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Every skin type has its advantages and drawbacks. People who have dry skin might have trouble making their foundation look not as cakey, but they are less likely to suffer from acne. People who have combination skin might have trouble finding a suitable product for their skin, but the naturally-occurring oils on their T zone will keep their skin looking healthier and softer. Same goes with people who have oily skin. They might be more prone to getting acne, but their skin shows much slower rates of aging. The natural oils work as a mask for the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
We don’t get to choose which skin type we’re dealt with, but we can always do something to improve our skin. Managing the amount of oil our skin produces is no exception. And by controlling the amount of oil, we can also control the side-effects which come along with oily skin.
What are the symptoms of oily skin type, what causes it and how can you treat it effectively? Let’s find out.
Before we get into all the different ways in which we can treat oily skin, let’s delve into how our skin gets oily in the first place. Oily skin occurs when the sebaceous glands placed in our skin produces large amounts of sebum. Sebum is a fancy name for the oily substance which is released onto the skin. A moderate amount of sebum is crucial for healthy, glowing and hydrated skin. However, when the skin produces too much oil, it’s more likely to break out and cause havoc.
Just like any other skin condition, there are many symptoms which are attributed to the oily skin type. The degree to which you will experience these will depend largely on your specific skin type.
It’s important to remember that your skin can change as you grow older, or even on a smaller scale – as the seasons change or even as a result of your hormonal fluctuations. So, if you’re currently suffering from oily skin it doesn’t mean that it will always be the case.
What are the symptoms of oily skin? Here are a couple of distinctive symptoms you should be aware of:
These are the most common physical symptoms of oily skin. Now that we’ve explained how the sebaceous glands work, let’s examine what causes them to overproduce oil and exasperate the above-mentioned symptoms.
Knowing the causes of your oily skin is a crucial part of solving the problem. There are multiple factors, conditions, and habits that can worsen the appearance of oily skin. You really should be aware of these in order to have the upper hand in controlling the damage they cause.
Genetics plays the biggest role in causing oily skin. If oily skin runs in your family, chances are, you will experience it too.
As you age, the protein that’s located in your skin decreases, so your skin becomes less oily. That doesn’t mean that you always change skin types as you grow older, but it means that the amount of oil your skin produces on a daily basis is decreased.
You might experience a change in skin types, however. If it does happen and your skin becomes very dry, it’s important to treat your skin with new, appropriate products like our wrinkle-free moisturizer. Like we’ve mentioned before, dry skin is more prone to fine lines and wrinkles, so a change in skincare routine is necessary if you want to have your skin under control.
The climate of the place we live in also plays a major role in determining the kind of skin we have. In excessively hot and humid climates, our skin tends to get oiler, while in dry, cold climates people usually have dry and flakey skin.
When it comes to the season, each particular one has a different influence on our skin. For instance, during the summer we sweat more and so our skin becomes oiler, while in the winter due to the rain, winds, and cold our skin dries up and, depending on how cold it gets, we might even experience dry patches and a rough texture.
One of the best things we can even do for our skin is to have its type properly diagnosed by a professional. This can save you a lot of time and money in the future. As you probably know, not all skincare products are created equal. The ones who are meant for people with dry skin will have different ingredients and effects than those which are meant for people with oily skin. Therefore, it’s important to know our skin type so that we can buy appropriate products and keep it under control.
This often happens with people who have combination skin. They mistake it for oily skin and they shop for the wrong skin type, purchasing products which are too heavy for their particular type and ones that won’t combat the dry areas on the face.
Remember, skin types aren’t completely fixed, so your skincare routine might change as the seasons pass.
Using overly harsh products on the skin, and using them too often can also result in trouble. If you wash your face more than 2 times a day, you’re doing more harm than good. It’s a common misconception, especially among people who’ve never suffered from acne and oily skin, to recommend washing your skin more often. This is wrong on so many levels. Contrary to popular belief, washing your skin too often can cause it to produce more oil than necessary, which increases the amount of oil in general, which can become a prime ground for breakouts.
Same goes with exfoliating. If you do it more than 2 times a week, you risk damaging the protective layer of your skin.
Enlarged pores can also be the cause behind excess oil on the skin. Large pores, on average, produce more oil than smaller ones. Unfortunately, you can’t change the physical size of your pores. But don’t despair, you can always treat them topically and choose makeup and skincare products which are designed specifically for people who have large pores and oily skin.
