Oily skin can sometimes be as hard to manage as dry or combination skin – but with the right oily skin product, excess shine and oil production can be treated. Oily skin is not just something teenagers or those dealing with fluctuating hormones need to deal with; it can happen to men and women of all ages. There are many causes of excessive oil production in the skin, in addition to hormone levels including:
Living in an area with high humidity levels
Diet
Heredity
Use of cosmetics
Having oily skin can lead to a consistently shiny appearance, and too much oil on the face leads to unsightly blemishes, blackheads and other blemishes. While it’s important to have some oil in the skin – as that is the natural way the skin hydrates itself, overproduction of oil leads to clogged pores, dull skin texture and a visible shine. As the skin ages, the oil production naturally decreases – but that could happen in the late 30s or early 40s, no sense in waiting until then to treat oily skin! Those who have an oily t-zone, commonly used to describe the forehead, nose and chin, but have dry cheeks experience combination skin – and there are plenty of skin care products to help deal with this type as well.
Having oily skin is not all bad news, as oil keeps the skin hydrated better than dry skin – it is having too much oil that causes a problem and leaves a shiny residue on the skin. When dealing with oily skin, Oily skin facial cleanser need to wipe away excess oil and slough dead skin cells from the face without stripping away all of the moisture. With some oil, your skin will be left dry and dull, which is never a good alternative. Look for an oily skin facial cleanser that contains important ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. The acids found in these products remove excess shine and help exfoliate dry skin cells. Breakouts and blackheads are often caused by the combination of oil and dead skin cells, so wiping them away with these ingredients will reduce breakouts and shine.
One common myth regarding oily skin is that it is dirty or there is an excess shine because the face is never washed – that is not the case. Hormones or other factors set the glands into overdrive, leaving the skin to produce more oil. Avoid washing the face multiple times a day, which will cause the skin to dry out – prompting your skin to produce even more oil! Instead, use a Oily skin facial cleanser designed for oily skin, such as SkinMedica Facial Cleanser, which is soap-free to prevent irritating the skin, but will cleanse by way of green tea and pathenol.
Once or twice a week, use an oily skin product mask to purify the pores and soak up excess oil from the face. For those with combination skin, clay masks could cause dry areas to dry out further – so always use the mask on areas where there is excess oil, like the t-zone. Blotting papers are ideal to use during the day to soak up excess oil on the skin and many feature a rice powder or translucent powder to further mattify oily skin on the face. While it seems counterproductive to add lotion to the face, Oily skin facial cleanser comprised of antioxidants and plant extracts nourish and hydrate the skin’s layers without adding more oil or clogging pores – June Jacobs Protective Moisturizer soothes skin and is oil-free with a built-in sunscreen for added protection.
Any oily skin product you choose should be oil-free and non-comedogenic to avoid clogging pores. While not often suggested, a toner is also helpful for controlling excess shine and removing dry skin. The Neova Balancing Toner features a blend of alpha hydroxy acids to wipe away pore-clogging dry skin cells. Use a toner in the evenings after a shower to tighten pores and remove any impurities left behind after the regular skin cleansing.
Oily skin can be hard to manage, but with the proper diet and skin care, excess oil can be taken care of quickly and efficiently. Use matte cosmetics – such as a cream to powder foundation to offer coverage without increasing shine. Dust the face with translucent powder to further mattify the skin – and touch up using blotting papers throughout the day. Avoid over cleansing – it can actually cause more harm than good and always protect the skin from harmful sun exposure.
