Oily skin can clog pores and lead to increased acne, but oily skin also has many benefits. Oil helps protect the skin and people with oily skin tend to have thicker skin and fewer wrinkles. The trick is to strike a balance between skin with too much oil and maintaining the skin’s natural moisture.
To help control oily skin, you can consider these suggestions:
1- Wash your face every morning, evening and after exercise. Resist the urge to scrub your skin while washing. Scrubbing irritates your skin, which can make it look worse.
2- SELECT skincare products labeled “oil-free” and “non-comedogenic”. This means that products with these labels, including cleansers, moisturizers and makeup, will not clog your pores or cause acne.
3- Use a gentle, foaming face wash. Many people believe that they need to use a strong face wash for oily skin to dry out their skin. However, using a face wash that is too harsh can irritate your skin and trigger increased oil production. Instead, look for a mild, gentle face wash.
4- DO NOT use oil-based or alcohol-based cleansers as these can irritate your skin.
5- Apply moisturizer daily. Even if you have oily skin, it is still important to apply moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated. To save time and protect your skin from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays, look for a moisturizer that contains a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
6- Wear sunscreen outdoors. Sunscreen helps prevent sun damage that can lead to wrinkles, age spots and even skin cancer. Look for sunscreens with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to prevent acne breakouts, and don’t use sunscreens with fragrances or oils.
7- CHOOSE oil-free, water-based makeup.
8- Don’t sleep with your makeup on. Always remove all makeup before going to sleep.
9- You can use blotting papers during the day. Press the paper lightly on your face and leave it for a few seconds to absorb the oil. Do not rub the paper on your face, this will cause the oil to spread to other areas.
10- Don’t touch your face during the day. While it may be tempting to touch your face, doing so can spread dirt, oil and bacteria from your hands to your face. Touch your face only when cleansing, moisturizing or applying sunscreen or makeup, and make sure your hands are clean first.
Every person’s skin is different and there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to skincare. If you are concerned about the amount of oil your skin produces, or if you struggle with blackheads or acne, you can make an appointment with your dermatologist. You can contact us to schedule an examination appointment and ask any questions you may have.
