder ones that allow the skin to breathe.

Don’t scrimp on sunscreen

A healthy dose of sunscreen, surprisingly, helps control oil and shine. Slather on a mineral-based block with oil-absorbing micronized zinc or denatured alcohol, as both are ideal for keeping skin matte. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen for the best protection from UVA and UVB rays.

The Best Products for Oily Summer Skin

Below, check out a curated list of effective skincare products for oily skin.

Aurelia Miracle Cleanser (50ml), £22

Aurelia’s aromatic Miracle Cleanser glides onto the skin, lifting off all impurities and make-up, leaving skin bright, clean and glowing. Aurelia’s signature probiotic ingredients and nourishing botanicals protect, restore and balance the skin from within, helping to reduce the damage caused by pollution and stress. This cleanser comes with a soft bamboo muslin cloth for the ultimate purifying facial.

Some By Mi AHA, BHA, PHA 30 Days Miracle Serum (50ml), £19

Fight oiliness and acne with this gentle, non-drying, soothing exfoliating serum. It contains three different types of exfoliating acids – AHA, BHA and PHA – for unclogging pores and reducing the chance of breakouts developing.

Eucerin Sun Protection Oil Control Gel-Cream (50ml), £16

When it comes to managing oily summer skin, Eucerin’s Oil Control Gel-Cream ticks all the right boxes. The formula doesn’t look, smell or feel like your average sun cream. Instead, the thin lotion feels like a regular oil-free moisturiser and absorbs immediately into the skin, leaving no shine or white cast. Best of all, you can apply it before make-up without causing caking or unwanted shine.

The Body Shop Seaweed Oil-Control Gel Cream (50ml), £14

Instantly refresh skin with this soothing gel-like cream infused with Irish seaweed. The ultra-lightweight formula helps to balance excess oil and mattify your skin. Use it as the perfect base for foundation. Suitable for combination and oily skin types.