MARCH 26 2019 / BEAUTY
How To Control Oily Skin
Shine is a gorgeous thing on your hair, lips, and nails. Shine on your face, however, not so much. There's a difference between having a gleaming, strategically placed highlight accentuating your cheekbones and having a greasy face.
Sebum is an oily substance made of fats which produces the shine on your face and body. Sebum isn’t all bad since it helps protect and moisturize your skin and keep your hair shiny and healthy.
Too much sebum, however, may lead to oily skin, which can lead to clogged pores and acne. Genetics, hormone changes, or even stress may increase sebum production.
Managing oily skin often requires a person to make regular skin care a habit. And it can become merely a routine! Read along to find out my best tips for controlling oily skin.
Wash Your Face Regularly
It’s important to wash your face every morning, evening, and after exercise. If your skin’s oily, you should wash your face twice a day — but don’t overdo it. Washing regularly can reduce the amount of oil on the skin.
While washing, resist the temptation to scrub your skin, even to remove makeup. Scrubbing irritates your skin, which can make it look worse.
The following methods are recommended for washing oily skin:
Wash with a gentle soap and warm water.
Avoid soaps with fragrances, added moisturizers, or harsh chemicals, which can irritate or dry out the skin, making it respond by creating more sebum.
Avoid loofahs and rough washcloths, as added friction may stimulate the skin to make more oil.
SAVANNA LEIGH
Hello! My name is Savanna and I am from the Virgin Islands. I love surfing, scuba diving and anything involving the beach. While relaxing, I enjoy blogging <3
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Turn To Facials
After exfoliating, apply a mask with clay or salicylic acid, both of which temporarily decrease oil production in the skin.
Certain facial masks may be beneficial for treating oily skin. These may contain ingredients such as:
Clay. Masks containing minerals like smectite or bentonite can absorb oils and reduce skin shininess and sebum levels without irritating the skin. Use them only occasionally to prevent the skin drying out, and apply a gentle moisturizer afterward.
Honey. A 2011 study reports that natural raw honey has antibacterial and antiseptic qualities. A 10-minute honey face mask may reduce acne and oily skin while keeping the skin soft.
Oatmeal. Masks containing colloidal oatmeal may help to cleanse the skin, as suggested in a 2014 study. Oats contain gentle, cleansing saponins, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds that could soothe irritated skin.
Clay masks are extremely helpful in the fight against oily skin as they can remove excess oil and clean out your pores. We recommend Garnier Pore Purifying 2-in-1 Clay Cleanser/Mask, which can be used daily or weekly to help remove excess sebum. You should apply and let it rest until the mask no longer feels moist to the touch but is far from crumbling and dry.
Apply Moisturizers
It’s important to choose skin care products that are labeled “oil free” and “noncomedogenic.” This means that products that have these labels – including cleansers, moisturizers, and makeup – won’t clog your pores or cause acne.
While many people with oily skin steer clear of moisturizers for fear that their skin will look greasier, using the right moisturizers can benefit this type of skin.
Using a moisturizer is key to keeping oil production under control. So don't skip it!
Keep Foods In Mind
There are a number of foods that you should avoid if you have oily skin. Now I'm not saying you shouldn’t eat them, but it would be ideal for cutting back on these foods.
The foods to avoid for oily skin is:
Dairy Products such as milk, butter, and cheese
Red Meets such as beef, lamb, sausages, and bacon
Deep Fried Foods such as chips, pizza, and doughnuts
Salty Foods such as table sauces, salad dressings, pickles, salted nuts, and crackers.
Alcohol
Foods high in fats, sugars, and unhealthy oils can cause a negative reaction in your skin. Choose healthy fruits and vegetables and lean proteins, and cut down on sugar-sweetened beverages. Eating carrots, cantaloupe, and spinach, which are high in vitamin A and can actually slow oil production.
Don’t Touch
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Never touch your face throughout the day.
Although it may be tempting to touch your face, doing so can spread dirt, oil, and bacteria from your hands to your face. Only touch your face when you’re cleansing, moisturizing or applying sunscreen or makeup, and make sure your hands are clean first.
Having oily skin does make you more acne-prone because sebum is a key instigator of breakouts. Look for ingredients such as lactic, glycolic or salicylic acid to help exfoliate your skin and keep your pores clear.
Applying Makeup
Use which hazel before applying makeup. Wiping your face before applying makeup will help soak up excess oil without stripping your skin.
Another tip I recommend is to choose oil-free, water-based makeup. When choosing makeup products, always find oil-free or “non-comedogenic” products that won’t clog pores.
You may think that more powder would help soak up excess oil, but it can actually get cakey and may encourage your skin to pump out more oil. Apply powder sparingly only on shiny areas, and use a matte translucent formula.
Make sure to never sleep in your makeup. Always remove all makeup before going to sleep.
The best prevention for oily skin is for an individual to find a consistent skin care routine that works, and to stick to it.
Many people also say their diet is what keeps their skin from acting up. It may help to stay hydrated, avoid greasy foods and trans fats, and to eat a well-rounded diet full of whole foods.
The ultimate test of effectiveness is a personal experience. A person should find a routine that works for them and stick with it.
Every person’s skin is different, and there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to skin care. If you are concerned about the amount of oil your skin is producing or if you’re struggling with blackheads or acne, make an appointment to see a board-certified dermatologist.
If all fails, reach out to a dermatologist. Good luck!