Oily skin is a fact of life for many people. It is a skin type that is hereditary, just like dry skin, freckled skin, and for the very few and lucky- perfect skin.
If you are experiencing oily skin for an extended period of time, it is likely that you are indeed an oily skin type. Don’t worry, there is actually a lot you can do for it.
How to make your face less oily
Whether you have mildly to extremely oily skin, the skin care basics should be the same- but you should be extra discriminating of the products you use. What you think is helping you, probably isn’t.
One of the largest culprits of excerbating oily skin are actually the highly alkaline “oil-free” products that pack pharmacy shelves. Why? These products if used frequently (as their directions actually recommend) dry out the skin, thus irritating it which signals the body to send in more oil. If you are wondering ‘why my skin so oily?’ – first think, are you using drying products? If so, a lack of moisture is the top cause of oily skin.
It’s a mystery as to why so many people continue to use these products. It took me about 10 years and becoming an esthetician to understand that if you have oily skin the best thing to do is to use a face wash for oily skin that is mild, non-comedogenic with a balanced pH. That does not mean an oil-free cleanser, which are often too drying. From there you are in a better position to control oily skin without making the problem worse.
So, how to control oily skin?
Once you have your skin balanced in its normal state, continue to adapt a personalized skin care routine around it. Cleanse, moisturize, and wear a natural sunblock (with zinc oxide in it for instance).
Choosing makeup for oily skin is also a crucial factor. Mineral pigments in both liquid and powder foundations are often preferred because they give full coverage and can absorb some of the oily.
Know that other factors come into play. Stress, lack of exercise and your diet all can affect the skin. A truism is that a diet high in fresh fruits and vegetables and void of junk food can significantly improve even the worst oily or acne skin in as little as two weeks.
Living a healthy lifestyle, using soothing makeup and skin care products will significantly improve your complexion.