Stress is bad for the body, we all know that. But is it equally bad for the skin? The answer is yes.
All of us have a certain amount of stress in our lives, whether it’s due to school, work or relationships. In this day and age, it seems like it’s impossible to spend even a day without stressing out about something. However, if you’re concerned about oily skin, it’s best to keep the stress in your life to a minimum. Stress can cause the sebaceous glands to overproduce oil, making your skin oilier and leading to clogged pores and acne. In order to avoid this, try incorporating some stress-relieving habits in your life such as yoga and meditation.
Many people who’ve suffered from oily skin have been tempted to skip the moisturizer at some point. Some might do it on a regular basis. After all, if there’s excess oil on the skin it makes sense not to put anything on top of it, right? Well, it seems like that’s not the case. Actually, for people with an oily skin type, the opposite is true. Adding moisturizer after washing your face won’t make your skin oilier. That’s one of the biggest myths in regards to skincare.
This is especially true if you use harsher products on your face, such as benzoyl peroxide and Retin A. Those products tend to dry out your skin, and you will certainly need a good moisturizer afterward if you want to keep your skin healthy and glowing.
So, what’s the best solution for people who have oily skin? The answer lies in the product itself. Try choosing moisturizers which are specifically meant for people who have oily skin. Those are usually gentler and lighter than the rest. Opting for oil-free and non-comedogenic products will also help your condition.
Remember, for optimal results, it’s best to use a moisturizer after each time you do your full skincare routine, which, for most people, is early in the morning and right before they go to bed.
You might be asking yourself “What has diet got to do with my skin?” Well, the answer is simple – in the last couple of years, there have been numerous studies which show a correlation between skin health and diet. It’s been proven that high glycemic foods, in some people, can cause an overproduction of sebum. It’s best to stick to a diet rich with whole plant foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and avoid dairy products.
When it comes to makeup and oily skin, it can be very tricky to combine the two without looking like a Christmas tree ornament. But don’t despair! Luckily, there are specific cosmetic products which are designed for people who have oily skin. Remember to always look for oil-free and non-comedogenic products. These won’t clog your pores and won’t cause any additional oiliness. Avoid harsh ingredients such as silicones, talc or mica since they can make your condition worse. Don’t use any products which are meant for people with combination or oily skin because you may risk them drying out your skin, which, in turn, will cause more oil to produce as a defense mechanism.
Oily skin can be a side-effect of certain types of medicine. Some medication such as the birth control pill and hormone replacement medication can cause excessive oil production, leaving you with greasy-looking skin.
Another way in which medication can affect your skin is by dehydrating it, which will cause the sebaceous glands to overproduce oil in fear of being dry as a bone.
In addition, steroids can also cause oily skin and it’s often reported as a side-effect of using certain steroids.
Now that we’ve gone over all the causes behind the oily skin type (many of which are surprising, to say the least) let’s see what we can do in order to decrease the amount of oil which is produced in our skin.
One of the easiest things you can do is wash your face regularly. As a part of our morning and nighttime routine, we often include a gentle face cleanser which effectively removes all the excess dirt, oil and bacteria while simultaneously unclogging the pores. If you’re on the lookout for an amazing cleanser, check out this salicylic acid one. Salicylic acid is a great option if you struggle with oily skin and acne.
We already discussed the dangers of over-washing your face, and most experts agree that washing it two times a day is ideal. Another thing to remember is the way in which you dry the skin can make all the difference in the world. Don’t go too harsh with the towel, but instead pat your face dry gently with a soft towel. By doing this, you’re not only avoiding irritation, but you’re also protecting the skin against premature signs of aging.
The next step in your skincare routine should be a gentle toner which will absorb the excess oil and gunk that’s sitting on top of your skin. There are some ingredients you should watch out for, like alcohols and synthetic fragrances. Instead, opt for natural ingredients such as Aloe Vera, sandalwood, witch hazel, and salicylic acid.
Adding regular scrubs and face masks in your skincare routine is crucial. It’s tempting to use harsh exfoliating products regularly, but don’t give in to this temptation. Gentle exfoliators will do wonders for your skin - they will exfoliate your skin and help it renew itself, which will decrease the oiliness in return.
