How to Care for Oily Acne-Prone Skin

There is no safe way to completely stop sebum production. It is a natural process, and some people simply have oilier skin than others. At times, this can be a disadvantage, as it can lead to a blotchy complexion and large pores. Oily skin can also have its advantages, since it moisturizes and protects the skin from damage and reduces wrinkling. If you have oily skin, there are plenty of ways to control and care for it.

• Clean your skin regularly: The best way to deal with an overproduction of oil is to wash your face with a gentle cleanser one or two times a day. It is important to find a face wash that is both effective and gentle. Harsh soaps and certain chemicals can leave the skin dry and irritated, which leads to further complications, including the possibility of oilier skin. Also, avoid creamy or oily washes meant for dry skin types. These can easily clog pores, and prevent sebum from flowing naturally.
• Use a toner: Some people find that using a toner after washing their face removes additional dirt and oil. This is meant to be an extra step that gets your face just a little bit cleaner and prevents the buildup oil and debris so your pores are able to breathe.
• Exfoliate away dead skin cells: Exfoliation is a good way to promote the shedding of the outer layers of skin when you have oily skin. This reduces the chance of developing comedones and pimples, while leaving your skin smoother and softer. Facial scrubs, microdermabrasion, peels, and retinoids can all accomplish this.
• Find a good moisturizer: Despite the excess sebum, oily skin can still appear dry and somewhat flaky. If you find that your skin is too tight and dry, look for a light moisturizer to use. It’s not a good idea to use a particularly oily or creamy moisturizer, as this can easily clog pores.
• Maintain a healthy diet: While diet is not typically linked to the incidence of oily skin, many people find that certain foods will exacerbate their oily skin or cause acne flare-ups. In order to have the healthiest skin possible, try to eat a varied diet, rich in fruit and vegetables, and low in processed foods.
• Manage your stress: There is a direct connection between the health of your skin and the level of stress that you experience. When under stress, your body produces androgens, which stimulates sebaceous glands to produce more oil. Try to relax by working through emotional difficulties, get enough sleep, and exercise regularly.
• Use non-comedogenic cosmetics: If you want to use makeup on your skin, look for water-based cosmetics that won’t clog your pores. Also, make sure to remove the makeup each night before you go to sleep, and give your skin a chance to recover.

One of the major complaints from people with oily skin is acne, including blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples. In addition to caring for your skin, as indicated previously, there are also some treatments to help you manage any breakouts:

• Benzoyl Peroxide: This is a component in many over-the-counter acne washes. It works by killing bacteria that are partially to blame in the case of inflamed acne. It also encourages exfoliation, which reduces the number of comedones that form.
• Antibiotics: In some cases, doctors will prescribe either oral or topical antibiotics to reduce inflammation in the case of acne. These medications come with a number of side effects, so it’s important to discuss them with a medical professional.
• Accutane: In the most severe cases, doctors may suggest the use of this powerful medication. It essentially stops oil production within the sebaceous glands, which halts the formation of deep cystic acne.