using oils with oily skin at night

[PatriciaAneb]

I have extremely oily skin and during the day I avoid all products that contain oil however at night I use the tatcha beauty oil and I'm just wondering if that's not helping me at all and if I should also be using an oil free product that night. I thought that since I have oily skin if I put oil in my skin it would reduce the amount of oil it's producing but I was just wondering what other people's experience with this issue is.

[greeneyedgirl107]

I've been debating using oils for my oily skin because I'm afraid I will get too oily or breakout in blemishes or just bumps.  I have a deluxe sample of  tarte Maracuja Oil 1.7 oz/ 50 mL  which I've read is a good one (?).  Should I start in the morning or in the evening?  And how much should I use?  (Dabbing it on lightly or what?)  For some reason I've just been really scared to try, and so I'm making it more difficult.

Here's my routine (with oil blotting sheets throughout the day):

morning: cleanser, BHA, moisturizer only where needed

afternoon (after I get home from work): cleanser, BHA/moisturizer only where needed

evening: cleanser, Retin-A. moisturizer only where needed.

(I mix in a physical exfoliant, charcoal mask when needed; I'm hoping to decrease it all once it gets cooler.)

@darlyndar @PinkEvergreen @RGbrown I respect your opinions and expertise!  🙂

[RNGesusPls]

Yes, maracuja oil is good and high in linoleic acid, which oily skin lacks. You can use it AM and PM and can apply it separately or mix with moisturizer, as others have said, and then apply. Usually 2 or 3 drops is a good amount, but it depends on your skin. I usually gently pat the oil on my face because my face is sensitive and to also not disturb the previous steps of my routine.  

Your mileage may vary since everyone has different skin. If it doesn't work out for you, other options include squalane oil, rosehip seed oil, or argan oil (you can find these from The Ordinary).

[greeneyedgirl107]

Thanks for the input @RNGesusPls1  🙂

[darlyndar]

@greeneyedgirl107 You’re going to love Knockout! I suggest starting off every 3rd night after cleansing. This way, if you do get redness, you will be going to sleep anyway. Since you are using Retin A, alternate nights. Applying the Maracuja oil afterwards would be great. It will give you a deep hydration and help decrease your sebum production. 

For daytime, I highly, highly suggest the 7 skin method as well. As I said before, Pyungkang Yul Essence Toner Mist is my Holy Grail. It will immediately plump your skin and give you this amazing glow. In time, your skin will become properly hydrated and the oil will be completely controlled. This method has changed my skin in the best way possible. 

[greeneyedgirl107]

@darlyndar Thank you so much for your detailed answer.  I really appreciate it.  I feel more confident so, I think I can take the plunge with the oil.  After I try that for a while, I can then move onto your other product suggestions.  (I find introducing one thing at a time is best for me.)  🙂

[RGbrown]

@greeneyedgirl107Unidentified

Tarte Maracuja is a good one; I have a bottle of it in my rotation!

I mix my oil with my moisturizer...I have something like ten thousand steps in my routine and this helps me shorten it just a smidge lol. In the summer, 2 drops is plenty...in the winter, I'll increase that to 3-4 if needed. You can also put a couple/few drops in your palms, rub them together, and pat it on your face after your moisturizer.

I also use 

SW Basics Oil

Clarins Lotus Oil

Julep Boost Your Radiance Oil

Derma E Sun Kiss Alba Oil

I don't have a whole lot of rhyme or reason as to which I use when; Tarte/SW Basics/Clarins I typically pick up at night on random rotation, and the other two are sample bottles I'm using up during the day. I like all of them.

As for when to use it, that's really a personal preference. I use oil every night. I work from home and flat out forget about my morning routine many days, but if I do my morning skincare, there's oil in it too. I can't say my skin type has changed to "normal"...but using oil has helped me give off the appearance that it is, if that makes sense. It controls my oil production so that I'm not an oil slick within a couple of hours anymore, just dying to wipe my face down with a rag (or my shirt lol).

I was deathly afraid of oil in the beginning too, but once I finally decided to give it a try, I haven't looked back. Oil will be a permanent staple in my routine!

[greeneyedgirl107]

@RGbrown Thank you so much for the in-depth answer.  I truly appreciate it!  I feel much more confident now, so I think I will finally take the plunge!  🙂

[darlyndar]

@PatriciaAneb I used to have EXTREMELY oily skin. I was oily/dehydrated with no acne and am now completely normal. The ladies below have said it perfectly. I’ve gone through and tried sooooo many products and this is what truly worked for me. 

I first followed the “7 skin method”. It’s a K beauty practice that basically means layering a hydrating essence 7 times in a row right after cleansing and toning. I use Pyunkang Yul Essence Mist Toner. It’s $16 a bottle. It’s meant for oily skin. I first did this everyday. After about a month, I started to do it every other and now I do it about once a week. 

