First, Let's Start With...What Causes Oily Skin? As a dermatologist, some of the most common concerns my patients bring to me is oily skin and pore visibility. Being as the specifics in treating them is different, I will first begin with oily skin, and later discuss how best to reduce the appearance of large pores. I often hear frustration about breakouts, a perpetually shiny face, and makeup that won’t stay put. If you’re struggling with oily skin, I want you to know you’re not alone—and more importantly, there are effective ways to manage it. Let me break this down for you: what causes oily skin, what you should and shouldn’t do, and when it’s time to seek professional help. Oily skin occurs when your sebaceous glands produce more sebum than your skin needs. Sebum is the natural oil that hydrates and protects your skin, but when overproduced, it can lead to clogged pores, blackheads, acne, and an unwanted shine. Some common triggers include: Genetics: If your parents had oily skin, you’re more likely to have it too. Hormonal changes: Puberty, pregnancy, and even stress can spike hormone levels, increasing sebum production. Climate: Hot and humid conditions often exacerbate oiliness. Skincare habits: Using harsh cleansers, skipping moisturizer, or over-washing can strip your skin and trigger an overproduction of oil. Understanding these causes can help you make smarter choices for your skin. Effective Routines and Treatments Managing oily skin requires a balance between controlling shine and maintaining hydration. Here’s what I recommend: Daily Routine: Gentle Cleansing: Use a sulfate-free gel or foam cleanser twice daily—morning and night. Avoid over-cleansing as it can strip your skin, prompting it to produce even more oil. Toning: Incorporate a toner with salicylic acid or witch hazel to tighten pores and control excess oil. Lightweight Moisturizer: Yes, even oily skin needs hydration. Opt for an oil-free or gel-based moisturizer. Sunscreen: Use a non-comedogenic, matte-finish sunscreen every morning to protect against UV damage without clogging pores. Weekly Routine: Exfoliation: Gently exfoliate 1–2 times a week with a chemical exfoliant like glycolic or salicylic acid. This will help unclog pores and reduce buildup. Avoid harsh scrubs—they can irritate your skin and worsen oiliness. Masking: Use a clay or charcoal mask once a week to absorb excess oil and detoxify your skin. Monthly Routine: Professional Treatments: Consider a Hydrafacial to deeply cleanse and rejuvenate your skin. These treatments can also reduce the appearance of pores and improve texture. What You Should Never Do: When it comes to managing oily skin, certain habits can do more harm than good: Avoid Over-washing: Washing your face more than twice a day can dry out your skin, causing it to compensate by producing even more oil. Skip Heavy Creams and Oils: These can clog your pores and exacerbate shine. Don’t Forget Moisturizer: Skipping this step can leave your skin dehydrated, leading to overproduction of sebum. Steer Clear of Alcohol-Based Products: While these may temporarily reduce oil, they can strip your skin barrier and trigger irritation. When to See a Dermatologist? If your oily skin is causing persistent acne, blackheads, or enlarged pores that don’t improve with over-the-counter products, it’s time to seek professional advice. A dermatologist can recommend: Prescription Treatments: These include retinoids, which regulate oil production and unclog pores. Procedures: Laser therapy or microdermabrasion to target stubborn issues. Customized Skincare Plans: Tailored to your specific needs and goals. Quick Tips for Managing Oily Skin To wrap things up, here are my go-to tips for keeping your skin balanced: Daily: Use blotting papers to manage midday shine without disrupting your makeup. Weekly: Rotate between a purifying mask and a hydrating mask for balance. Monthly: Treat yourself to a professional-grade facial for deep cleansing. Remember, oily skin isn’t something to be “fixed.” It’s a skin type that can be managed with the right care. With consistent effort, you can reduce shine, prevent breakouts, and enjoy a healthier complexion. While it can be frustrating to manage, there are some surprising facts about oily skin that you might not know. 1. Oily Skin Ages More Slowly: One of the lesser-known perks of oily skin is that it tends to age more slowly than dry skin. The natural oils act as a barrier, keeping the skin hydrated and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 2. Overwashing Can Make It Worse: It’s a common misconception that oily skin needs to be washed more often. In fact, overwashing can strip your skin of its natural oils, causing it to overcompensate by producing even more oil. 3. Diet Plays a Role: Your diet can influence the amount of oil your skin produces. Foods high in refined sugars and dairy products have been linked to increased sebum production. 