How to Keep Oil and Acne at Bay
February 19th, 2011The summer can be quite punishing for people with particularly oily skin. Not only are the oil glands working overtime, acne breakouts can also occur more frequently on the face, neck, and back. With skimpier tops and low-backed blouses being all the anger during summer, baring a more skin can be daunting for those who are oil- and acne-prone.
Causes of Oily Skin
Oily skin is caused by the overproduction of sebum or oil by the oil glands. This happens due to a myriad of factors, chief among them your hormones. During puberty the skin tends to become more oily and acne-prone. At this time your body produces more hormones called androgens. These stimulate your oil glands to produce more oil . As you age, your body tends to produce less androgens, and consequently, less oil and blemishes on your skin. Some people, however, are more predisposed to having oily skin even in adulthood, especially if they have parents with a similar condition. Hormonal changes can also cause the appearance of more oil on your skin. This happens if you take steroids, get pregnant, are about to menstruate, or are experiencing menopause. Even Though some state that certain foods might also cause oily skin, no conclusive research or scientific agreement exists on the subject.
Skin Care for Oily Skin
The best way to manage oily skin and keep it blemish-free is to keep it clean free from acne-causing bacteria. Wash your face two to three times a day with hot water and soap – hot water can dissolve oil superior than lukewarm or cold water. Don’t wash your face too much, as it can cause your skin to become dry and thus produce more oil to compensate. You also have to select your cleanser wisely: use oil-based products that dissolve oil more effectively, and try using pure solutions with natural ingredients . You can also try antibacterial cleansers or lightly medicated soap . Avoid heavy cleansing creams and alcohol- based cleansers and toners. When cleansing the skin , carefully massage it with your fingertips, and try not to scrub or rub soap excessively into skin as it can clog pores. You can use a mild astringent afterwards to clear pores – acetone is known to be good in dissolving oil. You can then use a natural oil-free moisturizer to keep the skin supple.
As a general rule, stay away from harsh skin care products that can dry out skin and might either encourage flakinesss or cause an even greater production of oil. Dehydrating products can also restrict oil flow through the pores, which can block pores and cause breakouts. When using cosmetics, pick those that are specially designed for oily skin. Facial masks with bentonite, apple cider vinegar, tea tree oil, or egg whites are known to be effective in absorbing extra oil and reducing the appearance of blemishes.
A More Holistic Approach
Another approach to managing oily, acne-prone skin is by using natural skin treatments that work from the inside out to equilibrium androgen production and regulate the skin’s oil. These include getting a more balanced diet, having enough sleep and exercise, and taking skin care vitamins that keep your skin clear and supple.
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