Oily skin is something of a mixed blessing. On the plus side, it is slow to develop discolorations, fine lines, and wrinkles. Oily skin usually tans beautifully, rather than just burning and turning red. It has less of a tendency to freckle. On the downside, oily skin can look dull or shiny. It is prone to breakouts even when one is well past the teen years, and large pores can develop that make the skin look coarse and rough.
If you have excessively oily skin and acne, treat the acne first and wait to address the appearance of oily skin. Antibacterial Cleanser and Green Tea Poultice contain ingredients to remove sebum (an oily substance) and free fatty acids (an oily substance) from your skin. Ingredients in these products, such as zinc, cinnamon, green tea, etc. may reduce sebum production in some cases where excessive sebum production is the cause of excessively oil skin. (Excess oil may be caused by the skin's oil barrier functions, which are produced by Lamellar bodies and will not be effected by these product ingredients.)
Oily skin care involves three steps:
- cleansing
- moisturizing
- nourishing
Oil Absorbing Gel will not reduce the skin's production of oil and/or sebum, but it will absorb these "lipids" and give the skin an oil-free appearance. The product is made of synthetic molecules that are too large to penetrate into the skin. When applied, the product feels dry and remains on the skin's surface where it absorbs many times its weight in skin oils. Oil Absorbing Gel produces a matte finish and will retain this matte look for 6 to 8 hours, while it absorbs lipids. Oil Absorbing Gel will not clog follicles. It will not promote acne, blackheads or whiteheads.
Oily skin cleansers need to remove excess oil, but not to strip the skin bare from its natural protection. Alcohol is much too harsh and will only create sensitivity in the long run, so watch out for it on the product label.
If acne is not present Oil Absorbing Gel is recommended to be used with Glycolic Cleanser, as this cleanser is effective in removing Oil Absorbing Gel and removing more of the lipids from the dead cells on the skin's surface.
Oily skin care second step is moisturizing. Apart from oil, our skin contains water, which is very important to all the skin functions. Oily skin can, and very often is, dehydrated. That means lacking water and the first signs of dehydrated skin are very fine lines, that become wrinkles.
Oily skin care moisturizers do not usually contain and heavy oils, but rely rather on using some product like dimethicone which would leave a light covering on the skin to protect against make-up or dust penetration. This covering allows the skin to breathe. You know that if the skin could not breathe, you would die. Instead this covering does permit air to reach the skin.
Some people use high concentrations of benzoyl peroxide to reduce oiliness, without understanding the possible side effects associated with it. Benzoyl peroxide can cause premature skin aging, slow healing and is associated with increased skin cancer risks. In 1995 the FDA issued warnings regarding the use of benzoyl peroxide and changed its status from safe to uncertain.
Oily skin moisturizers are specially formulated to not clog pores. There are also specialty creams for oily skin that deal with removing black heads and preventing blackheads from forming again.
Because of the hormonal shifts of adolescence, oily skin is common in teenagers, but it can occur at any age. In general, skin tends to become dryer with age. The flow of sebum or oil increases during adolescence and starts decreasing with age. During pregnancy and menopause, hormonal imbalances can also upset the oil balance and increase the activity of sebaceous glands.
Bring out the natural beauty of your skin
TREATMENT—
• Keep your skin clean. Beware of certain cosmetics; they aggravate a problem which might not otherwise exist.
• Wash twice a day with soap; it was made to remove oil. Hot soapy water is even better. Ivory soap is a more drying soap than many others. Scrub the skin with soap and water.
• Some people put mud masks on to remove oil.
• Avoid smoking; it increases the size of your skin pores and weakens the skin generally.
Fortunately, oily skin tends to age better than dry skin, producing less wrinkles. So count yourself fortunate in one way.
Use hot water when washing your face. Hot water dissolves skin oil better than lukewarm or cold water.
If your skin is extremely oily, three or four daily cleansings may be in order and little or no moisturizing necessary before you are 30 years old. After that point, the skin around your eyes and mouth and on your throat may benefit from a nightly moisturizing, plus a mere touch of moisturizer in the morning.
When cleansing, massage your face well with your fingertips, using an upward and outward motion. Be careful not to rub soap into the skin; it can clog pores.
If your oily skin is scaly, you can often correct the problem by using a deep-cleaning exfoliant on alternate nights, and following the treatment with a light coating of moisturizer.
Try using a clay or mud mask. If you have sensitive skin, use white or rose-colored clays.
Use a light antiseptic night cream from time to time if you wish, and apply a clarifying mask one or two times a week.
Choose cosmetic and facial care products specifically designed for oily skin.
Before applying makeup, use an antiseptic day cream with active ingredients that diminish sebaceous secretions. Look for benzyl peroxide in the list of active ingredients.
Use a light antiseptic night cream from time to time if you wish, and apply a clarifying mask one or two times a week.
Natural Skincare
Half an hour before taking your bath apply on your face half teaspoon each of lime and cucumber juice mixed together.
If your skin is excessively oily, mix in a few drops of eau de cologne. This not only helps keep oiliness away but also helps in refining the pores of the skin by acting as astringent, thereby preventing acne.
To prevent the problem of your makeup becoming patchy either on the forehead, chin or nose due to excessive oiliness in these areas, apply a little cucumber juice on the excessively oily parts of your face, dry thoroughly and then apply your makeup.
If your whole face turns patchy after makeup is applied on it, then apply equal parts of lime juice and witch-hazel. Dry well before putting on your makeup.
Choose an astringent that contains acetone, which is known for dissolving oil. Strong astringents will do more harm than good, stimulating an overproduction of oil.
To clear away excess oil, use a clay or mud mask. Blend together well 1 teaspoon green clay powder and 1 teaspoon raw honey. Apply the mixture to your face, avoiding the eye area. Leave it on for fifteen minutes, then rinse well with lukewarm water. Do this at least three times a week--or more.
Once or twice daily, mix equal parts of lemon juice and water together. Pat mixture on your face and allow it to dry, then rinse with warm water. Follow with a cool-water rinse.
