OILY SKIN

Oily skin is a more common aesthetic disorder than we can think of and it is usually quite annoying for those who suffer from it.

Everyone’s skin needs a certain amount of oil to keep it moisturized. This oil is created by the sebaceous glands which are located all over the body but are predominantly on the face and scalp.  

These glands create a substance called sebum. Sebum often works well in lubricating the skin and preventing it from drying out. It can also work in cleaning your pores from dead skin cells and other dirt.  

Everyone produces a different level of sebum, determining what type of skin type you have. If you have overactive sebaceous glands which produce excess sebum then your skin can be left looking shiny and pores can become clogged. This is often why those who have oily skin tend to be prone to skin imperfections such as acne.

How to Know if You Have Oily-Type Skin

If your skin exhibits the following, then you have an oily skin type:

• Your face is shiny and usually appears greasy later on in the day.
• Makeup doesn’t stay on and seems to “slide” off.
• The oilier areas of your face have blackheads, pimples or other types of acne.
• Pores are visibly enlarged, especially on your nose, chin and forehead.

WHAT CAUSES OILY SKIN?

Typically oily skin is hereditary, so if you have oily skin then it’s likely that it was passed down to you via one or both of your parents. This tends to mean that there is very little you can actually do to change your skin type.

However, excess oil can be caused by a number of various elements. Heightened hormone levels can lead to more oily skin during times such as puberty and pregnancy, as well as during some women’s menstrual cycles or menopause. This is due to the sebaceous glands being more active during these times.

1. Genetics

Oily skin tends to run in families. If one of your parents has oily skin, you’re likely to have overactive sebaceous glands, too.

2. Age

While you don’t necessarily grow out of oily skin, your skin will indeed produce less sebum as you age. Aging skin loses protein, such as collagen, and the sebaceous glands slow down. This is why many people who have aging skin also have dry skin. This is also the time when fine lines and wrinkles are more noticeable because of the lack of collagen and sebum. One benefit of oily skin is that you may not show signs of aging as quickly as your drier counterparts. You may have oily skin now, but you’ll need to evaluate your skin as you get older. Even people in their 30s may not have the same skin composition as they did in their teens and 20s.

3. Where you live and the time of year

While genetics and age drive the underlying causes of oily skin, where you live and the time of year can also make a difference. People tend to have oilier skin in hot, humid climates. You’re also more likely to have more oil on your skin during the summer than you would in the fall or winter. While you may not be able to pick up and move away because of your oily skin, you can adjust your daily routine during days of high heat and humidity. Keep blotting sheets on hand to touch up excess oil throughout the day. A matte moisturizer or foundation can also help soak up extra oil.

4. Enlarged pores

Sometimes your pores can stretch out due to age, weight fluctuations, and previous breakouts. Larger pores also tend to produce more oil. You can’t shrink your pores, but you can take extra care to blot areas of your face with enlarged pores throughout the day.

5. Using the wrong skin care products

Oily skin can also be brought on by using the wrong skin care products for your skin type. Some people mistake combination skin for oily skin, and they might use too heavy creams, for example. Using the correct skin care products can make a huge difference in the amount of oil that’s left on your face.

6. Overdoing your skin care routine

On the flip side, washing your face or exfoliating too often can also make your skin oily. This can seem like an oxymoron, since the purpose of washing and exfoliating is to get rid of oil. But if you do this too often, you strip away too much of the oil from your skin. This can cause your sebaceous glands to go into emergency mode, where they produce even more oil to make up for the loss. You only need to wash your skin twice a day to keep excess oil at bay. Failing to wear sunscreen can also dry out your skin, leading to more sebum production. Make sure you wear sunscreen every single day. Moisturizers and foundations with sunscreen tend to be less oily, but you may still need to reapply throughout the day.

7. Skipping your moisturizer

It’s a myth that moisturizer causes oily skin. In fact, if you’re using acne treatments such as salicylic acid or benzyl peroxide, you definitely need a good moisturizer to keep your skin from drying out. Without moisturizer, any skin type will dry out. So instead of skipping moisturizer, the key is to find the right kind of moisturizer. Lightweight, water-based moisturizers work well for oily skin. Always make this your last step after cleansing and toning. Also look for products that say they’re “oil-free” and “non-comedogenic” to help keep pores clear.

HOW TO HELP OILY SKIN

Although you cannot change your skin type, there are things you can do to keep your oily skin under control.  

If you have oily skin then you may be prone to using products on your face that have a tendency to dry your skin out in hopes that it also takes away excess oil. But although you may feel that this is working initially, in the long run this can make your skin much worse.  

Scrubbing your skin with harsh exfoliator or over washing can actually strip your skin of moisture. Which, if you have oily skin, you may think you have too much of. But actually by stripping skin of moisture you will cause glands to overproduce oil, making your skin more oily in the long run.

If you have oily skin then more than likely you have larger open pores, leaving you more vulnerable to conditions such as acne. In order to help keep this under control then there are a few steps you can take.  

During the night we can accumulate bacteria on our faces, filling enlarged pores with dirt that could cause irritation and breakouts. Washing your face first thing in the morning is a great way to cleanse your skin and wash away any impurities that have gathered there.  

But another thing to keep in mind is that we naturally sweat more at night. This means that if we keep re-using bedding that has been in contact with dirt and sweat then we are making matters worse. Keep up to date with washing bedding and replacing it with clean sheets regularly to decrease the amount of dirt clogging up your pores.

