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 [2 favorites]

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 [4 favorites]

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 [5 favorites]

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 [1 favorite]

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 [1 favorite]

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 [1 favorite]

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 [1 favorite]

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 [1 favorite]