Oily skin is a problem that many, many people deal with.
Many people thought, during the oily-skin years of adolescence, that problems with excess oil would disappear after puberty did.
Sadly, that is often not the case, and problems with excess skin oil persist throughout adulthood for many.
Hormonal differences, genetics, stress, and humidity all cause some to have oilier skin than others.
With age, however, comes wisdom. There are lots of ways to combat oily skin. Here are a few:
Watch Skincare Labels
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends anyone suffering with oily skin buy products that are labeled “non-comedogenic” (meaning it won’t lead to comedones, or in other words: clogged pores) and “oil free”.
Moisturizers, cleansers, and makeup that are specially formulated just for oily skin will have this on the label.
That said, it is important to also keep the skin adequately hydrated.
Over-using products meant to dry the skin, such as 0alcohol based toners, as well as over the counter acne creams or preparations that contain benzoyl peroxide, can dry the skin out to such a degree that the oil glands in the face may begin to work harder to produce more oil.
This is aggravating to those who are struggling to fight excess oil.
Use any acne fighting products within reason and as directed, and don’t be afraid of using a moisturizer that is specially formulated for oily or combination skin.
Choosing a light moisturizer for oily skin that also contains 30 SPF sunscreen is ideal.
Resist The Urge To Scrub
As much as oily skin might encourage the urge to really scrub away the excess oil, this can cause irritation and actually exacerbate existing blemishes.
Use a gentle cleanser in the morning, in the evening before bed, and after exercise.
There is no need to wash any more than this, or to use a facial scrub brush on oily skin.
Too harsh a face wash, or vigorous scrubbing, can trigger additional oil production, so the American Academy of Dermatologists recommends a gentle, foaming face wash for optimal results.
Avoid alcohol based or oil based cleansers.
Don’t use spinning or other scrub brushes to cleanse your face. Remove any makeup before bed, as well. Never sleep in makeup.
Just Like Mom Said…
“…don’t touch your face!” Definitely, don’t squeeze blemishes or perform bathroom surgery on cystic acne with household items like sewing needles.
It’s difficult to constantly remember to not touch your face throughout the day, but if you are making efforts to make it less oily, do your best to keep your hands away from your facial skin.
To help keep dirt from making its way to your face and into your pores, wash hands frequently, and make sure your hands are clean before you clean your face in the morning and before bed.
If you see excess oil throughout the day, dab it away with blotting paper meant for oily skin.
Watch What You Eat
Although some of the research out there on the subject is controversial, several studies have linked excess consumption of dairy and simple carbohydrates to the production of insulin-like growth factor-1.
This causes the oil glands to produce more oil than normal, and therefore it can lead to clogged pores and blemishes.
By eating cleaner, and leaning toward a whole food plant-based diet, with lean meats – instead of a diet heavy in processed foods and high in sugar, and by lowering dairy intake* you may be able to better control oily skin and breakouts.
(*anyone with a family or personal history of Osteoporosis, Osteogenesis Imperfecta, or ‘Brittle Bones Disease’, should consult their doctor before cutting out dairy)
Author Bio
Larry Alton is a blogger and passionate writer at knowledgesworld.com. He loves cooking and is fond of travelling.