Oily Skincare Treatments, Cleansers, Toners, Exfoliants and Facial Masques

Oily Skincare Treatments

If you have oily skin, your skin is producing too much sebum. Sebum is produced by glands in the skin, and we need it to keep skin and hair moist. But when the glands produce too much sebum, you wind up with oily skin and all the problems you associate with it.

With oily skin, you often have:

• shiny and greasy look
• sliding make-up
• T-zone greasiness (forehead and nose)
• acne, blackheads

We think this only happens to teens, but anyone can have oily skin. If skin is excessively oily, you may need to see a doctor to see if there is a hormonal problem associated with it. For example, a condition that affects women called polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can cause excessively oily skin, as well as acne, irregular periods, excessive hair growth (hirsutism) and infertility.

But for most people without an underlying medical condition, the best bet is to use products that can help you cope. Can you cure oily skin? Well, no, but again, there are things that can help:

• Oily skin soaps - It is important that you keep your face clean, washing with soap and warm water. Warm water can more effectively cut through oil. You may also want to try an antibacterial soap, especially if you have a combination of acne and oily skin. But don't scrub too hard, trying to get that squeaky clean feel. This can irritate the skin, and make you produce even more oil - exactly what you don't want. You should also avoid using soaps on the area around the eyes, as the skin here is more delicate and can get irritated much more easily.
• Oily skin toners and astringents - Astringents or skin toners can also help to remove oil at least in the short term. They can also help to restore the pH balance of the skin. Astringents tend to be stronger, and can contain alcohol. They will also feel cool to the skin when you use them. Toners and skin fresheners, such as witch hazel or aloe, are gentler. Generally, you wash your face, dry, and then apply the astringent, using cotton or a sterile pad. You may need to change the toner you use, depending on the time of year. For example, in summer, when your skin may be oilier, you may need a stronger astringent than in winter.

Other things that might help include:

• AHAs and other exfoliants - Exfoliants can also help with oily skin. Basically, to exfoliate your skin means to speed up the process of shedding the upper layers of dead skin cells. There are a number of lotions that use a mild acid to peel the skin, such as alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or salicylic acids. Retinoids, such as Retin-A can also cause the upper layers of dead skin to shed more quickly. Retin-A is generally associated with acne.
• Mud and clay masks - Facial masks (or facial masques depending on your spelling preference) can also help with oily skin. Clay and mud can help to absorb oil from skin. The effect won't last, so you may have to use them more often.
• Make-up for oily skin - When choosing cosmetics, make sure you look for products that are light and non-greasy in feel. Read the label and look for the words oil-free and non-comedogenic. In general, products with a matte finish work better for oily skin, with more of a shine-free appearance.
• Blotting tissues - During the day, facial blotting tissues can help to absorb excess oil. This can reduce that shiny appearance. Facial blotting tissues can be a better choice once you've applied make-up, than re-applying more powder, since there won't be a continuing build-up that can block pores.
• Moisturizers for oily skin - It sounds strange, but you may still need a moisturizer, even if you have oily skin. If the skin gets too dry, it may overcompensate by producing even more oil. Look for an oil-free moisturizer, specially designed for oily skin. You don't want a heavy cream or ointment. You should also use sunscreen for sun protection, again choosing an oil-free sunscreen designed for oily skin types.

Some people feel that diet plays a role in how oily their skin is. There's no solid proof, but if you find that your skin is greasier after eating certain food, you may want to avoid them. One other thing to keep in mind - in general, people with oily skin tend to find that their skin is less oily as they get older.

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Updated June 2011

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