Care for Oily Skin

Oily skin occurs when the oil glands in your skin start to produce excess oil. It’s a natural process that you cannot stop, but you can take steps to manage and care for oily skin. Oily skin can be uncomfortable and unpleasant, but by having a good skincare routine and being gentle with your skin you can ease the problem.

Steps

Keeping Your Face Clean

1. Wash your face twice a day. Having a good cleaning and skincare routine is the most important thing you can do to care for oily skin. Gently clean your face twice a day, morning and night, with warm water and soap, or a soapless facial cleanser. Use a gentle cleanser at first, as a harsher cleanser can actually increase oil production.
   • If a normal cleanser does not reduce the oiliness of your skin, consider a cleanser that includes benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or beta hydroxy acid.
   • Start with a cleanser with benzoyl peroxide. This chemical is used specifically to treat mild to moderate acne.
   • A chemical cleanser like this might lead to side-effects, such as drying, redness and scaling. These effects often recede after the first month of using the cleanser.
   • You may have to try a number of different products to see which one works best for you.
   • Use your hands to clean your face and do not use a washcloth or loofah. Pat your face dry afterwards — do not rub or irritate the skin.
2. Use oil-free cosmetics. If you have oily skin, it is important that you choose cosmetics that will not exacerbate it. Check the labels carefully and always opt for “oil-free” or “water-based” cosmetics. There is some uncertainty about the direct effect of cosmetics on oil production, but heavy makeup may block your pores.
   • If you can go without, try holding off on products like foundation. Keep your makeup minimal (like using mascara and lipstick only) to avoid clogging pores.
3. Use moisturizers selectively. Often people with oily skin will steer clear of moisturizers, thinking that their skin doesn’t need any extra lubrication, but this is not true. Those with oily skin still need to moisturize. Certainly oily moisturizers should be avoided, along with anything that might further clog up your skin. Oil-free moisturizers, however, can help you achieve a balance in your skin.
   • Vary the amount you apply according to the parts of your face that are oilier or drier.
   • Choose the product carefully, and look for a non-oily non-comedogenic moisturizer. Look for products specifically tailored to those with oily skin. Some cosmetic lines, like Clinique, have different lines for different types of skin, including oily skin.
   • Avoid any moisturizers that contain lanolin, petrolatum or isopropyl myristate.
   • Look at online reviews for some pointers, and consider a gel moisturizer that has a different texture to lotions.
4. Don’t over-wash your face. If you have oily skin, you may be tempted to keep washing it throughout the day to tackle the oil build-up. Avoid this temptation, and try to wash your face only in the morning and evening. Washing more often can dry out your skin and cause irritation.
   • You may try washing your skin once during the day if it is exceptionally oily.
   • You can wash your face more than twice a day if you have been sweating.
5. Be mindful of what touches your face. Although the oiliness of your skin is largely genetic and the oil is produced below the surface of the skin, it’s a good idea to be mindful of what touches your skin. If you have greasy hair and it is falling over your face, some of this greasiness will be transferred to your skin.
   • If you have grubby hands and keep touching your face, you will be spreading the oil around.
   • Keep your hair and hands clean and off your face.

Tackling Excess Oiliness

1. Try face masks. Face masks and clays can be effective in drawing out the oil from the skin, but there is also a danger that overuse will result in excess dryness and irritation. Be wary of this when you use masks, and try to concentrate them on the areas of your skin that are the oiliest. Don’t use masks or clays too frequently. Instead only use them ahead of a special occasion, such as a party or big presentation at work.
   • You can look for masks especially designed for oily skin.
   • Be prepared to try out a few to see which one works best for you.
2. Use blotting pads. If your skin gets oily throughout the day it can be upsetting, and constantly washing your face is likely to only make it worse. You can, however, use simple blotting pads to remove excess oil from the surface of your skin. This is a good way to remove the oily shine during the day, which you can do subtly and quickly no matter where you are or what you’re doing.
   • There are a number of over-the-counter blotting pad products you can buy that will help remove shine during the day.
   • You can also just use a tissue or some toilet paper.
   • Be sure to be gentle with your skin, and don’t scrub at it.
3. Consider using a mild astringent. Astringent toners are quite commonly included in skincare regimens, but you should be wary of using one that is drying or harsh on your skin. Drying the skin with a strong toner is not the way to tackle oily skin, and will only make the situation worse. If you do want to use a toner, make sure you stick to a light alcohol-free and oil-free one.
   • Only apply it to the oiliest areas of your skin.
   • If you find that you are getting dry patches of skin, stop using the astringent.
   • Remember that most people’s skin is a combination of dry and oily, so you should adapt your approach for the different areas of your skin.
4. Talk to a medical professional. Make an appointment to talk to your doctor or dermatologist if you are sticking to a good skincare routine, but you find that the oiliness does not diminish. They will be able to advise you on what further steps you can take, and may even prescribe you some medication.
   • The choice of therapy should be individualized, depending on the severity and type of skin problems, as well as tolerance and other factors. Your doctor can help specifically tailor your skincare routine to your skin type.
   • Remember that oil production is perfectly natural and normal.
   • If the situation is upsetting you, ask for some professional help.

Looking After Your Skin

1. Recognise what causes oily skin. Oily skin is caused by excess skin oil (or sebum), which begins to occur for both males and females during puberty. The amount of oil produced varies from person to person, but for some people there will be an excess of oil, giving the skin a shiny and oily look.
   • After puberty the oil production generally subsides, but problems with oily skin can continue into adulthood.
   • Oily skin is often exacerbated by hot and humid weather conditions.
   • Oily skin can be uncomfortable and upsetting, and those with oily skin tend to suffer more from acne.
2. Reduce your stress levels. If you have oily skin and acne, heightened stress levels may exacerbate the problem. Adopt a healthy lifestyle and try to find ways to relax. To calm down at a particular moment try doing some deep breathing, or even some gentle yoga or meditation.
   • Going out for a walk can help you to clear your head while getting some exercise.
   • Make exercise a regular part of your daily routine to help you blow off some steam.
3. Have a healthy diet. It is a myth that greasy foods lead directly to greasy skin and acne, but it’s important to have a healthy diet to promote good overall health and well-being. Some foods, including those rich in carbohydrates, such as bread, may trigger acne. The oiliness of your skin does not depend on what you eat, but if you work in a kitchen, oil can stick to your skin and block your pores.
4. Protect your skin from the sun. Thick sunscreens can be difficult for people with oily skin, as the heavy liquid will add new oiliness to your skin and block your pores. It is, however, absolutely vital to protect your skin from the sun. When you are buying sunscreen look for “oil-free” options, and products designed especially for those with oily skin.
   • Sunscreen gels are generally less likely to block your pores than lotions or creams.
   • Choose a sunscreen that has broad spectrum coverage with an SPF of at least 30. Make sure that the sunscreen is water-resistant. Apply at least 15 minutes before you go in the sun and wear it daily.

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Sources and Citations

See also

• Use Pore Strips
• Stop an Oily Face
• Apply Makeup on Oily Skin
• Clean Clogged Pores
• Prevent Oily Skin
• Get Rid of Oil on Your Face
• Buy a Blackhead Remover
• Prevent Blackheads
• Treat Whiteheads
• Take Care of Oily Skin with Homemade Products

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