Best CeraVe products for oily skin

If you're dealing with oily skin, it's best to go back to basics and opt for simple ingredients - abrasive cleansers and harsh scrubs aren't going to get rid of that oily sheen, they're going to force your skin's oil production into turbo mode!

That's why we love CeraVe, the science-backed skincare superhero that deserves a place in your bathroom cabinet; not only do they produce high-quality, expertly-researched products for oily skin, but they also prioritise clinically-tested skincare ingredients in their formulas. But what are the best CeraVe products for oily skin? Let's take a closer look.

What causes oily skin?

Oily skin occurs when the sebaceous glands, located just beneath the surface of the skin, secrete too much oil; these glands are stimulated by hormones to produce oil, which is necessary to keep the skin hydrated and healthy. While some people naturally have more active sebaceous glands than others, there are a few factors that can contribute to having skin that is oilier than average:

Diet

As you likely already know, your diet plays a significant role in the condition of your skin. After all, the skin is simply another of your body's organs, and what you consume on a daily basis is going to nourish - or work to the detriment of - your organ function. Diets rich in fatty, greasy foods (such as fried food and take-out) can increase both inflammation and sebum production, giving your skin an oilier appearance.

In addition to this, a diet rich in refined sugars can also cause oily skin; this is because consuming sugary foods spikes your blood sugar levels and insulin levels, which then in turn causes inflammation. Excess inflammation = excess sebum production, which is why many experts recommend adjusting your diet if you're experiencing random acne flare-ups or persistently oily skin.

Hormone imbalances

Hormone imbalances can also cause oily skin; this is because an excess in either female or male hormones (oestrogen and testosterone) can increase sebum production, resulting in oilier skin and pimples. If you have a balanced diet but consistently oily skin (as well as hair that gets greasy more quickly than average) you might want to speak to a doctor or pharmacist about a possible hormonal imbalance.

Medical conditions

Certain medical conditions - such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and conditions affecting the pituitary gland - can also cause oily skin, as these conditions can influence your body's hormone production. Unbalanced hormone levels can lead to an increase in sebum production, resulting in oily skin, often accompanied by acne breakouts and pimples.

Genetics

Having oily skin doesn't necessarily mean that you have a hormonal or medical condition, nor is it always evidence of a poor diet. Genetics can just as equally play a role in how oily your skin is; if you have family members that tend to have oilier-than-average skin, it's likely that you will too. Unfortunately this is something that can't be changed - however the other factors causing oily skin can be addressed and managed with the right diet and lifestyle choices, as well as a skincare routine that promotes balance.

What are the best CeraVe products for oily skin?

If you have oily skin, it's often better to stick to simple, clinically-backed skincare products; having oily skin can increase your chances of acne breakouts and pimples, especially if you use abrasive, harsh skincare products that strip the moisture from your complexion. Here are our top CeraVe products for oily skin:

CeraVe Blemish Control Cleanser

We all know that excess oil can often mean excess pimples, so having the right spot-busting ingredients in your skincare routine can prevent regular flare-ups. CeraVe's Blemish Control Cleanser is formulated with pore-shrinking niacinamide and bacteria-killing salicylic acid, making it the ideal cleanser if your skin is feeling more oily and congested than usual. If you're a woman, this would be a great cleanser to use before and after your menstrual period, where your skin tends to be oiler than usual thanks to your body's reduced oestrogen production.

CeraVe Micellar Cleansing water with Niacinamide

Micellar water is a great way to remove make-up, dirt and impurities from oily skin without aggravating it, and CeraVe's own clinically-formulated micellar water is a great choice. Made with essential ceramides and Niacinamide, this cleansing water will leave your skin feeling refreshed, clean, and balanced, and you don't need to strip your skin as it's a non-rinse cleanser.

CeraVe Facial Foaming Cleanser

CeraVe's facial foaming cleanser is another great choice when it comes to taking the day off your face; gently formulated with ceramides, niacinamide and super hydrating hyaluronic acid, this cleanser makes for a brilliant PM face wash. If you're wearing make-up, we'd recommend removing it first using CeraVe's micellar water, before following up with the foaming cleanser. Don't forget to opt for the formula designed for oily skin, as there are several foaming cleansers in the CeraVe line.

CeraVe Resurfacing retinol serum

Retinol is one of those skincare ingredients that really does do what it claims to; retinol has been scientifically proven to work at revitalising, resurfacing, and reforming the skin from the inside out. That's because retinol is simply a derivative of Vitamin A, which helps to speed up skin cell turnover and reduce fine lines and wrinkles - but can also help to achieve balance when it comes oiliness. Add CeraVe's retinol serum into your nighttime skincare routine 1-2 times a week to begin with for best results, and make sure to layer with a moisturiser to avoid irritation. And don't forget that retinol increases sun sensitivity, so make sure to pack on your SPF the next morning - even if it's cloudy outside!

CeraVe Blemish Control Gel

If you're noticing an increase in pimples and spots and want a quick-fix, CeraVe's blemish control gel is a great option for fast results. Made with glycolic acid, lactic acid and salicylic acid, this gel works to remove bacteria, shrink pimples, and purify the skin - you could even see results in just 24 hours! Use this gel on days where you're noticing extra pimples - whether it be during your menstrual cycle or simply an acne flare-up.