Why Your Cleanser for Oily Skin Might Be Causing That 2PM Shine Attack
QUESTION:
Hey Indagare, I’ve got oily skin and have always used strong foaming cleansers to keep the shine away. I cleanse twice a day, religiously. But lately, my skin feels tight afterwards, and a few hours later, it’s even oilier than before — plus I’m breaking out more. By mid-afternoon I’m shinier than a disco ball — and while I know the Korean ‘glass skin’ trend is a thing, this is just embarrassing. My makeup won’t stay put with all this unwanted gloss. Is my cleanser making things worse? – Amy, 35, Brisbane
ANSWER:
Dear Amy,
You are absolutely not alone — and if it helps, every oily-skin girl has had that “I could fry an egg on my forehead” moment. It’s frustrating, especially when you’re doing all the “right” things — double cleansing, oil-free products, mattifying everything — and your skin just gets greasier and angrier.
And your skin, being the smart (but slightly dramatic) organ that it is, immediately goes into panic mode and starts producing more oil to compensate. So instead of solving the issue, you’re actually stuck in a loop — tight, squeaky-clean skin in the morning… and full disco ball by 2pm. No thanks.
But don’t worry. There’s a better way — and it doesn’t involve 15 complicated skincare steps or a celebrity budget.
Here’s the deal: those strong, foaming cleansers? They’re often part of the problem. Many are packed with harsh surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate , drying alcohols, synthetic preservatives and fragrances that totally strip your skin of its natural oils. That tight, squeaky-clean feeling? It’s your skin barrier waving a white flag.
The Simple 2-Step Routine That Balances Oily Skin From Day One
Whether you’ve always had oily skin, or you’re now facing hormonal changes (thanks, peri-menopause), this easy, no-fuss routine gets results. You'll feel the difference from day one, and by day seven, don't be surprised if people start asking what you’ve done to your skin. (Spoiler: your skin will just look that much calmer and healthier.)
Even better? It’s gentle enough for mature and sensitive skin, too — no tingle, no tightness, and absolutely no flare-ups.
Step 1: Luminesq Dust Face Cleanser
Forget foam. This dry powder formula activates with water and transforms into a creamy lather that gently cleanses without disrupting your skin barrier.
Here’s the powerhouse ingredient list and what they actually do:
White Kaolin Clay: A gentle, non-drying clay that draws out impurities and absorbs excess oil without irritating sensitive skin.
Colloidal Oatmeal: Soothes redness, calms inflammation, and helps repair the skin barrier — ideal if your skin is stressed or reactive.
Pineapple Extract: A natural source of bromelain (an enzyme) that gently exfoliates dead skin cells and helps clear congestion without scrubbing.
Hibiscus Extract: Packed with AHAs and antioxidants, it helps fade pigmentation and scarring, while boosting collagen and firmness.
- Blue Butterfly Pea Flower: Rich in flavonoids and peptides that calm irritation and boost skin resilience — yes please, for hormonal flare-ups!
- Coconut Milk Powder: Moisturises and softens skin with a hit of natural lauric acid, which has mild antibacterial benefits.
- Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate: A coconut-derived cleanser that gives you that creamy clean feel — without the harshness of sulfates.
- Sweet Orange Oil: Smells divine, but more than that — it’s a natural antiseptic that helps purify the skin and calm blemishes without irritation.
How to use it:
Sprinkle about a 10 cent coin-sized amount into your palm, add warm water, lather it into a creamy foam and gently massage over your face. Rinse, pat dry and admire your non-tight skin.
Step 2: Illumino Youth Serum
If you’ve always been scared of facial oils because you thought they’d make you shinier — prepare to have your mind (and skin) changed.
This lightweight, fast-absorbing serum is made with 100% Certified Organic Prickly Pear Seed Oil — and this golden drop of goodness is basically the Beyoncé of botanical oils.
Here’s why:
-
Ultra-Rich in Antioxidants, Vitamin E & K:
This oil has 1.5x more Vitamin E than Argan Oil. That means it protects against environmental stress, calms inflammation, supports skin healing, and helps fade pigmentation and scarring. High in Linoleic Acid (Omega-6):
At 60.5% concentration, linoleic acid helps nourish and repair the skin barrier, supports elasticity, and — bonus — helps tighten the look of pores for that smooth, refined finish.Brightens and Evens Skin Tone:
Say goodbye to dullness and uneven pigmentation. Prickly Pear Seed Oil helps diminish dark spots and under-eye circles while boosting collagen production for plumper, radiant skin.-
Fast-Absorbing with Zero Greasy Residue:
Perfect for daytime under makeup or as a glow-boosting nighttime treat. It absorbs almost instantly, leaving your skin soft, dewy and balanced — not oily. -
Safe for All Skin Types — Even Acne-Prone:
With a comedogenic rating of 0 (that’s zero pore-clogging potential), it works wonders for oily, combination and breakout-prone skin — but it’s especially loved by mature and sensitive skin types for its deep nourishment without irritation.
How to use it:
Apply 4–5 drops to clean skin in the morning. Press gently into the face and neck, let it sink in, then follow with sunscreen and makeup (which will now actually stay put).
Whether oily skin has always been your thing, or you're dealing with new and unwelcome hormonal breakouts, this 2-step routine works. It nourishes, repairs your skin barrier, and stops that midday shine spiral in its tracks.
The bonus? It helps your makeup stay in place too. No more slipping and sliding by lunchtime — just smooth, balanced skin that plays nicely with your foundation.
So Amy — the answer isn’t to scrub harder or foam more. It’s to switch to smarter skincare that supports your skin, not battles it. With this two-step routine, you’re not just managing oil — you’re giving your skin the ingredients it needs to calm, heal, and glow (without the disco ball effect). Balanced skin is in — and you don’t need 12 products to get there.