One of the more frustrating skin care problems to have is very oily skin. If you suffer from this problem than you know exactly what I am talking about - no matter what you do by mid-morning or mid-day your skin is shiny and greasy. While our skin definitely needs oil in order to look and function at its best having very oily skin can be unpleasant and embarrassing. Luckily with a little extra planning you can both stop oily skin from happening and make shiny skin look better throughout the day.
Why You Have Oily Skin
Oily skin is caused by a few different factors. One thing that plays a part in who has oily skin and who doesn't is genetics so yes, you can blame your mom and dad for your oily skin. Hormonal changes and misuse of skin care products such as scrubbing aggressively can contribute to oily skin.
So can the weather. During hot and humid months your skin can feel sticky and look slick and shiny while in the winter this probably will not happen.
How To Stop Oily Skin
An important thing to keep in mind when dealing with oily skin is not to go overboard with cleansing and scrubbing. You actually want to be gentle with oily skin in order to see an improvement with the way your skin looks. Harsh scrubs are definitely not the way to treat oily skin. Look for skin care products that are gels or lotions not creams. When you have oily skin creamy products feel much too heavy on your skin. When it comes to make-up your skin will love mineral make up, either in a powder or liquid formulation, since these formulations can help skin look matte.
Make sure that all the products that you use on your face say "will not clog pores" or "noncomedogenic".
Skin Care Routine For Oily Skin
- Cleanse your skin twice a day. You can use a cleanser that has salicylic acid or glycolic acid if you feel that your gentle cleanser is not strong enough. Don't get a harsh, abrasive scrub and sandpaper your face. You also do not want to use a cleanser that leaves your face feeling squeaky clean since this causes more harm than good to your skin. Cleansers that are gels or foams are a good choice for someone with oily skin.
- Tone your skin. If after washing your face you still feel that you have too much oil on your face use a gentle toner. Do not use a toner that is alcohol based or one that is labeled an astringent. As mentioned above you do not want to strip your face of all its oil, just control the oil. You could use a toner such as Thayers Alcohol-free Unscented Witch Hazel Toner or Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner with Antioxidants for Large Pores and Oily Skin.
- Use a moisturizer where needed. It is a skin care myth that people with oily skin should not use moisturizers. You do not need to use a moisturizer all over your face if your skin is oily instead use it only where you feel you need it. Be sure to use a moisturizer that is oil free; gel moisturizers are great for oily skin. Two products to try: Dermalogica Oil Control Lotion or Laneige Water Bank Gel Cream.
- Use an oil free sunscreen. Do not stop using sunscreen just because you have oily skin. Look for a gel sunscreen or one that says it is "oil free" or "will not clog pores". There are even powder sunscreens that will stop shine while giving you sun protection.
- Use a clay mask once a week. Clay can sop up oil from your skin leaving it looking great and feeling smooth. A very affordable choice is the Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay Deep Pore Cleansing that you can buy on Amazon.
Your Skin BFF - Blotting Papers
During the day if your skin gets shiny make sure that you have blotting papers on hand. Stash some in your car, your purse, or even your desk at work. Blotting papers can be found at all price ranges, and even Starbucks napkins are great at absorbing excess oil. So the next time your getting your latte be sure to snag a few extra napkins for your face.
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