Treating Oily Skin

Whether a teenager or an adult, oily skin has been the bane of many
people just like you. No one likes that greasy feeling and the dirt that
accumulates on your face, not to mention the shine that makes you
cringe at the idea of flash photography. But there is a solution to this
problem and one that is simpler and surprisingly gentler than what you
may previously have thought.



First of all, you need to know what causes oily skin. Overactive oil
glands that produce the substance, sebum (a natural skin lubricant
and moisturizer) are the main culprits. As too much sebum
accumulates, it becomes thick and heavy in texture making it feel
greasy. Left unattended, oily skin becomes the basis of excessive
shine, pimples and blemishes.



But while there is a down side to this condition, there exists a good
one as well. Skin with active oil glands tends to be less likely to show
wrinkles and other signs of aging compared to other skin types. This is
because the oil keeps more moisture in the skin making it more supple
and elastic, therefore there is less wrinkling. So while you may fret
and moan about your skin’s oiliness, it may be a blessing in disguise


10 to 15 years from now if proper care is given today.



But left untreated, this skin type leads to clogged pores, blackheads,
and build-up of dead skin cells making it difficult to have clear healthy
skin. It also causes a sallow-looking complexion and makes having
large, visible pores very likely.



For now, there is no quick-fix solution to successfully treat oily skin.
Patience is your best tool since you are addressing not a surface
problem but one that is inside your body. Success may take a while to
achieve and in some cases may actually need professional medical
attention. And in most cases, the condition is simply put under control
and never totally resolved. Even then, the skin will improve its
condition and the objective to not have greasy shiny skin will be closer
than ever.



First thing to do in treating oily skin is to get rid of the excess sebum
on your face, without total drying out your skin. Too much washing
and “degreasing” can actually make things worse since stripping your
skin of oil will cause your oil glands to work overtime in producing
more sebum.




The correct and balanced method is to clean the skin with a very mild
detergent or surfactant. It should not contain oils or other “fatty”
substances that can increase the oily condition you already have. This
kind of product removes the greasy feel of too much sebum and cleans
away the surface grime that has built up because of the oil.



Some products contain small amounts of AHA (alpha hydroxy acids)
that gently remove dead cells from the surface exposing a fresher
layer of skin. Use this on a regular basis to get the intended results.
Follow this up with a light (no creams and oils, preferably a water-
based) moisturizer just so that the drying effects of the cleanser can
be compensated for.



Use a mild astringent or toner everyday to clear off excess oils on your
face. Avoid the stronger alcohol-based products. Even if you feel that it
gets rid of more oil from your face, just like with the cleansers, you
are actually encouraging more production of sebum if you dry your
face out completely.



To prevent clogging, cleanse at least two times a day but do not scrub
hard, as you will hurt your skin more than helping it. A slight pressure
from your fingers is friction enough to slough off the dull, dead skin.




With oily skin, moisturizing need not be done everyday. But on the
occasion you face feels tight due to cleanser and toner use, apply a
light, oil-free moisturizer. Avoid products that contain substances as
mineral oils and cocoa butter as they are too emollient for your skin
condition.



For your makeup, choose oil-free products, especially for your
foundation and blush. Go for water-based and non-comedogenic
products that will not clog your pores. Some foundation products are
designed to absorbing oil, which can control the shiny look during the
day.



As it is with any skin type, do not forget to apply sunscreen (NON-oil
based, of course). There are alternative forms of sunscreen out there,
and gel is becoming a popular choice since it is less greasy than
conventional sun block lotions. To be effective, your sunscreen should
be at least SPF 15.



If you have severe breakouts of acne, use cleansers that contain a
mild amount of salicylic acid that clears your skin. Moisturizer
containing the same substance is also a good follow-up.




Finally, try to watch your diet as well. Refined starches, sugar, and
processed foods may aggravate your naturally oily skin. Choose food
that is low in fat and eat more fresh fruits, vegetables, and grains.
Drinking lots of fluids (6-8 glasses a day) of water, juice or teas
maintains good skin tone. Keep your vitamin and mineral intake up
especially with vitamins A, C and B complex.



It will take time for your skin to get into shape as far as being less
greasy. But the effort and discipline you put in will pay off. And as
mentioned before, as you care for your greasy skin now, the benefits
of less wrinkled, dry skin will follow you years later.