<\/p>\n
The short answer: Because pure H2O isn\u2019t enough to take the day off. \u201cOil and water don\u2019t mix, so rinsing with water won\u2019t effectively remove sebum, sunscreen, or makeup,\u201d says Dr. McDonald. She also notes that face washes are made with surfactants that attach to oil and debris, gently removing them without upsetting your skin barrier in a way that plain water can\u2019t.<\/p>\n
If you have oily skin, our experts recommend using a gel or foam cleanser. Look for a clear formula, says Los Angeles-based cosmetic chemist Laura Lam-Phaure\u2014this is an easy way to tell whether a face wash has enough surfactants to properly clean oily skin, she says. \u201cI\u2019d steer away from cream cleansers or anything with noticeable opacity,\u201d she explains, \u201csince that usually signals the presence of emollients or oils in the system intended to be left behind on the skin to keep it moisturized. If you are oily, this can make your skin feel more oily,\u201d she adds.<\/p>\n
As you shop, here\u2019s what to look out for on the label:<\/p>\n
Avoid occlusive ingredients\u2014these can trap oil, Dr. Vergara adds.<\/p>\n
The experts we spoke with agreed that twice a day\u2014morning and evening\u2014is ideal. \u201cSebum production is continuous, and excess oil can trap debris, bacteria, and dead skin cells, contributing to breakouts,\u201d Dr. McDonald says. \u201cCleansing in the morning removes overnight oil buildup, while nighttime cleansing clears sunscreen, makeup, and environmental pollutants.\u201d Dr. Shokeen notes that if you\u2019re starting a retinoid that\u2019s causing side effects like peeling, then it\u2019s okay to skip your morning cleanse and just use water instead.<\/p>\n
Dr. Mian adds that people with acne-prone skin may want to cleanse again after a sweaty workout. Just be sure to watch how your skin responds\u2014over-cleansing can damage your skin barrier and actually make oiliness worse, Dr. Shokeen says.<\/p>\n
Before reviewing any makeup, we ask questions about a number of factors: What ingredients are in it? Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones? Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses? Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge? Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?<\/p>\n
For our review of the best face washes for oily skin, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and professional makeup artists to review the products. This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions. We considered each product\u2019s performance across four primary categories: wear, longevity, color variety, and ease of use. For more on what’s involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.<\/p>\n
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure<\/em> wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors\u2014in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon\u2014is essential to reaching that goal.<\/p>\n After all, can we really<\/em> say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we\u2019ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it\u2019s never been tested on curls? We\u2019re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n