Oily Skin
What is oily skin?
Oily skin occurs when overactive sebaceous glands produce too much oil (or sebum). The sebaceous glands secrete this excess oil through the pores to the skin's surface.
Oily skin is often characterized by:
- surface oil and shine
- large pores
- a rough, course skin texture
- blackheads and pimples
What causes oily skin?
Oily skin is caused by many factors but hormone imbalances affect oil gland activity and sebum levels the most. Sebum levels are highest during the teenage years when hormones fluctuate. Oil gland activity declines with age but many people suffer from oily skin their entire lives. Oily skin can also occur during other periods of hormonal imbalance including pregnancy and menopause.
Oily skin can be caused by a combination of:
- hormone levels
- genetics
- medications, including birth control pills
- heat and humidity
- heavy cosmetics
What can I do to control my oily skin?
While oilier skin types age beautifully and have less fine lines and wrinkles, they need specific skin care ingredients to control surface shine and oil, reduce blackheads and pimples and minimize large pores.
To break up and control surface oil, wash 2-3 times a day with warm water and a soap-free cleanser containing Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate or Sodium Olefin Sulfonate. Bar soaps or soap-based cleansers strip too much moisture from skin and contain waxes that can clog pores. If too much moisture is removed from the skin's surface, sebaceous glands are triggered to produce more oil. Cleansing ingredients like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate or Sodium Olefin Sulfonate help break down surface oils without overly drying your skin.
After cleansing, use an antibacterial or antiseptic toner to remove bacteria which will help prevent pimples and blackheads. To refine rough skin texture and minimize pores, apply a salicylic or alpha hydroxy acid based lotion daily.
Oily skin types usually do not need a moisturizer, but if you have combination skin or dry patches look for an aloe-based lotion which will help reduce shine. Throughout the day, blot excess oil from your face by gently pressing an oil-absorbing paper, tissue or cotton to the affected area. Do not rub abrasively which can irritate your skin.
Use a gentle exfoliating scrub 3-4 times a week to clear pores and improve texture. Once a week, apply a clay or mud mask to remove impurities and absorb excess surface oil.
What natural ingredients can I use to control my oily skin?
Natural ingredients and essential oils are very effective to help control and regulate sebum production and surface oil. Ingredients that work well to inhibit and regulate oily skin include:
Aloe - reduces shine and encourages healing and regeneration
Witch hazel - a natural astringent with oil-absorbing properties
Tea Tree oil - has antiseptic and antibacterial properties
Zinc PCA - regulates and inhibits oil production
Essential oils of bergamont, cedarwood, cypress, frankincense, geranium, juniper, lavender, lemon, peppermint and sage - all help naturally normalize and balance skin oily skin.
What makeup should I use?
To control oily skin and reduce shine, look for primers, powder and mineral make ups that are "oil-free" and offer a "matte finish." Formulations labeled "long-lasting" or "all-day" usually contain ingredients to help absorb oil and help makeup stay put. Avoid make up formulas containing mineral oil, lanolins, isopropyl mystrate or waxes which can be occlusive, heavy and pore-clogging.
Controlling Oily Skin
Good habits are important. You can control your oily skin by washing your face regularly, blotting excess oil throughout the day and using skincare and cosmetic products designed to regulate and inhibit oily skin.