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Caring Tips for 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.
Regardless of your age, oil - also known as sebum � is always produced by the
sebaceous glands. Located deep within the second layer or "dermis" of the skin,
these glands are most plentiful in the face, neck, chest, head and back . To get
from the glands to your skin, the oils flow into nearby follicular pores, and
eventually works its way to the surface. Here it plays a vital role in the
health of both skin and
hair by giving hair that
healthy sheen and helps keep
skin plump and
hydrated . But in some folks too much oil is produced. Skin and
hair no longer look healthy, but instead, greasy, slick and even dirty.
Tips to manage oily skin
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The first step is proper
cleaning. One thing that needs to be
remembered is that oily skin requires gentle cleaning because harsher
the cleansing, the more likely the body is to respond by producing more oil.
In fall and winter when skin is naturally drier, you'll benefit most from a
super gentle cleanser. In warmer months, when perspiration can combine with
sweat to make skin harder to clean, you may need a more thorough, deep
cleaning product.
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Secondly, never over-wash oily skin, even if your
cleanser is gentle. Twice a day is usually enough. Too much washing will
stimulate your skin to produce more oil.
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Avoid soap, since most types strip the skin of all natural oils.
That squeaky clean feeling people get from using soaps is derived from
stripping the fatty oils from your skin and is more harmful than good.
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Once a week, use a clay
mask to help clean deep down into your
pores. This will help to clean off any extra oil and dead skin cells. Again,
be sure to use this only once per week, or you skin will increase its oil
production to compensate.
-
Try incorporating alpha hydroxy acid (AHAs) creams into your daily
skin care regimen. AHA creams increase production of collagen and hyaluronic
acid which in turn helps in relation to moisture � plus they treat superficial
lines and wrinkles so you also get a rejuvenating effect.
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If your skin feels overly dry after you wash and apply an acne treatment
or astringent, then a
moisturizer would be a good idea. Avoid
moisturizers with cocoa butter and minerals oils; instead, look for a light,
oil-free version, also labeled as noncomedogenic.
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Astringents and toners can also help � although the results are
temporary, so application may have to be repeated more than once a day. Choose
an astringent that contains acetone, which is known for dissolving oil. Strong
astringents will do more harm than good, stimulating an overproduction of
oil.
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Cosmetic products known as "anti shine" primers can also help by
forming a layer between skin and make-up that works to absorb excess oil as
it's being secreted.
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If nothing seems to work, there are also several professional treatments
that can help. These include prescription topical and oral drugs like
Retin A, Differin, Tazorac or Accutane. Accutane works the longest and has
both immediate and long-term results.
-
Sunscreen
is still important! If you do not have at least SPF 15
in your moisturizer, then make sure to find a sunscreen that is formulated
just for the face. Gel versions are the best for those with oily skin.
Make-up for oily skin
Just because you have oily skin doesn't mean you have to stop wearing
makeup
if you so desire. Look for oil-free
foundations and
loose powders. Using a
makeup primer product can help to keep oil at bay and your makeup in place for
hours. Applying loose powder throughout the day can help to keep your makeup
looking fresh while absorbing any extra oil from your skin.
To prevent the problem of your makeup becoming patchy either on the forehead,
chin or nose due to excessive oiliness in these areas, apply a little cucumber
juice on the excessively oily parts of your face, dry thoroughly and then apply
your makeup. If your whole face turns patchy after makeup is applied on it,
then apply equal parts of lime juice and witch-hazel. Dry well before putting on
your makeup.
Dated 14 August 2010
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