How to Treat Oily Skin

By: Julie Knapp

The best ways to treat oily skin may surprise you. Oily skin is often hereditary and the excessive oil production can be linked to hormones. While skin can be extra oily all year round, it's usually worse in the summer months. If you think the best way to tackle the oil slick is by drying out your skin as much as possible, think again. If you over-compensate for the problem and strip your skin of its natural oils, your skin will respond by stimulating the oil glands to produce even more shine. Follow these tips to treat oily skin.

Combat Acne and Oily Skin
Many people with oily skin also have trouble with acne. Even so, you shouldn't use harsh acne products on your entire face because you'll risk over-drying your skin leading to more oil production. So, use a gentle oil-free cleanser day and night. Then when a blemish appears, use a spot treatment containing 2 percent salicylic acid. Some choose benzoyl peroxide, but it can be too drying.

Treat Oily Skin With Oil
It may seem counterintuitive to combat oil with oil, but experts agree that it works-as long as you're using the right type of oil. Choose nutrient-rich oils, which contain essential fatty acids such as ones that contain omega-3 or omega-6. These types of oils hydrate and encourage your oil glands to stop production.

Buy the Right Makeup for Oily Skin
Beyond choosing oil-free makeup, you should also choose non-comedogenic makeup to ensure it doesn't clog your pores. If you want to mask your oily skin with makeup, try mineral makeup powders. When choosing a concealer, look for one made for covering up acne blemishes. Some contain salicylic acid to treat spots as you hide them.

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