Easy Ways to Manage Oily Skin

How to tell if you have oily skin?  "Oily skin is shiny and greasy to the touch, especially in the T-zone - the forehead, nose and chin" says celebrity aesthetician Kate Somerville. You'll see enlarged pores, an orange peel-like texture and frequent breakouts.

Renee Zellweger 

1. The Right Cleanser

 Many people tends to think that washing your face many times and using acne-prone products make skin produces more oil. But according to Dr. Jessica Wu, MD, clinical assistant professor of dermatology at the USC Medical School, "your oil glands will produce the same amount of oil regardless of how you treat it on the outside."  In other words, getting your skin producing more oil would depends mainly on a change from the internal - hormonal or biological change.

Try not to use cleanser more than twice a day because that will strip away all the oil that makes your skin look healthy and dewy. Try an oil-free acne wash such as the Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash, then follow up with a mild cleanser such as Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser ($11.99).

2. Moisturizer

Most people with oily skin avoid using moisturizer fearing that it will further make your skin more oily. But your skin can still be dry and dehydrated even if your an oily complexion. Dr. Wu says just moisturize where you need to and use an oil-free lotion, gels, or serums rather than cream, especially the heavy cream ones.

Moreover, oily skin should look for a lightweight moisturizer that contains hyaluronic acid and even better, natural remedies; such as lemon peel extract which has the astringent and antibacterial properties.

3. Watch your Hands

Oily skin is more prone to acne and breakouts.  It's very tempted to pick and squeeze those ugly blackheads and blemishes. But it's really a bad idea because you risk transmitting bacteria from your fingers to your skin, which may result in even more breakouts.

Instead, use an oil-absorbing and antibacterial toner after your cleansing process which will remove excess oils and surface impurities; an astringent type is a good one for oily skin. You can also look a toner with ingredients like lactic, glycolic or salicylic acid to help exfoliate your skin and keep your pores clear. June Jacobs, founder of June Jacobs Spa suggested to try the DDF Glycolic 10% Toning complex ($31.95)

4. Eat the Right Food

People with oily skin may need to change their diet in order to maintain better skin. I've recently read the Feed Your Face by Jessica Wu, M.D and she said that eating oily food does not necessarily cause oily skin. Because there are some good types of oil, such as the Omega-3 in fish; which have been shown to help reduce acne because of their anti-inflammatory.

On the other hand, dairy products, sugary food and processed carbs (muffin, bread, pasty) have been linked to acne breakouts. So, instead of eating large portions, divide your meal into frequent small meals to keep your blood sugar stable. It will help to reduce oil production and clogged pores.

5. Blotting Paper

Blotting sheets are girls' best friends, especially are those who have oily skin.  Instead of reapplying powder, use a blotting sheet. This will keep your face makeup from turning into a pasty complexion. Make sure you purchase a decent quality blotting pack.

 

 

6. One at A Time

Using too many products with multiple ingredients from different brands could do more harm to your skin than good. Simply introduce one product at a time and allow it time accustomed to the product before trying out a new line. Dr. Paul Frank, MD, clinical associate professor of dermatology at New York University School of Medicine and Goodskin Lads' Global Consulting Dermatologist, advises to "start with a salicylic-acid product and allow your skin to adjust before adding another ingredient like glycolic acid or a retinoid."