As as far as toning after cleansing, I use either the tarte Knockout Tingle Treatment Toner 5 oz/ 150 mL  or Lotion p50. This is my preferred way of exfoliating opposed to a physical. If you have never used acids before, start slow, about 2/3 times a week. Once your skin grows accustomed, you can do it nightly. I have zero sensitivity so I actually tone morning and night. 

As as far as actual oils, Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Retinoid Night Oil 1.18 oz/ 35 mL  has been my saving grace. I use it in conjunction with Sunday Riley Good Genes All-In-One AHA Lactic Acid Treatment 1.7 oz / 50 ml . This has been in my routine since day one and I will never stop using it. It keeps my face plump and the oils at bay. 

During the day, it’s cleanse with my Clarisonic, acid  toner, Essence Mist, Serum, Vitamin c and most importantly, an spf. Like I mentioned before, I’ve used everything. I used to have 10 steps and now keep it to a minimum. These products are what have given me real results. I know I don’t speak in scientific and literal terms, lol. All that can get confusing. I hope this helps! In the end, the right kind of hydration will help whether it be oil or Essence. My results have changed my skincare and makeup game forever. I can even wear a luminous foundation with no issues. That’s something I NEVER thought I could do. 

[PinkEvergreen]

@PatriciaAneb I don’t think it’s a “one solution fits all” type of situation when it comes to facial oil. I think you do need to observe how your skin reacts and make adjustments that support its unique needs. 

I have combination oily/dry skin that is very sensitive. What I’ve learned with my skin is that I can prevent excessive oil production by not stripping it completely in the first place.

For instance, exfoliating products are largely a no-no for me. My skin burns and hurts afterward, no matter how gentle they are, and my skin produces a ton of oil in response. I will then also usually get pimples on top of that, to add insult to injury 😐

Instead of using exfoliating creams or masks, I now gently exfoliate my skin physically, with either my trusty, cheap SEPHORA COLLECTION Precision Pore Cleansing Pad or my FOREO - LUNA™ mini 2 with a tiny bit of gentle cleanser. 

I’ve tried several highly-rated facial oils and they didn’t improve my skin’s quality. None of them felt like the right fit for me. What I’ve discovered is that water gels (such as URBAN DECAY - Rehab Makeup Prep Hot Springs Hydrating Gel) tend to work better for me. I use them morning and night. I also like gentle masks that are very hydrating and can be used multiple times per week (such as FIRST AID BEAUTY - 5 in 1 Bouncy Mask). Recently, I’ve discovered that my skin loves MILK MAKEUP - Matcha Toner as well. I’ve noticed my skin is producing less oil if I apply it morning and night. 

You'll find that for every 10 fans of a popular product or skin routine, at least 2 people will have adverse results. Perfect example: BITE BEAUTY - Agave Lip Mask. Many of us swear by this product, but a number of people have discovered that they’re allergic to one or more ingredients in it. We each need to find what works for our skin 😊 

[RNGesusPls]

Using oils even on oily skin is perfectly fine! Oils higher in oleic acid are good for those with dry skin, and oils higher in linoleic acid are good for those with oily skin. 

Do you naturally have oily skin or is your skin oily due to dehydration (dehydrated skin will lead to increase oil production)? If dehydrated, you'd want to focus on a hydrating routine to repair your skin's moisture barrier so that it will produce less oil. 

Is your skin irritated in any way? And is it ok with using the Tatcha beauty oil (if yes, then you can continue using!)? If your skin is irritated...looking at the ingredient list:  

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Isostearyl Isostearate, Squalane (Olive Origin), Dicaprylyl Ether, Propanediol Dicaprylate/Caprate, Fragrance (Natural), Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate (Licorice Extract), Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Gold, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Germ Oil, Oryzanol (Rice Bran Oil Extract), Phytosteryl Macadamiate (Macadamia), Inositol (Rice Extract), Algae Extract, Water, Tocopherol, Glycerin, Polyglyceryl-10 Pentaisostearate, Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Alcohol  

Fragrance is a common irritant and alcohol is a stringent that can dry your skin, leading to increased oil production.  

Before getting into skincare, my face was very dehydrated, irritated, oily, and sensitive (still is oily and sensitive). After focusing on a gentle, hydrating routine, my skin greatly improved and isn't producing an obnoxious amount of oil.

So yes, keeping your skin moisturized can decrease oil production! 

[RGbrown]

@PatriciaAnebUnidentified

Oil has been a savior for my oily skin; you're on the right track 😀

I add a couple of drops of facial oil to my day time moisturizer as well. It helps keep my skin in check throughout the day.