1.     DO wash your face every morning, evening, and after exercise. While washing, resist the temptation to scrub your skin, even to remove makeup. Scrubbing irritates your skin, which can make it look worse.

2.     DO choose skin care products that are labelled “oil free” and “noncomedogenic.” This means that products that have these labels — including cleansers, moisturizers and makeup — won’t clog your pores or cause acne.

3.     DO use a gentle, foaming face wash. Many people believe that they need to use a strong face wash for oily skin in order 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. DON’T use oil-based or alcohol-based cleansers. These can irritate your skin.

5.     DO apply moisturizer daily. Although 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 also contains a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.

6.     DO wear sunscreen outdoors. Sunscreen helps prevent sun damage that could lead to wrinkles, age spots and even skin cancer. To prevent acne breakouts, look for sunscreens that contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, and do not use sunscreens that contain fragrance or oils.

7.     DO choose oil-free, water-based makeup.

8.     DON’T sleep in your makeup. Always remove all makeup before going to sleep.

9.     DO use blotting papers throughout the day. Gently press the paper against your face and leave it on for a few seconds to absorb the oil. Don’t rub the paper on your face, as this will spread the oil to other areas.

10. DON’T touch your face throughout the day. Although it’s tempting to touch your face, doing so can spread dirt, oil and bacteria from your hands to your face. Only touch your face when you’re cleansing, moisturizing or applying sunscreen or makeup, and make sure your hands are clean first.

FIVE MISTAKES THAT ARE MAKING YOUR OILY FACE OILIER

1. You're over-washing your face - People with oily skin need to understand that washing your face over and over won't make it easier for your skin to be less oily. Instead, wash it only when you feel the need and it starts to feel too oily. Going overboard with it will only damage your skin further.
2. You're not properly hydrated - When your body isn't well hydrated, it sends out a signal to the glands to trigger more oil production to balance the moisture out. Oil production glands then try to lubricate the skin in absence of water in your body and make your oily skin greasier.
3. You're not using a moisturizer - If you think not moisturizing your face will help you with your oily skin, you're wrong. Skipping moisturizer is a big no. If you're using an oil-controlling face wash or toner, it is very important to use a hydrator. Use a light water-based moisturizer that works well for your skin to prevent it from over-drying.
4. You're making use of heavy beauty products - Using several make-up products too often or using heavy cream-based products will only clog your pores more and increase oil production. Use a salicylic acid in your face wash or toner with the same ingredient so that it helps control the oil production. If you have very oily skin with open pores, you can make use of a night cream that contains adapalene or azelaic acid as they help in controlling oil production.
5. You're stressed out - The hormones that are responsible for producing oil in your body can very much fluctuate during pregnancy, menopause or puberty even. Stress can up these levels and when combined with cortisol, it can result in sebum production. The fight or flight system causes perspiration to increase and capillary function to decrease as the blood flow leaves the skin and goes to the internal organs and brain. This leads to more sebum production eventually.

7 HOME REMEDIES FOR OILY SKIN

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is naturally cleansing and incredibly versatile, whether you’re drinking its juices to support healthy digestion or apply it to your skin.

Jojoba oil

Applying more oil to your already oily skin? Oils can be very good for oily skin. Most oils are chock-full of vitamins, minerals and anti-inflammatory properties so they can be a valuable addition to your skincare regime.

Jojoba oil technically isn’t oil at all but a liquid polyunsaturated wax which might sound even less appealing. Nevertheless, it’s lightweight and can balance your production of sebum oil. This is because it has such similar properties to sebum oil that it can trick your skin into thinking it’s already producing more oil, thereby preventing an overproduction of sebum oil in the first place.

Oat meal & honey

Oatmeal and honey – sounds more like part of balanced breakfast than a recipe for a face mask, but it can be surprisingly effective. Both oatmeal and honey have natural anti-inflammatory properties, with honey also being an anti-bacterial agent too!

Oatmeal is also able to absorb excess oil whilst being very moisturising, so may convince your skin not to produce as much sebum oil, while honey can reduce irritation and redness – together they’re the perfect double act!

Cucumbers

Part of a healthy salad and an excellent addition to your skincare routine, you might think of cucumbers as something to put in sandwiches but they can also be really beneficial for oily skin. It’s hydrating, astringent and good at tightening open pores.

Naturally cleansing and rich in antioxidant vitamins such as vitamin A, E and magnesium, there are a number of recipes out there for a cooling cucumber face mask but my favorite would have to be combining cucumbers with egg whites and just a dash of lemon juice. Leave on your face for 15-30 minutes to help reduce your symptoms

Apple cider vinegar

Never apply apple cider vinegar directly to your skin. Instead always make sure you dilute with water first, let’s say a 3:1 ratio in favor of water, at least to start off with.

 It contains alpha hydroxyl acid and can even help to remove dead skin cells and reduce sebum plugs, preventing clogged pores and spots.

Tomatoes

Similar to cucumbers, you might think of tomatoes as belonging in your sandwiches and salads but, like cucumbers, they hold a number of surprising benefits for your oily skin. They can help to balance your skin’s pH, limiting the production of sebum oil and tightening open pores.

They’re also rich in vitamin C and capable of relieving inflammation and detoxifying your skin.

Egg whites

Eggs whites are rich in proteins and nutrients such as magnesium, so they can be a useful remedy for oily skin, helping to repair damaged tissues and shrink pores. It also works to remove impurities and excess oil from your skin, preventing breakouts of spots and pimples.