Using blotting papers is the perfect way to treat oily skin, especially if you’re on the go or have already applied makeup on your skin. Blotting papers are exactly what they sound like – pieces of paper which you pat on your skin in order to get rid of excess oil. These can be found in most drugstores and are quite inexpensive. And the best thing about them is that you can literally take them anywhere with you and use them while you’re in a hurry.
Now that you know everything there is to know about optimizing your skincare routine in order to minimize oil production, feel free to give one of these DIY at-home treatments a go during your next pamper session.
Everyone loves a DIY treatment. They’re easy, cheap, time-effective and mostly require ingredients you already have in your home. So, what’s not to love?
As an ingredient, honey is amazing for combating oily skin. It can keep the skin moisturized without making it oily. What’s more, it also has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, which makes it the perfect option for those who suffer from acne.
For this face mask, you’ll need a couple of tablespoons of honey. Make sure you’re using organic and raw honey if it’s available to you. Apply a thin layer of honey on your skin and let it sit for around 10 to 15 minutes. Once it’s done, wash it off with warm water. Your skin will be moisturized and glowing in no time!
We’ve all heard aloe Vera mentioned in the context of skincare before. What makes it a suitable ingredient for your face, you might ask? Well, as it turns out, Aloe Vera has incredible anti-inflammatory and cooling properties, which makes it a life-saver for people who’ve suffered any sunburns. It’s also rich in minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants, ingredients which suit all skin types. Some research suggests that it might help with oily skin, especially oily patches, so it doesn’t hurt to try it out.
You’ll only need one ingredient for this face mask – pure, unrefined aloe Vera gel suitable for face application. Wash your face with a cleanser and apply a thin layer on your skin. You can either leave it on while you’re sleeping or wash it off after half an hour, it’s completely your choice. If your skin is on the sensitive side, I recommend washing it off after half an hour. Use a patch test before trying it out all over your face since it can cause an allergic reaction.
When it comes to oily skin and acne, cosmetic clay masks can easily be considered a miracle. There are a few types of clay masks you can use on your face: French green, rassoul, kaolin, fuller Earth’s clay and bentonite. All of these perform a different function on the skin and have unique benefits. However, when it comes to oily skin treatment, it’s best to use kaolin clay. Red kaolin clay, in particular, is famous for its absorbing properties.
Clay masks can be purchased in most drugstores and shops. Certain types can be found even in supermarkets. When it comes to preparing the masks, for most of them all you will need is some water in order to form a paste. Once the paste is formed, quickly apply it on your skin and let it sit for around 15 minutes. Wash your face thoroughly afterward and proceed with your regular skincare routine.
When it comes to preventing your skin from producing excess oil, you don’t always have the upper hand. As we mentioned before, genetics play a big part in determining your skin type. Other factors which influence the production of oil such as hormonal changes and certain types of medication are also not always within our control.
However, there are a couple of steps you can take in order to ensure that the oils on your skin won’t get out of control.
Keeping your skincare routine as simple as possible is crucial. Be consistent with the products you use since a few weeks need to pass before a product can start to make a difference in your skin.
When you’re introducing new products or ingredients in your usual skincare routine, make sure you’re doing it gradually and slowly so that you prevent any imbalances in skin pH levels and oil production.
Another important thing to remember is to apply SPF every time you leave the house. Sun protection plays a vital part in keeping your skin healthy and youthful. Make sure you choose sunscreens which are suitable for oily skin types and don’t contain any oils inside.
If you’re an avid makeup user, it’s best to stick to water-based or mineral makeup which won’t clog your pores and doesn’t contain harmful ingredients or any kind of oils. It’s tempting to use layers upon layers of powder in order to mask the shiny appearance, but this is not always a good idea. Multilayered makeup can cause further irritation and congestion, and for some people, it might even cause them to break out. It’s better to use a non-comedogenic mattifying primer in order to mask the oiliness underneath the foundation.
Remember, diet is also one of the most important steps in keeping your skin happy and under control. Avoid processed foods and refined sugar whenever possible.
If you suffer from oily skin, you’re not alone. A few factors contribute to oily skin such as your age, the climate and weather, your genetics, the products you use and your general lifestyle. While you can’t influence all of them, you can certainly improve your condition by making a few tweaks in your skincare routine and your habits.
If all else fails, you can always consult a dermatologist who will help you find a solution for your problem.
