These are common places for excess oil, acne and blackheads for people who fall in the oily or combination skin type.
Here’s what you need to know to help take care of your oily T-zone the right way.
Use the right cleanser. If you’re dealing with excess oil, you’ll need to use a cleanser meant specifically for oily skin in that area. A gel-based cleanser works best to eliminate oil and clean out your pores. Cleanse with a salicylic acid or PHA based cleanser such as SkinMedica’s Acne Treatment Foaming Wash, Lamelle Clarity Active Cleanse or Neostrata Clarifying Cleanser.
Use a targeted facial mask. Use a facial mask once a week that is formulated for acne or oily skin. Finding one with tea tree or clay is a good start. If your cheeks tend to be dry, only apply on your T-zone to ensure you don’t dry out your cheeks.
Use a toner. Facial toners, known also as tonics are solutions that remove surface skin cells, soap residue and oil from the skin. They are often heavy on water and alcohol and sometimes contain other ingredients like salicylic acid, witch hazel, or benzoyl peroxide. A good toner will remove surface oils and debris which may be helpful for oily or acne-prone skin. A big misconception is that a toner will close enlarged pores, but actually it gives the appearance of minimizing pores as the toner irritates the skin and makes it swell slightly. The toner removes excess oil from the skin. You can try SkinMedica’s Purifying Toner or Acne Treatment Toner for oily to acne prone skin or Nimue’s Conditioner for Normal to Oily skin.
There are various chemical peels on offer that can be done in order to assist in reducing the oily appearance of your skin. It’s advised that you discuss the options available with a dermatologist or skin care expert.
