Oily skin: four myths that make it worse

Oily and hydrated are not synonyms. Skin can produce plenty of sebum and still lack water — it is in fact very common, and shows up as flaking patches under a shiny surface.

A light hydrating gel often reduces shine, because the skin stops overcompensating.

Twice a day, no more. Every extra wash removes lipids that the skin replaces by producing more sebum.

After exercise, a rinse with lukewarm water is plenty.

Short term, yes: inflammation seems to calm. Medium term, the skin thickens, pores block further and breakouts come back stronger — the well-known September rebound.

Worse, every exposure sets post-acne marks that then take months to fade.