Oily skin occurs in men and women of any age. It is characterized by large pores, frequent breakouts and a shiny appearance a short time after you cleanse your skin. You may have oily skin over your entire face or your skin may be oily in the T-zone, the area that includes your forehead, nose, cheeks and chin. It is thought to be related to hormones and heredity. Oily skin can present a challenge for proper skin care, but it is possible to control the oil and have clear skin. One good note about oily skin is that it shows the affects of aging less than dry or normal skin. This is because of the increased production of your body’s natural lubricant, sebum.

 

All About Skin

To understand what makes your skin oily, it is good to have a basic understanding of the composition of skin. The deepest layer that contains the hair follicles, sweat glands and blood supply is the dermis. It is in the dermis that skin cells start their life and as they mature rise to the outer layers of the skin. The outer layer is called the epidermis and the part of the epidermis that you see is called the stratum corneum. This is the layer of skin that protects your body. It is the thickest on the palms of your hands and soles of your feet. It is the thinnest around your eyes and on your eyelids. It is in the dermis that the sebaceous glands reside that create the excess sebum that gives your skin its oily appearance.

 

Tips for Oily Skin Care

  • It is wise to remember that oily skin can be sensitive. Avoid harsh cleansers and scrubbing you skin vigorously. This can irritate your skin and cause breakouts and irritation. Vigorous cleansing with harsh skin care products can actually cause your skin to produce more oil in an effort to protect itself. It is better to use cleansers that are gently yet effective to protect your skin.
  • Try to wash your face only twice a day unless you have been out working in the yard or sweating a lot during the day. Use an astringent or toner to help control oil and shine after each time you cleanse your face.
  • Use a clay based mask once a week to help purify your skin and reduce the amount of oil.
  • Even oily skin needs proper moisturizing. Use an oil-free moisturizer that contains salicylic, acid glycolic acid, or alpha hydrolic acid. These acids promote cell renewal and help your skin hold onto the moisture it already has preventing the signs of aging and giving you a healthy looking complexion.
  • Use a gentle exfoliator to remove dead skin and help to prevent breakouts. Acne and breakouts are caused by a build up of sebum and dead skin cells. Using a gentle exfoliator once a week helps to keep your skin free from breakouts.
  • If you have very oily skin use an oil inhibiting product under your makeup that helps to absorb the oil as it is produced by your skin.
  • Prescription strength medications such as Accutane, Differin, Retin A and Tazorac help to control the production of sebum and dry your skin. Accutane has been shown to have beneficial long term results.
  • For very severe oily skin a topical solution containing niacinamide, a vitamin B derivative has been shown in studies to help control oil.
  • Laser treatments can also help to reduce the oiliness and oil production in very oily skin that does not respond to other treatments.

 

Your dermatologist will examine your skin and help you to decide which treatment is best for you. Lifestyle changes such as avoiding fried and fatty foods may help reduce oil production. Exercise and drinking plenty of water helps to flush toxins out of your body which can result in an improvement over your overall health. Oily skin does not have to mean skin that experiences breakouts. With these tips you can have glowing and healthy skin that looks and feels great.