The ongoing heatwave spells trouble for oily, acne-prone skin. Most women find that their skin tends to produce more sebum, and to be clogged up more easily, when the weather is hot and humid.
A slew of products that target oily skin have been announced in recent months. Diva takes a look at a few of them.
1. Cetaphil Cleanser for oily skin ($29.90 for 125ml)
The original Cetaphil is widely recommended by dermatologists for people with sensitive skin. However, people with oilier complexions find that the original formula, which comes in the form of a runny lotion, leaves a film on their skin which they find unpleasant.
The new formula, created especially for oily skins, should please this group of people. Diva found that it rinsed off better than the original Cetaphil and left skin feeling clean, soft and hydrated. No thick film is left on the skin, even though the skin does feel hydrated.
This cleanser also removes makeup effectively - Diva found that all traces of foundation and powder were easily rinsed off. However, some people might prefer to ‘double cleanse’ in order to make sure that every trace of makeup and grime is removed from one’s skin.
2. Shu Uemura Fresh Pore Clarifying Gentle Cleansing Oil ($62 for 150ml)
Women who use heavy makeup often feel the need for heavy-duty oil-based cleansers to cleanse their skin properly. However, those with oilier skin types dislike the resulting ‘film’ on their faces.
Enter Shu Uemura’s newest variation of its best-selling cleansing oil. The Fresh Pore Clarifying Gentle Cleansing Oil cleans off thick makeup and waterproof mascara effectively without leaving a thick film behind. It contains goodies such as Sakura Leaf Extract, Lipo HA and Cherry Extract to minimise the appearance of pores. Best of all, the product does not contain mineral oil. Instead, it uses a blend of Safflower Oil, Jojoba Oil and Squalene (derived from Olive Oil).
Diva liked the fact that the texture is significantly lighter than other cleansing oils in the Shu Uemura range. However, some of us found that it was still too heavy for our skin types and personal preferences. One reviewer felt that despite the improved formula, there still remained a thin film of oil despite rinsing multiple times. The fresh, floral scent had our thumbs up though.
But if you have oily skin and must use a cleansing oil as part of your beauty regime, this is a good option to try
3. Laneige ‘s Pore Deep Clearing Foam ($30.00)
If you prefer a foaming cleanser, have a look at Laneige's latest offering.
Its Pore Deep Clearing Foam is a mild but effective cleanser that unclogs pores, using Moroccan Clay and Laneige's Pore Purifying Complex. It also contains clove extract, which is said to control sebum secretion without overly drying out skin.
Diva liked the dense foam this cleanser created, and the feeling of perfectly-cleansed skin. This resulted in the 'cleanest' feel of the three testers tried - i.e. no film on the face whatsoever. Surprisingly, despite its 'squeaky-clean' feel, we didn't notice the skin producing more sebum to compensate for it. The fresh scent was also an added bonus.
Unfortunately, this cleanser does not remove makeup, so save it for the morning or as the second cleansing step after using one of the above cleansers.