4. Oily Skin Still Needs Moisturizer: Many people with oily skin think they should avoid moisturizers, but that’s a myth. Using the right type of moisturizer can actually help regulate oil production. TOP 10 Tips On Reducing The Appearance of Pores: Here are my top secrets to reducing the appearance of large pores and achieving that coveted glass skin. 1. Cleanse Gently but Thoroughly. Why It Works: Proper cleansing is the foundation of any skincare routine. It removes dirt, oil, and makeup that can clog pores and make them appear larger. However, harsh cleansers can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to irritation and overproduction of sebum, which can further enlarge pores.Habit to Adopt: Use a gentle, sulfate-free cleanser twice a day. Look for cleansers with salicylic acid, which helps to exfoliate and clear out pores without being overly drying. 2. Incorporate Regular Exfoliation: Why It Works: Exfoliation removes dead skin cells that can accumulate on the skin’s surface, clogging pores and making them appear larger. It also smooths the skin, contributing to the glass skin effect. Habit to Adopt: Use a chemical exfoliant like an AHA (glycolic or lactic acid) or BHA (salicylic acid) 2-3 times a week. These acids gently dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells, promoting cell turnover and revealing fresher, smoother skin beneath. 3. Use a Pore-Minimizing Toner: Why It Works: Toners help to balance the skin’s pH after cleansing and can tighten pores temporarily, giving the skin a smoother appearance. They can also remove any residual impurities. Habit to Adopt: After cleansing, apply a toner containing witch hazel or niacinamide. Witch hazel is a natural astringent that helps tighten pores, while niacinamide is known for its pore-minimizing and skin-brightening properties. 4. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate: Why It Works: Dehydrated skin can cause pores to appear larger as the skin becomes less elastic. Hydration plumps the skin, making pores less noticeable and contributing to that glass-like finish. Habit to Adopt: Use a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer that suits your skin type. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which draws moisture into the skin, and glycerin, which helps to lock it in. 5. Incorporate Vitamin A into Your Routine: Why It Works: Vitamin A, is powerful in promoting skin cell turnover, which helps to unclog pores and reduce their appearance over time. It also improve skin texture and reduce fine lines. 6. Protect Your Skin from the Sun: Why It Works: Sun damage breaks down collagen and elastin in the skin, leading to sagging and enlarged pores. UV exposure also worsens skin texture, making the glass skin look harder to achieve. Habit to Adopt: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every morning, even on cloudy days. Physical sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide provide effective protection without clogging pores. 7. Try Pore-Refining Masks: Why It Works: Clay masks draw out impurities and excess oil from deep within the pores, reducing their appearance and leaving the skin looking smoother and clearer. Habit to Adopt: Use a clay or detoxifying mask once or twice a week as part of your skincare routine. Focus on areas where pores are more prominent, like the T-zone. Look for masks with kaolin or bentonite clay, which are gentle yet effective. 8. Stay Hydrated and Maintain a Balanced Diet: Why It Works: What you put into your body reflects on your skin. A diet high in refined sugars and unhealthy fats can lead to increased oil production and larger pores. Staying hydrated supports overall skin health and helps maintain elasticity. Habit to Adopt: Drink plenty of water throughout the day and incorporate skin-friendly foods like leafy greens, fruits, and omega-3-rich fish into your diet. Reducing sugar and processed foods can also improve your skin's appearance over time. 9. Use a Primer Before Makeup: Why It Works: A good primer fills in pores and fine lines, creating a smooth canvas for makeup application. This helps achieve the flawless, glass-like finish that’s synonymous with glass skin.Habit to Adopt: Apply a pore-filling primer after your skincare routine and before foundation. Look for primers with silicone-based ingredients like dimethicone, which create a smooth, blurred effect on the skin. 10. Consistency is Key: Why It Works: Achieving and maintaining a glass skin complexion requires consistency in your skincare routine. Regular use of the right products will yield the best results over time.Habit to Adopt: Stick to your skincare regimen, and be patient. Pore size and skin texture won’t improve overnight, but with dedication and the right habits, you’ll start seeing noticeable changes. Achieving a glass skin complexion is not an unattainable dream. By adopting these habits and maintaining a consistent skincare routine, you can minimize the appearance of large pores and enhance your skin's natural radiance.