Skin Care Tips For Oily Skin

With scorching temperatures rising daily, oily skin is almost unavoidable. There are a number of reasons why you might be struggling with oily skin this summer. Fortunately, there are also a number of ways for you to get it under control, starting now. 

What Causes Oily Skin?

Slight sheen, blemishes, and acne are characteristic of oily skin. Acne can stem from a number of causes, including heredity and hormones, improper cleansing, and diet. If your siblings or parents struggle with oily skin, there’s a good chance you have it too. There are a number of oil glands in the face that secrete an oily substance called sebum. The amount of sebum that your glands secrete is based on your genetics. Too much secretion, and your skin will not be able to tolerate the overproduction, resulting in oily skin and blemishes. If you are going through puberty or starting a new medication that changes your hormonal balance, this could also be a cause for oily skin. Teenagers are stereotyped as having acne simply because the hormones found during puberty tend to cause it. The same result as with heredity occurs here–an excess amount of sebum is produced.

Preventative Measures

Cleansing

Dirty skin can lead to oil buildup and blemishes. Keeping your hands off of your face can be a good place to start. When you touch your face, the bacteria and dirt from your hands can clog the pores of your skin, resulting in blemishes. You should also cleanse your skin daily. Steer away from harsh bar soaps. If you use the same soap for your body and face, you may want to consider something a little more specialized for your face wash. It seems strange, but oil cleansers were actually made for oily skin. If you need more, a wash with salicylic acid removes oil buildup at a greater extreme than other washes, causing your pores to become clean and clear of blemishes. It is recommended that your skin feel soft after a cleansing, not tight. After you have cleansed thoroughly, use a moisturizer. Plenty of people who struggle with oily skin skip moisturizing because it seems like it will make the skin more oily. In fact, moisturizer closes up the freshly-cleaned pores, allowing moisture to stay in and dirt to remain out. A gel moisturizer for oily skin will leave you with that refreshed feeling that is characteristic of clean, healthy skin. With its light texture, it is tendered to oily skin, unlike heavy oils such as coconut and shea butter.

Exfoliation

Exfoliation is a technique used to remove the buildup of dead skin cells. Like dirt and bacteria, these cells can overwhelm your pores, leaving them clogged and prone to acne. By exfoliating nightly with a light brush or a scrubbing cleanser, you help rid your face of these dead skin cells, leaving you with fresher, softer, smoother skin. The trick to exfoliation is to do it gently. Otherwise, you risk ripping your pores open, which means more room for bacteria and dirt to settle.

Diet

Your diet could also be affecting your skin. A diet high in fried and sugary foods could lead to more blemishes. The vitamins and minerals found in a healthy, balanced diet with vegetables and minimally processed foods give your skin the nourishment it needs to glow. More water couldn’t hurt either. With more water in your system, you can sweat more. This is a good thing! Sweat is the way your skin releases its toxins. Paired with an effective cleansing routine, the process of sweating can clear your skin of unwanted particles, resulting in a healthy, natural glow.

Makeup Choices

The key to makeup for oily skin is light textures. Heavy, cake-like foundations and powders will only clog your pores more deeply. There are plenty of options these days which are specified for oily skin. Look for non-drying pressed powders that are made for oily skin. It may take a bit of trial and error to find out what works best for you, but the results will be worth the effort. Give this a try and you may begin to notice the difference in your skin health.

Dermatologist

If you are trying a number of skincare routines without success, consider consulting a dermatologist for help. You may need a prescription face wash or medication to combat your oily skin. Try to catch it early. Don’t wait until your skin is uncomfortable and unmanageable to admit that you might need help discovering your skincare regimen.

It is important to remember that oily skin and blemishes are nothing to be ashamed of. With some preventative care, you may find the discomfort subsides and your skin starts to look healthier. Above all, what matters is that you feel comfortable and confident in your skin.

Related Skincare Reading:
Exfoliate Your Skin for a Youthful, Supple and Radiant Skin
6 Reasons That Cause Our Skin Damage-A Guide To Skincare Techniques
Exfoliate Your Skin for a Youthful, Supple and Radiant Skin