Have you noticed a build-up of shine when you’re overheated or stressed out? You’re not alone! Shiny skin affects more than half of us. For a radiant, matte complexion this summer, we’ve asked experts to shed some light on how to help you beat oily shine.
This summer, say goodbye to shine
Excess sebum is one of the main causes of shiny skin. “As summer approaches, UV rays cause more sebum to be secreted and this is transported more easily through pores dilated by hotter temperatures,” explains Florence Benech. “Skin then starts to look shiny and feels slippery to the touch.”
But recent studies have revealed a second cause of shine: sweating. “Heat, stress or exercise can trigger sweating,” says Florence Benech. “Sweat, synthesized by sweat glands mixes with sebum and accentuates shininess.” The result? Skin is sticky and uncomfortable, and looks oilier than it is in reality.
Three easy summer skincare steps
Just because it’s summer, it doesn’t mean shiny skin is inevitable – even for oily complexions. Here are our tips:
1. Choose a gentle cleanser
The sebaceous glands are more active at night, meaning sebum production is at its highest point while you sleep. That’s why your skin tends to be the shiniest right when you wake up. To get rid of that unpleasant morning sheen, Florence Benech advises cleansing your skin at night to remove excess sebum, perspiration and impurities built up over the day. In addition, Florence Benech recommends using gentle or no-rinse products so as not to weaken the hydrolipidic film that protects the skin.
2. Make sure to hydrate
This is essential in the morning, no matter your skin type. Use light formulas that penetrate rapidly or choose a product with active ingredients like perlite and micro-powder, which absorb both sebum and sweat.
3. Protect skin from the sun
Wearing a good SPF face lotion is essential to combating the damaging effects of the sun. In fact, a study of shiny skin revealed a 26% increase in sebum due to daily exposure to UV rays. So what’s the solution? Try 2-in-1 sun care products that retain moisture to help keep skin soft and maintain a matte finish. Hold onto your spot treatments (anti-acne, anti-wrinkle, etc.) until nighttime.
Think these products are great for shiny skin? Think again.
No, no, those products are not your skin friends.
1. Clay mask
Masks are great for purifying skin and sopping up shine, but if used too often they can actually dry out your skin. When skin gets too dry, it goes into overdrive and actually produces more sebum. The best way to combat a mask’s drying effects? Use a good moisturizer immediately afterwards.
2. Skincare products containing alcohol
While alcohol indeed dries out blemishes, it also dehydrates your skin. Products containing alcohol can leave your skin feeling tight and uncomfortable, leading it to secrete even more sebum to defend itself.
3. Washing your face with soap
Maintaining your skin’s pH levels is key to combating shine. While your skin has a slightly acid pH, soap contains alkaline pH. The result? Soap can seriously dry out and irritate skin.
Eat your way to healthy, shine-free skin!
The best place to start any skincare regime is by looking at your diet. To get the good kind of glowing skin, limit your intake of dairy products, cakes and fatty foods. These products may encourage the synthesis of molecules (insulin, growth factors, etc), which could boosts sebum production.