Your skinâs natural oils are very important for healthy skin, but too much oil is also not a good thing as it can cause acne to form even in adults.
3 main causes of excess oil on the face includes:
- Stress â When you are under stress and too much pressure, your body produces androgen hormones which can lead to more oil production. Practice meditation to help deal with stress.
- Over cleansing or exfoliation â Itâs a good skincare practice to cleanse and exfoliate your skin. But when you overdo it, your skin will react by producing more oil. Cleanse your face in the morning and at night before bed to remove dirt and bacteria. It is advisable to exfoliate 1-2 times a week.
- Too much makeup â Using too much makeup will clog up your pores and cause your skin to produce more oil. Try to use less makeup and never sleep with makeup on
If your skin is producing too much oil on the face, here are 7 skincare tips to help keep it under control:
Tip 1: Cleanse to remove dirt and excess oil
Always cleanse your face in the morning and never go to sleep without removing your make-up using a natural, gentle and mild cleanser. Avoid using harsh cleanser with alcohol, beauty bars or commercial soap to avoid increase in oil production.
Tip 2: Use a clay mask to absorb excess oil
Never go to sleep without removing your make-up and wash your face gently with a mild cleanser â harsh soap can increase oil production. Avoid scrubbing too hard, as this can cause irritation.
Tip 3: Use an alcohol free toner to absorb excess oil
Never go to sleep without removing your make-up and wash your face gently with a mild cleanser â harsh soap can increase oil production. Avoid scrubbing too hard, as this can cause irritation.
Tip 4: Moisturize to help keep your skin hydrated.
If you have oily skin, you might think that you donât need moisturiser. This simply isnât true: oily skin also needs protection from the harsh environment in the form of a light moisturiser. Moisturiser smooths and hydrates the skin by locking in moisture and providing a barrier between the skin and the environment.
Note, however, that over-moisturising can create clogged pores, blackheads and pimples. Only use a pea-size amount of moisturiser in the morning and evening, and consider using a specially formulated day and night cream, if you can afford it.
Oily skin, like all skin types, need to be protected from the sun. Choose a light, oil-free, SPF 30+ day cream or sunscreen. Opt for ânon-comedogenicâ or ânon-acnegenicâ products, which are less likely to clog your pores. Never leave home without applying your sunscreen.
Tip 5: Manage spots
Avoid scrubbing too hard, as this can cause irritation.
Oily skin needs a product that will gently control excess oil (sebum) and shine. Go for products with benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, glycolic acid or beta-hydroxy acid if things are getting out of hand. Be aware that some of these ingredients can irritate the skin, so try a sample first, if you can.
Exfoliate your skin every couple of days with a gentle, good-quality exfoliator to rid it of dead skin cells.
Toning isnât strictly necessary, but a good, alcohol-free toner can remove any last bits of make-up and excess oil. The opposite can happen though: it can cause more oil production. Stop using the product if you find it makes matters worse or dries out your skin.
If your oily skin results in infected pimples or acne, itâs important to see a dermatologist for a personalised treatment regimen. Donât use facial scrubs, astringents and masks unless your doctor recommended them, because these generally irritate the skin and aggravate acne.
Tip 6: Use make-up to your advantage
Good make-up should form part of your oil-control arsenal â with the right tricks and tips, a shiny face can easily be avoided.
The first step is an oil-free, anti-shine primer. Apply this under a matte foundation to ensure your make-up sticks. Also experiment with medicated oil-control pads and blotting paper to keep the shine in check during the day.
And put that age-old make-up trick to good use: powder your nose (and the rest of your T-panel), whenever necessary. Just donât overdo it, as too much powder can clog your pores.
Tip 7: Be adaptable
The look and feel of your skin is affected by many things: the weather, the seasons, your stress levels and your hormones. Change your skincare routine seasonally: use heavier formulas during the winter months; use lighter, oil-free moisturiser during summer.
Try new products, but donât chop and change too much. Note, however, that your skincare needs will change with age, and so too should your products.
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