Oily Skincare - Control for T-Zone Oil and Acne

Oily Skincare

Without lubrication, our skin would shrivel and dry up. But, as people with oily skin know, too much lubrication can be a bad thing too. It can result in shiny noses, a greasy-looking forehead and even acne.

Sebum and oily skin

The medical name for the oil our skin produces is sebum. It's produced by glands in the skin. Normally, the sebum helps keep skin and hair moist, which is essential for health.

But sometimes, the glands produce more sebum than we need. This can lead to that shiny and greasy appearance that people with oily skin know all too well. The problem can be most noticeable in what's called the T-zone, the area that includes the forehead and nose. Excessively oily skin can be unattractive. It can also be associated with acne, blackheads and other problems. Teenagers tend to have more problems with oily skin, because of hormonal changes, but oily skin can be an issue for people at any age. Hormones are one of the big reasons for this. Men with high androgen levels can have more oily skin. Hormonal acne can also occur in women. In addition, women using birth control pills may develop oily skin. The hormonal changes of pregnancy can cause changes in your skin too, resulting in more oil production.

Oily skin products

Although there's no way prevent oily skin, there are things you can do that can help treat the situation. It's very important to choose the right facial products and body lotions.

Wash oily skin - The most basic thing to do is to make sure you wash your face, with soap and warm water. Warm water is better than cold, as it can more effectively cut through oil. You may also want to try an antibacterial soap, especially if you tend to have acne along with oily skin. Avoid scrubbing your skin too hard, as this may irritate the skin, which will then cause it to produce more oil to compensate.

Oily skin toners | oily skin exfoliants

Oily skin cleansers / toners - Astringents, skin fresheners and skin toners can help to temporarily remove oil. Astringents will feel cool to the skin when you apply them. Astringents tend to be stronger, and can contain alcohol. Toners and skin fresheners generally use more gentle ingredients to clean dirt and oil from skin, such as witch hazel or aloe. Generally, you wash your face, dry, and then apply the astringent, using cotton or a sterile pad. Astringents and toners can help to restore the pH balance of the skin. They can also temporarily make the pores appear less noticeable.

Exfoliants - Exfoliants can also help to improve the appearance of oily skin. Basically, to exfoliate your skin means to speed up the process of shedding the upper layers of dead skin cells. Sometimes people use the words "sloughed off." You can exfoliate with a loofah sponge, or a brush. There are also exfoliating creams and lotions available. Some contain fine grains that do the exfoliation. There are also lotions that use a mild acid to peel the skin, such as alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or salicylic acids. Using such lotions is sometimes called micro dermabrasion. The lotions can also be known as chemical peels. Retinoids, such as Retin-A can also cause the upper layers of dead skin to shed more quickly.

Facials / Masks / Masques - Facial masques (or facial masks depending on your spelling preference) can also help with oily skin. Masques that use clay or mud can help to absorb oil from skin. The effect won't be permanent, so masques may need to be used on a regular basis to be effective.

Oily skin makeup | oily skin moisturizers

Oily skin make up - When choosing cosmetics, make sure you look for products that are light and non-greasy in feel. Look for products that are oil-free, non-comedogenic or with a matte finish. During the day, facial blotting tissues can help to absorb excess oil and help to reduce that shiny appearance. Facial blotting tissues can be a better choice once you've applied make-up, than re-applying more powder.

Oily skin moisturizers - Believe it or not, you may still need a moisturizer, even if you have oily skin. Look for an oil-free moisturizer, specially designed for oily skin. You should also use sunscreen, again choosing an oil-free sunscreen designed for oily skin types.

If home remedies such as these don't work, you may have a more serious problem, and should see a dermatologist. There are other treatments that may help.

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Updated June 2009

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