8 Reasons Having Oily Skin Is Actually The Best

Growing up, I always hated my oily skin. I wanted it to be matte as could be. But that was before I realized all of the reasons having oily skin is actually the best. If, like me, you've never been the biggest fan of having to go through a pack of blotting papers every week to keep the oil-slick under control, it might be a little difficult to see the benefits we have from our skin type. Especially because it seems like, no matter where we turn, there are "solutions" being peddled for oily skin. But oily skin isn't something that needs to be "fixed" when there's so many reasons to love it.

Besides, as we've learned time and again, the grass isn't always greener on the other side. Sure, having perpetually matte skin can seem like the dream. But there are plenty of people who long for the glow that we naturally have. So let's put away the harsh and stripping exfoliators, toners, and masks and embrace our shiny, oily selves instead. After all, we do have that covetable, dewy-skin look on lock. Want more justification? These eight reasons will prove why oily skin really is the best.

1. We Never Need Highlighter

Strobing? You mean how my face naturally looks by lunchtime? Having oily skin means being able to save on illuminators and the time it takes to strategically highlight the forehead, cheekbones, nose, and chin. A few hours into every day, we already have a natural luminosity in all of those zones (and more).

2. We'll Age Well

The oily nature of our skin means that our faces are constantly moisturized. Having properly hydrated skin can reduce the amount and/or severity of wrinkles that we develop as we age. Of course there are many other factors that determine how we age (and, honestly, there's nothing wrong with having wrinkles) but having oily skin doesn't hurt when it comes to looking younger, longer.

3. We Have Natural Environmental Protection

Dermatologist, Jeannette Graf, explained to YouBeauty.com that our over-productive oil glands actually deliver Vitamin E (a natural antioxidant) to our skin which can help protect our skin against free radicals that can cause cellular damage. So even though we still need SPF, the oils on our faces do give a little added protection against the damaging effects of the sun and air pollution. Just make sure to keep your diet rich in antioxidants so that your natural oils can keep up the good work.

4. We Can Get Away With Simpler Skincare

Because our skin naturally has more access to moisture and Vitamin E, we don't necessarily need a more expensive or extensive skincare routine. While extra treatments, serums, and heavy-duty moisturizers won't hurt if that's what you prefer, basic cleansing and moisturizing will still keep oily skin balanced.

5. Winter Isn't So Bad For Us

Of course oily skin can still become dry in colder winter months. And it's important to change up your winter skincare routine accordingly. But we usually don't have to worry about windburn or painful, chapped and cracked skin. A heavier moisturizer plus our natural oils will get us through the snow and wind pretty much unscathed.

6. It's OK If We Forget To Moisturize

As long as we don't make it a habit, it's totally OK if we're so tired that we forget to moisturize one night. Our sebaceous glands will take care of us, and make sure that our skin doesn't suffer for our mistake. I mean, have you ever woken up with dry skin? Yeah, me neither.

7. Our Skin Heals Faster

Remember all that extra vitamin E I mentioned? It can help heal scars too. Because our oily skin delivers antioxidants and keeps our skin hydrated, minor irritations such as acne can heal faster — scars included. So even though our pores might be larger and more easily clogged, at least those annoying breakouts tend to not stick around as long.

8. It's Easier To Correct If We Want

If you still long for that matte complexion though, just know that it's easier for us oily-skinned gals to treat our skin type than other skin types. I mean, if you don't want to, you don't even have to buy products to help control shine. Just carry some paper napkins to blot occasionally. Skimming off a layer of oil here and there is way simpler than trying to infuse the skin with much-needed moisture.

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