Get Rid of Oil on Your Face

Genes, hormones, diet, stress and certain medications can all contribute to oily skin that causes acne. Acne is a skin condition in which hair follicles become plugged with oil and dead skin cells and pimples form. You can control the amount of oil on your skin by washing your face properly, avoiding skin irritants, eating well, and using prescription or over-the-counter drugs. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to control the cosmetic nuisance of oily skin and prevent annoying breakouts.

Steps

Keeping Your Skin Clean

1. Wash your face with a mild cleanser. Try Dove, Neutrogena, Cetaphil, CeraVe or Basics, as these products will not cause dryness. Wash your face one to two times per day. If oil persists, use an over-the-counter medicated acne wash that contains benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, resorcinol or salicylic acid.
   • Use warm water to wet your face. Apply a dime-sized amount of the cleanser to your fingers and lather it in your palms.
   • Use your fingers to massage the cleanser onto your face. Apply in a circular motion and massage for about a minute. Be sure the cleanser removes all makeup and any visible dirt or debris.
   • Use warm water to rinse off all the cleanser. Rinse thoroughly, as leftover cleanser may dry skin. Never blot or wipe off the cleanser, as you may leave behind dirt and oil the cleanser has lifted from your pores.
   • Pat dry with a clean towel. Dirty towels can transfer oil and bacteria and contribute to breakouts. Wash linen frequently in hot water with dermatologist-recommended detergent.
   • Apply an oil-free moisturizer with sunscreen immediately after washing. The moisturizer will trap water on your damp face and keep your skin hydrated all day. Many acne products cause photosensitivity and increase your risk of sunburn, so proper SPF is crucial.
2. Control daytime oil with astringent face pads or oil-blotting sheets. If oil builds up on your face and you are unable to wash it, use these over-the-counter products to soak up oil.
   • Blot shiny spots on your face with pad or sheet. Pay special attention to your t-zone (your forehead, nose and chin), where breakouts are most common.
   • Discard pads or sheets when they appear dirty. Do not attempt to clean your face with a discolored pad; you will only transfer oil and bacteria. It may take several pads to clean your face.
   • If you do not have access to astringent pads or oil-blotting sheets, you can dab your face with tissues.
3. Keep your hair clean and off of your face. The oil that is produced from your scalp and is in your hair can transfer to your face if they come into contact. Keep your hair pulled back so that it does not touch your face and be sure to pin bangs off your forehead. Make sure you are keeping your hair clean and shampooing regularly so that it does not become too greasy and contribute to your oily skin.
4. Avoid skin irritants. Many hair products and cosmetics contain chemicals that can irritate skin and block pores. Read product labels and use only non-comedogenic (oil-free) grooming products. The following products often cause irritation and oily skin:
   • Hairspray
   • Conditioners
   • Gel, mouse and other sculpting products
   • Greasy cosmetics
   • Oil-containing sunscreens

Fixing Your Diet

1. Discover any trigger foods. Certain foods may trigger acne. If you notice outbreaks after eating certain kinds of food, try cutting back to see if there is an improvement. Always talk to your healthcare provider before eliminating entire food groups, as this can cause nutritional deficiencies.
2. Eliminate dairy. Try cutting out all dairy products, especially lactose-rich items like milk and ice cream. Dairy can contribute to oily skin and cause acne breakouts. Incorporate almond milk, coconut milk, or other non-dairy products into your diet.
3. Cut the carbs. Research has shown that carbohydrate-rich diets may trigger acne. Reduce bread, pasta, potatoes and refined grains if you suspect this is contributing to acne. Substitute salad greens or vegetables for carbohydrates.
4. Avoid chocolate. Studies show that chocolate may worsen breakouts. Try carob, or satisfy your sweet-tooth with fresh fruit.
5. Say no to greasy foods. Contrary to popular myth, ingesting greasy foods will not cause acne. The grease from these foods will, however, cause topical skin irritation if you are preparing them. Standing over a fryer or touching your face after handling greasy food will cause oily skin.

Consulting a Doctor

1. Schedule an appointment with a dermatologist. If over-the-counter products and home remedies have not controlled your greasy skin and acne, consult a dermatologist, who specializes in treating skin. Greasy skin can lead to acne, which can result in scarring and infection. Many medical conditions can contribute to skin problems.
2. Review your medical history. Before your dermatologist appointment, write down the names and dosages of any medications you are taking so you can discuss them with your doctor. Certain medications can worsen acne.
3. Discuss treatment options with your doctor. Many topical and oral medications are available for acne-prone skin. Your doctor may recommend treatments based upon the suspected cause and severity of your skin problems. Common treatment options include:
   • Antibiotics (topical or oral) — Antibiotics kill bacteria and reduce inflammation in skin. They are sometimes prescribed in low doses with topical benzoyl peroxide to prevent antibiotic resistance.
   • Retinoids (topical or oral) — Retinoids are vitamin A derivatives that are often used in tandem with antibiotics. Retinoids unclog whiteheads and blackheads and prevent new pimples from forming in pores.
   • Combination estrogen/progestin birth control pills — Combination birth control pills can regulate hormones for women and prevent the skin from overproducing oil. Combination birth control pills contain estrogen and a progestin, two female reproductive hormones. Progestin-only pills and implants can worsen acne and should not be used to control oily skin.

Tips

• Wash your face no more than two times a day to prevent excessive drying.
• Control your stress through exercise, meditation and good sleep habits. Stress will worsen greasy skin and acne.

Warnings

• Acne medications may cause excess drying and peeling. Decrease frequency of use and apply an oil-free moisturizer if dryness occurs.
• Some skin products cause photosensitivity. Be sure to read labels and apply oil-free sunscreen daily.
• Skin medications can on rare occasions cause serious allergic reactions. Seek medical attention immediately if you experience hives, facial swelling, or breathing difficulties after taking or applying a medication.
• Always follow your doctor’s instructions when taking/using a prescribed medication.

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Sources and Citations

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