Hello blog readers,

As the summer months are upon us, I would like to address a common skincare mistake that many people make as they attempt to combat oily skin- especially when it’s hot and humid outside and the skin is naturally producing more oil.

It’s easy to think that when your skin feels oily you should use more products with astringent ingredients, but that is actually counterproductive to your skin health for a few reasons.

Healthy skin requires oil. The outer layer of our skin, the stratum corneum, houses a layer of lipids, or fats, that help make the skin soft, supple and acts as a proactive layer. Using harsh, alkaline products can strip the skin and throw off your natural pH balance. This then triggers oil glands to produce more oil in order to compensate for the loss of water and depleted oil in the skin.

We recommend using a cleanser that is oil-based to remove excess oil in your skin without creating an imbalance. Oils in a cleanser are able to comfortably wash away dirt, makeup and other impurities without clogging pores. You will also find that your skin feels more hydrated with an oil-based cleanser and you will forgo that dry, stripped feeling that leaves you reaching for additional moisturizer.

Be kind to your skin and it will be kind back.

In beauty and health,

Victoria

VP of Professional Services and Education