Dealing With Oily Skin

Oily skin is shiny, thick and dull colored. Often a chronically oily skin has coarse pores and pimples and other embarrassing blemishes. It is prone to blackheads. In this type of skin, the oil producing sebaceous glands are overactive and produce more oil than is needed. The oil oozes and gives the skin a greasy shine. The pores are enlarged and the skin has a coarse look. Causes of oily skin:
* Heredity
* Diet
* Hormone levels
* Pregnancy
* Birth control pills
* Cosmetics you use
* Humidity and hot weather

Because of the hormonal shifts of adolescence, oily skin is common in teenagers, but it can occur at any age. In general, skin tends to become dryer with age. The flow of sebum or oil increases during adolescence and starts decreasing with age. During pregnancy and menopause, hormonal imbalances can also upset the oil balance and increase the activity of sebaceous glands. The great advantage of oily skin is that it ages at a slower rate than other skin types.

People with oily skin often suffer from skin problems, like blemishes, acnes, black heads, white heads and pimples. Enlarged and clogged pores may be a problem. Oily skin often looks dull and shiny. With the right oily skin treatment, it is possible to treat such problems.

The cleaning should include the use of a good cleanser. You can find lots of different types of cleansers on the market, but you will want to read their labels carefully. Look through the "marketing hype" that you will find, and look for something that will help remove the oil without damaging or overly drying your skin.

When it comes to makeup, you will want to look for facial makeup that is specially formulated for oily skin. You need something that will help soak up the oil without appearing patchy, and it should be something that will not clog your pores. If your pores become clogged, this blocks the natural movement of the oil to the surface of your skin and can cause blemishes and sores.

You might also benefit from some facial treatments. For instance, you might want to use a mask that can help to cleanse the skin deeply. Use some warm water or mist to open your pores, and then follow the directions that came with the masking agent. A good mask can help remove excess oil and impurities and may even help make exfoliation easier.

To improve your oily skin through nutrition, eat plenty of foods that are rich in protein. Include lots of leafy vegetables and fresh fruit. Vitamin B2 can help prevent oily skin, so include good sources of B2 by eating wheat germs, whole grains, beans and nuts. Cut down on the amount of sugar and fat in your diet, and avoid soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, chocolate and fried food.

Toning lotion is a must: by tightening pores it keeps dirt out and allows your face to regain its velvety smoothness. Keep your skin very clean. Limit washing your face to two or three times a day. To cleanse oily skin, use oil-based products as they dissolve sebum effectively. Opt for oil-free moisturizers to maintain a shine-free complexion.

Recommendations for oily skin:
1. Avoid using cleansers that tend to overdry skin. This paradoxically causes your skin to produce even more oil than usual.
2. Use only noncomedogenic moisturizers and sunscreen products'this means they're oil-free and won't clog pores.
3. Keep a bowl of water in the fridge and splash this cold water on your face 3-4 times a day. Cold water will not only leave you feeling refreshed but will also tighten the pores. Follow up the cleanser with an astringent as this will remove all excess oil
4. Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water each day.Water helps flush out toxins from the body.
5. Use an exfoliant twice a week. These skin scrub products contains little granules that, when used with a small brush, provide deep cleansing.
6. Do not smoke. Smoking promotes enlargement of the pores and impairs the overall health of the skin.
7. Rub oily skin areas with apple cider vinegar for a neutralizing effect.
8. Get sufficient sleep as the skin's cellular repair activity is at its optimum during this resting phase.
9. Exercise benefits skin as it boosts circulation and encourages blood flow. Regular exercise will nourish and cleanse your skin from within.
10. Use hot water when washing your face. Hot water dissolves skin oil better than lukewarm or cold water.
11. When cleansing, massage your face well with your fingertips, using an upward and outward motion. Be careful not to rub soap into the skin; it can clog pores.
12. Use a light antiseptic night cream from time to time if you wish, and apply a clarifying mask one or two times a week.
13. Choose cosmetic and facial care products specifically designed for oily skin.
14. Before applying makeup, use an antiseptic day cream with active ingredients that diminish sebaceous secretions. Look for benzyl peroxide in the list of active ingredients.