Oily skin is not a condition specific to teenagers, or to those with fluctuations in hormones. Adults can experience skin oiliness throughout their lives. Oily skin can be aggravating and annoying, but there are treatments that can help alleviate and control oil production. The causes of oily skin can range from living in areas of high humidity to diet, heredity, and cosmetic use.
Oily skin characteristics are consistent with a shiny skin appearance along with the subsequent side effects of blemished skin (whiteheads, blackheads or full-blown acne), clogged pores, dull and coarse skin. As skin ages, oil production wanes, but that does not usually occur until the late 30’s or early 40’s. Still, even an older person that has suffered from oily skin issues in the past can continue to have problems with oiliness in the t-zone (the forehead, nose and chin areas) and wind up with a combination skin situation that requires treatment for both the oily areas and areas of dryness (such as the cheeks).
A low fat diet can play a part in helping oily and problem skin, and the right food and drink consumption can aid in the management of oily skin and skin eruptions. A well balanced diet includes: daily water intake (six to eight glasses), or herbal tea supplementation, fresh fruit and vegetables of color (blueberries, red berries, and dark greens), vitamins and minerals (A and B-6 as well as Lecithin), and consumption of fish and fish oil high in omega-3 fatty acids, which have been found to help in the balance of oil production. Obviously, the foods to avoid are fried and processed foods, minimal animal and dairy, particularly high fat contact dairy that increase skin oil production.
Genetics and hormone levels do play a part with oily skin, and diet restrictions can be of some benefit, but if one is predisposed to oily skin, even a restricted diet may not help.
An oily skin situation is not always a devastating factor as the skin is allowed to remain hydrated but, obviously, too much oil secretion is not beneficial for overall skin health and appearance. With the constant effort to remove excess oil through various cleansing products, the skin can become rough and dry from the removal of dead skin cells and the oil itself. It is often thought that oily skin is unclean or has not been washed on a regular basis because of the constant oiliness and shine, but that is not true as hormonal fluctuations and other factors set glandular effects into motion, and the skin produces more oil. Anyone experiencing oily skin issues should steer away from continual cleansing as it actually does strip the skin of vital moisture.
There are numerous products on the market to deal with both oily and combination skin and they usually contain specified ingredients to control oil, prevent skin irritation, breakouts, and retain skin moisture. One of the more useful skin cleansing products designed specifically for oily skin is SkinMedica Facial Cleanser. It is soap free and actually cleanses through green tea and panthenol. Other ingredients found in oily skin cleansing products include benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, lactic acid, tea tree oil, olive leaf, and peppermint oil. An even more natural approach to oily skin cleansers could include milk, lemon, honey, almond powder and yogurt ingredients. It is advisable to avoid toxic ingredients and look for plant derivative; organic and natural oily facial cleansers rather than products with harsh and damaging ingredients that over dry and irritate the skin. In addition, any oily skin cleanser or oily skin product should be oil-free and non-comedogenic in order to avoid clogged pores. Toners, used either after cleansing or at intermittent periods are not often recommended, but they can be helpful with controlling shine and removing dead skin cells. One toner that is beneficial to oily skin is Neova Balancing Toner as it contains alpha hydroxy acids to deal with excess, pore clogging dry skin remnants. The acids found in such products help to remove excessive shine while exfoliating the skin. Toners can actually be used after a shower in order to tighten pores and eliminate impurities that may have been left behind from normal everyday cleansing.
Part of an oily skin regimen should also include use of a mask several times a week to purify the pores and extract excess oil from the face. A clay mask is recommended for oily and combination skins to dry out the oily areas. In addition, the use of blotting paper during the day can absorb any excess oil on the face. Some of these papers actually contain rice powder that helps to absorb the oil as well as deliver a matte finish to the face. Though moisturizing oily skin would seem unproductive, there is still a need of some moisture to deal with dry areas, and a moisturizing lotion such as June Jacobs Protective Moisturizer has the necessary antioxidants, plant extracts and sunscreen protection to nourish and hydrate oily skin. Any other cosmetics or foundations used should include water-based products, cream to powder foundations, and sunscreen factor protection.
Oily skin care does not have to be difficult or confusing. With a modified diet and a routine skin care program, excess oil can be controlled and kept in check. Research the most highly rated skin care regimens and product lines through books, magazines, skin care journals and the internet. Keep note of the most effective ingredients and directions for use. If necessary, consult with a skin aesthetician or a dermatologist for a more in depth analysis and treatment regimen.
