1. Deep Cleansing – A "Must-Have" Step to Prevent Clogged Pores
Skipping cleansing in summer skincare is like going to the gym without shoes – it's very easy to "injure" your skin. This is because in hot weather, sebaceous glands work harder than usual. If not cleaned properly, sebum combined with dirt and sunscreen will get "stuck" in pores, leading to closed comedones, blackheads, and even inflammatory acne.
My advice:
- Morning: Just gently wash your face with a mild cleanser to remove oil secreted overnight.
- Evening: If you use sunscreen or makeup, always cleanse first, then wash your face. You can also use a gentle facial cleansing brush for deeper cleaning.
This is the foundation for any skincare routine – only with clean skin can serums absorb and active ingredients work effectively.
2. Extracting Sebum Filaments – Do It at the Right Time, in the Right Way
Sebum filaments are "stubborn foes" that annoy many people when they look in the mirror, but improper extraction can easily damage the skin. I've seen countless cases of pitted scars and hyperpigmentation just from people trying to extract sebum filaments incorrectly.
So, when should you extract?
- When your skin is clean and your hands are clean.
- When you have sufficient knowledge or technique.
- Only extract in healthy, non-inflamed areas, and use sterilized tools like a medical-grade blackhead extractor.
If you're not confident, it's best to visit a reputable spa or dermatology clinic for assistance. Sometimes, restraint is a much safer "beauty therapy."
3. Using Supporting Active Ingredients – Your "Special Assistants" for Clearer, Smoother Skin
Oily skin not only needs cleansing but also needs support in restructuring and regulating oil. Active ingredients like:
- BHA (Salicylic Acid): helps deep clean inside pores, limiting the formation of sebum filaments.
- AHA: exfoliates the surface layer, making skin brighter and clearer.
- Retinol: helps slow down keratinization, reduces clogging, and supports long-term skin smoothing.
However, it's important not to use too many at once. Your skin needs time to adjust. Start with a low frequency (2-3 times/week), prioritize products with mild concentrations, and always moisturize and restore after using active ingredients.
4. Adequate Hydration – When Skin is Hydrated, It Produces Less Oil
One of the most "harmful misconceptions" I often encounter is: oily skin doesn't need moisturizer. In reality, when skin lacks moisture, the sebaceous glands actually produce even more oil to compensate for surface water loss.
It's like how we sweat when it's hot – your skin does the same when it lacks moisture. Therefore, you should:
- Drink enough water daily (1.5-2L).
- Use lightweight, oil-free, non-comedogenic gel or lotion moisturizers.
Skin that is fully "hydrated" from the inside out will be smooth, no longer feeling congested or "greasy."
5. Exfoliating Correctly – Just Right, Regularly
Dead skin cells accumulate on the skin's surface every day – if not removed properly, your skin will become rough, dull, and more prone to congestion. But over-exfoliating can make skin thin and weak, damaging its protective barrier.
The solution is to combine two groups:
- BHA: for deep cleansing from within.
- Gentle scrub: for surface cleaning, making skin brighter and smoother.
You should only exfoliate 1-2 times a week, depending on your skin condition. Afterward, don't forget to hydrate and apply sunscreen for optimal skin protection.
Instead of "avoiding summer," choose to understand your skin better. The 5 tips above might not be an immediate "miracle cure," but if you consistently apply them every day – your skin will change little by little. If you've applied all 5 and seen clear improvements in your skin, don't hesitate to leave a comment saying "My skin is smooth now" to encourage each other to keep trying!
