Why Is Your Face SO Oily? The Answer Will Shock You!

Like our home girl Dej Loaf (no affliation) said, “Let’s just be real, lets just be honest”—dealing with enlarged pores can be super annoying. You wake up, check the mirror, and boom—your pores are stealing the spotlight. But don’t worry, you’re not alone! While you can’t actually shrink your pores (trust us, we wish that were a thing), you can make them look a whole lot smaller with the right skincare routine. And guess what? ExZachly Perfect has the secret weapon.

Why Do Pores Look Bigger?

Before we get into how to fix it, let’s talk about why it happens in the first place. Pores get stretched out for a few reasons. First, if your skin produces too much oil (hello, greasy T-zone), it can clog your pores and make them look larger. Then there’s aging and sun damage—both of which mess with your skin’s elasticity, making pores appear more visible. And, of course, genetics play a role, because some of us were just blessed with bigger pores. But don’t stress—there’s hope!

How Retinol Works Its Magic

If you haven’t jumped on the retinol bandwagon yet, it’s time. Retinol is a vitamin A derivative that does a bunch of amazing things for your skin. It boosts collagen production, which tightens your skin and makes pores look smaller. It also speeds up cell turnover, meaning it helps clear out all the gunk that clogs your pores in the first place. Oh, and if your skin is super oily, retinol regulates oil production, so your face won’t feel like a grease trap by midday. Basically, it’s the skincare MVP.

One of the easiest ways to add retinol to your routine? Try a retinol-infused moisturizer like the Retinol Moisturizing Cream from Exzachly Perfect. It’s packed with hydration and that powerhouse ingredient, so your skin gets all the benefits without feeling dry or irritated.

How to Use Retinol Without Wrecking Your Skin

LISTEN, retinol is powerful, so you have to use it the right way. If you go too hard, too fast, your skin might freak out (aka, peeling, redness, and irritation—no thanks). Here’s how to do it properly:

🛁 Step 1: Double Cleanse Like Your Life Depends on It

If you’re still using makeup wipes—stop. Right now. They just smear dirt around. Instead, start with an oil-based cleanser to break down SPF, makeup, and that mystery layer of pollution from your day. Follow up with a gentle water-based cleanser to actually clean your skin.

🔬 Step 2: Make Sure Your Skin Is 100% Dry

This is a non-negotiable. Retinol on damp skin = irritation city. After cleansing, pat dry and wait 5-10 minutes before moving to the next step.

✨ Step 3: The Sandwich Method (So Your Face Doesn’t Freak Out)

Retinol is strong, so you want to buffer it:

1. Apply a thin layer of moisturizer first (like a primer for your skin).

2. Dab a pea-sized amount of retinol on your forehead, cheeks, and chin—DO NOT glob it on. Trust me, more is NOT better.

3. Follow up with another layer of moisturizer to seal it all in.

🌙 Step 4: Let It Work While You Sleep

Retinol is a product only—sunlight breaks it down and makes your skin extra sensitive. While you’re binge-watching your favorite show or doom-scrolling in bed, it’s busy unclogging your pores and telling your skin to act brand new.

☀️ Step 5: Sunscreen or /Don't use it

No, seriously. If you don’t use SPF the next morning, you might as well not even use retinol. Your skin is extra delicate after retinol, and skipping sunscreen = sun damage, irritation, and basically erasing all your progress. Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ every morning. No excuses.

What to Expect (Aka, Don’t Panic If This Happens)

🚨 The Purge: Your skin might break out at first. That’s actually a GOOD sign—it means the retinol is pushing out all the junk trapped in your pores. Give it 4-6 weeks before deciding if it’s working.

🫠 Flaky Skin: Normal. Just ease up on retinol if it gets too intense and load up on hydrating products like hyaluronic acid.

🔥 Redness/Irritation: If your face feels like it’s on fire, back off. Use retinol only 2-3 times a week until your skin adjusts.

A Quick Recap

Start slow – Use it once or twice a week at first, then gradually increase.

Only apply at night – Retinol makes your skin sensitive to the sun, so bedtime is the best time.

ALWAYS wear sunscreen – No excuses. Retinol + sun = damage. A good SPF is a must.

Keep your skin hydrated – Pair retinol with a solid moisturizer to avoid dryness and irritation.

Other Ways to Minimize Pores

Retinol is a game-changer, but there are other things you can do to keep your skin looking smooth and flawless. Make sure you’re cleansing properly (skip the harsh scrubs!), exfoliating with salicylic acid to clear out buildup, and drinking plenty of water (yes, hydration does help). Oh, and if you’re still smoking—quit. Seriously. It wrecks your skin.

At the end of the day, pores are just pores, and everyone has them. But if you want that smooth, filter-like skin, adding retinol to your routine is a total game-changer. Your future self (and your selfies) will thank you.