Treating Oily Skin

Oily skin is common in teenagers but can last into adulthood. It can't be completely cured because it is largely determined by genetics and hormones, but you can minimize the effects by properly treating oily skin with the right skin care products.

Causes of Oily Skin
The shine and enlarged pores are because of overactive sebaceous glands producing sebum, the natural moisturizer in human skin. Sebum is necessary, of course, to keep skin supple and moisturized, but oily skin indicates too much of a good thing. While many people have the familiar "T-zone" of oily facial skin on the forehead, nose and chin, others are plagued with oily skin and pimples not only on the face but also on the chest and back.

Oily skin has several causes, but genetics and hormones top the list. During puberty, the body produces too much dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which stimulates the sebaceous glands into producing more sebum. DHT also rises before menstruation and during pregnancy and menopause. Your genetic makeup often determines how much DHT is produced.

Other causes for an oily skin problem may be a diet lacking in B vitamins, birth control pills, certain cosmetics, smoking and living in a hot, humid climate. These conditions may aggravate a genetic predisposition toward acne.

Cleansing and Moisturizing Oily Skin
A basic rule of thumb: Use oil-based cleansers or soap and hot water to cleanse your skin, and use oil-free moisturizers for hydration.

Avoid strongly perfumed or cheap soap. Simple, pure soaps (soap is an oil-based cleanser) or a gentle cleanser formulated to remove excess skin oil without being too harsh and drying out your skin are the best choices. Soaps and cleansers that leave your skin feeling very tight and dry or that cause redness or flakiness are too harsh and can overstimulate the sebaceous glands.

Opt for oil-free, non-comedogenic (non-clogging) moisturizers. If you can find it, Na-PCA moisturizing spray is an excellent choice for daily use, as Na-PCA is a natural moisturizing factor found in human skin. Fragrance-free, quickly absorbed moisturizers are best for oily skin. For daytime use, pick one with an effective sunscreen.

Mild astringents like witch hazel can be helpful for a daytime freshener. However, astringents provide a temporary fix and can make the problem worse if overused. Blotting papers are less drying. Also a temporary fix, these papers gently blot excess oil and can be used over makeup to remove daytime shine.

Oily Skin Management Tips
Exfoliating, either by using a sponge or a cleanser may help. Most experts caution against daily exfoliating because this can irritate the skin. One to three times per week is recommended.

Over-the-counter salicylic acid, retinols, glycolic acid and similar oily skin care products may be helpful but, as with astringents, do not overuse them. Most of these products should be used at most every other day. If they cause redness, dryness or irritation, discontinue use. Never try to combine exfoliators.

Another choice is a clay face mask, which can reduce oil and remove impurities for up to several days. Also take a look at the ingredients in your makeup. Always choose oil free, non-comedogenic formulas and cleanse thoroughly at night.

Drink a lot of water, and eat a good diet with minimal fried and processed foods. A high-fat junk food diet will affect both your overall health and your skin's appearance. Some studies indicate a diet lacking in B-vitamins can make oily skin worse. Eat plenty of whole grains and legumes, or consider a vitamin supplement.

Exercise, even yoga, can help improve oily skin. The theory is that increased blood flow to the skin helps natural exfoliation and overall skin health.

If your complexion doesn't respond to basic care and cleansing, consult a dermatologist, who may be able to recommend prescription topicals and medications.