What you need to know about oily skin.
Oily skin is a common problem for many people, especially during the summer. There are some ways to control it and how you deal with oily skin can depend on what your other skin care needs are. For example, if you have acne as well as oily skin, then you should treat both conditions at the same time. If not, then just focus on treating your oily complexion by using products that absorb oil or mattify your face without stripping it of its natural moisture. In this blog post we will cover how to take care of oily skin and give tips for those seeking solutions to their problem!
Characteristics of oily skin
The following features characterise oily skin:
- Oiliness on the face, neck – this means that oil production is increased compared to normal skin.
- Shiny appearance – refers to shine on the skin’s surface, which makes the skin look greasy.
- Enlarged pores – pores become enlarged due to excess oils produced by the glands.
- Redness/flushing – redness occurs because of extra blood flow into the area where the oil has accumulated. Flushed areas tend to get redder over time.
- Blackheads, pimples, or other blemishes -these occur more often on oily skin.
- Dry patches -dry spots develop on oily skin. They feel rough and flaky.
- Skin texture becomes coarse and dry – this is due to excessive oil production, the skin loses its natural moisture content resulting in dryness.
Causes of oily skin
There are a variety of reasons why people suffer from oily skin. Some of them include:
Hormones – Hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy, menopause, thyroid problems, polycystic ovarian syndrome.
Diet – a poor diet high in saturated fats, trans fat, refined sugar, alcohol, caffeine, processed foods, fried food, fast food, junk food, dairy products, meat, corn, yeast, gluten, artificial sweeteners, preservatives, additives, chemicals, pesticides.
Genetics – having family members who have oily skin.
Stress – excessive stress increases cortisol levels in our bodies. Cortisol helps us deal with stressful situations, but too much of can lead lead to oily skin.
Environment – sun exposure, pollution, air conditioning, heat, cold, windy conditions, humidity, hot tubs, saunas, swimming pools, steam rooms, tanning beds, cosmetics containing mineral oil, perfumes, lotions, creams, deodorants, hair sprays.
Medication – certain drugs like birth control pills, antihistamines, antidepressants, antacids, diuretics, steroids, antibiotics, oral contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy, insulin, chemotherapy, radiation treatment for cancer, certain types of arthritis medication, migraine medicine, asthma medicines, heartburn medication.
Diet – Foods rich in omega-three fatty acids such as salmon, tuna, walnuts, almonds, olive oil, avocados, sunflower seed butter, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, chia seeds, hemp seeds, flaxseed may cause oily skin.
How to care for Oily skin?
You can use these tips to help reduce the amount of oil present on your skin.
Wash your face twice daily using an appropriate cleanser. Use gentle cleansing techniques as not to strip away all of the beneficial lipids found naturally on your skin’s outer layer.
Avoid harsh scrubs and abrasive exfoliators. Instead, opt for mild facial washes formulated specifically for sensitive skin. If you’re prone to acne breakouts, choose a product without salicylic acid. This ingredient is known to clog pores and worsen existing acne. Also, avoid foaming cleansers that contain sodium lauryl sulfate, another common irritant. SLS strips away essential oils and impairs cell function. It also makes skin look dull and lifeless. Choose instead a non foamy formula made with glycerin and lactic acid.
Routine for oily skin
Use moisturizer every day. Moisturize at least once per day using a lightweight cream or gel. Apply after washing your face and before applying makeup. Please don’t overdo it! Too many layers will weigh down your complexion and make it appear greasy. Opt for light coverage formulas if you want to minimize shine. You should apply enough to cover your entire face, including neck and décolleté.
Advice for oily skin
Wash regularly – keep up with regular skincare routines by washing your face two times a day. Follow this advice even when you are not experiencing any signs of excess sebum production. Regularly cleaning your face reduces the chances of developing pimples and blackheads.
Use a toner – toner is used to cleaning the skin’s surface while leaving its natural moisture intact. Toners work best when combined with other products designed to remove dirt and debris from the skin. They are especially useful during the winter months because they keep your skin hydrated.
Use blotting papers and medicated pads – blotting paper removes extra oil from the skin. Medicated pads absorb excess oil and leave behind a fresh feeling. These items come in handy when you need to wipe off excess oil quickly.
Conclusion
The most important thing to remember is that oily skin can be treated. There are many ways of dealing with it, including using oil-free moisturizers, avoiding harsh soaps, applying more emollients such as oils and butter, taking steps to reduce sebum production by reducing stress levels, and eating well.
I hope this article has given you some great information about how to look after oily skin. There are so many different products out there, it can be hard to know which ones are worth your time and money. My suggestion would be that you try a few of these techniques before deciding on the best one for you – we all have different skin types with unique needs. The more knowledge you have, the better chance of finding something that works!
Image credit: Cuncon
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