Caring for Oily Skin

Oily skin is caused by over-active glands, which produce too much sebum. Sebum is produced by the sebaceous glands. It is necessary as it helps lubricate your skin and carries away dead skin cells. When the skin is oily, too much sebum is being produced. This article tells you:

• What are the problems faced by people having oily skin?
• How food intake and oily skin are associated?
• What causes oily skin?

The right oily skin care is essential for anyone with oily skin. Oily skin does not look healthy and is prone to skin problems like acne. It is important that such skin be given proper treatment for oily skin.

What is oily skin and how is it caused?

Oily skin is caused by over-active glands, which produce too much sebum. Sebum is produced by the sebaceous glands. It is necessary as it helps lubricate your skin and carries away dead skin cells. When the skin is oily, too much sebum is being produced. The skin becomes dull and greasy and pores may become clogged.

The extra secretion of sebum can be caused by many factors. Heredity, diet, birth control pills and the wrong cosmetics can all cause oily skin. Hormonal balances can also affect the production of sebum, which is why oily skin is often common in teenagers, pregnant women or women going through menopause.

Problems Faced by People with Oily Skin

People with oily skin often suffer from skin problems, like blemishes, acnes, black heads, white heads and pimples. Enlarged and clogged pores may be a problem. Oily skin often looks dull and shiny. With the right oily skin treatment, it is possible to treat such problems.

How to have less oily skin

Oily skin, and the problems it brings, can be minimized. Thorough cleansing can prevent some of the problems associated with oily skin, as it removes the dirt and dust and stops the pores becoming clogged. As make-up can also clog pores, it is important that all make-up is removed before going to bed. Here are some more tips on how to have less oily skin.

NATURAL METHODS

Natural oily skin care can be very effective. Food intake, proper hydration, herbal care and other natural remedies can all help provide the proper treatment for oily skin.

Food Intake

To improve your oily skin through nutrition, eat plenty of foods that are rich in protein. Include lots of leafy vegetables and fresh fruit. Vitamin B2 can help prevent oily skin, so include good sources of B2 by eating wheat germs, whole grains, beans and nuts.

Cut down on the amount of sugar and fat in your diet, and avoid soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, chocolate and fried food.

Hydration

People sometimes make the mistake that oily skin does not need to be hydrated, but oil is not moisture. Keep your skin hydrated by drinking plenty of water. A good moisturizer, that is suited to oily skin, can also help keep your oily skin hydrated.

Herbal Remedies and Other Natural Remedies

Herbs and other natural products contain ingredients that help to provide good oily skin care treatment. Lime juice, cucumber juice and lemon juice are good for oily skin. Apply the juice directly onto your skin, allow it to dry and then wash off with warm water. To reduce the effects of make-up on oily skin, the juice should be left to dry and make-up can be applied directly on top of it.

Witch hazel is a good natural product for absorbing extra oil. Lavender may also be used in oily skin care. You can use it as a mist, in a toner or in a facial sauna. For a facial sauna, parsley and thyme can also be added. For an aromatherapy facial sauna, add lemon, cedarwood or rosemary.

Clay masks are particularly effective in the treatment of oily skin. You can make your own clay mask by mixing green clay power with water or honey. Apply it to your face and then rinse off after fifteen minutes.

Fruit acid masks are very effective in oily skin care. They remove the excess oil and dead skin cells, without stripping the skin of its natural moisture. Fruit acid masks can be made at home by applying papaya, mango, grapefruit or any fruit containing acid to the face.

USING ARTIFICIAL CREAMS AND SUPPLEMENTS

When using artificial creams or supplements for oily skin care, it is important to pick products that are suited for treatment for oily skin. Avoid products that contain harsh chemicals or alcohol. Products that dry out the skin should not be used, as these may cause the skin to compensate by producing more sebum.

It is important that oily skin is kept thoroughly clean. Stay away from harsh cleansers. Instead choose a pure soap, with no artificial additives. Antibacterial cleansing lotions can be effective in cleansing oily skin.

Astringents that contain acetone are good for oily skin, as acetone dissolves oil.

When choosing a moisturizer for oily skin, it is particularly important to choose the right one. Choose a moisturizer that is specifically made for oily skin. Oil-free moisturizers are best. Do not over-apply your moisturizer.

Supplements can assist in oily skin treatment, as they help keep the skin healthy and prevent problems. Evening primrose oil is a good supplement to take for oily skin care. Vitamin A, Vitamin B2 and a Vitamin B complex are also effective.

Conclusion

Providing the right treatment for oily skin may often seem like a difficult task. By making use of natural products and using the right creams and supplements, good oily skin care will keep your skin healthy and any problems will be minimized.