How do I take the shine off my skin?

June 11, 2021 3:26 PM

My skin is naturally oily. I alternately use simple Cetaphil cleanser and/or Retina-A and my acne is gone, but the shininess remains. Ugh. Is there some other product I can add to get rid of the shine?
posted by critzer to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (12 answers total)

I, too, have naturally very oily, and thus shiny skin.

Shine Stopper from Paula's Choice works pretty well for me. I do find I still need to blot a few times a day with it, but at least I'm not glistening within two hours of washing my face when I use it.
posted by burntflowers at 3:33 PM on June 11, 2021

Are you using a moisturizer? I also have naturally very oily skin and if I keep it hydrated through good moisturizing, it helps keep oil production and shininess down. It feels counterintuitive, but you can strip out moisture/impact your moisture barrier with retinoids, which can kick oil production into overdrive.
posted by HonoriaGlossop at 3:37 PM on June 11, 2021

You could try a powder foundation. It doesn't have to look like you're wearing makeup, if that's not something you would desire. You'd want to find a good color match and read reviews to find one that's "light" and not "cake-y." A loose powder would most likely work.
posted by Comet Bug at 4:00 PM on June 11, 2021

Blotting papers. Generally, oil in your skin is a good thing, as long as it's not a response to inflammation. A blotting paper used before a Zoom call or meeting is a way to appear unnaturally good [not a dig] when that's called for.
posted by amtho at 4:15 PM on June 11, 2021

If you want an oil control product to use under makeup, an oil-control makeup primer with dimethicone is an easy way to control oil. Gives a matte finish to makeup for the whole work day for me. No oil slicks. They come in a large range of prices, but I find that Monistat Care Chafing relief powder gel is great. Clear and $7. I don’t wear makeup everyday, so the little tube has lasted around a year for me. Plus also good for it’s intended use!
posted by cybrbananapeel at 4:38 PM on June 11, 2021

NYX Shine Control primer and matte finish setting spray last about 10 hours on my skin, which will get slick with oil after 2 hours without it. It works great with or without makeup.
posted by ananci at 5:30 PM on June 11, 2021

I have long, long experience with this, and I agree with HonoriaGlossop. Use a light moisturizer to avoid stripping your skin too much. Blotting papers are a big help, as is primer, and powder foundation. I was amazed at how well oil-control primers work.
posted by jgirl at 5:33 PM on June 11, 2021

I have combination skin -- a fun one, oil slick in most areas and biscuit flaky on the cheeks/jawline -- so maybe this won't work for you but:

I use gel moisturizers -- I like Clinique Dramatically Different Hydrating Jelly but have recently been using a more creamy one from Origins - Oil-Free Energy Boosting Gel Moisturizer every day. I use blotting papers as needed.

But, if I need my face to kind of "stand up" to the day without my intervention, in my oiliest areas I use this Bioederma Sébium Pore Refiner . It says you can use it as an all-over moisturizer -- for me, it's too mattifying/powder-y for the dry parts of my face but perfect for the oily areas. It doesn't make the skin totally matte but tones down the shine considerably.

For makeup primer, I currently like ELF Poreless Putty Primer. I've tried a few different ones but I like the control and blendability of this one and it doesn't give my face that mask-like effect or feel that sometimes matte primers can.
posted by sm1tten at 5:34 PM on June 11, 2021

Innisfree No Sebum Mineral Powder does what it says on the tin, stays on for hours and is very gentle on the skin. Looks natural too, not "oh look I put on powder today".
posted by I claim sanctuary at 12:18 AM on June 12, 2021

I got really lazy about moisturising for several months and my skin was oilier and shinier. I bought some Dermalogica Active Moist moisturiser and it's really great. Moisturising without any oiliness and my skin is no longer as shiny!
posted by kinddieserzeit at 3:15 AM on June 12, 2021

I have oily skin and I use the cerave acne cleanser to wash it, followed by a night cream as a moisturizer.

I am also consistently amazed by the powers of the dead sea mud mask, which manages to leave my skin soft, smooth, and clear, and has been a hit with everyone I've convinced to try it.

Good luck! Oily skin is a real headache.
posted by Amy93 at 7:54 PM on June 13, 2021

You should be wearing SPF every day, so you might as well use one that is mattifying. Here's a list of matte SPF products.
posted by quince at 2:08 PM on June 14, 2021