When discussing oily skin care, we need to know what causes it. Put simply, oily skin is a result of excessive production of sebum (an oily substance that is naturally produced by skin). As is known to everyone, an excess of anything is bad; so excessive sebum is bad too. It leads to clogging of skin’s pores, resulting in accumulation of dead cells and hence formation of pimples/acne. But oily skin can also appear shiny and unattractive. Consequently oily skin care is as important as caring for any other type of skin.
The basic aim of looking after oily skin is the removal of only the excess sebum or oil from the skin. So be careful not to remove all the sebum from the skin. When cleansing, use only a cleanser designed for oily skin. You need a cleanser which contains salicylic acid i.e. a beta-hydroxy acid that retards the rate of sebum production. Cleanse your skin at least twice a day; more often if you live in a warm climate.
Products especially formulated for oily skin don’t contain extra oil, however do check the label to prevent unpleasant surprises. This is especially important if a product is marked as ‘suitable for all skin types’, instead of a product made just for oily skin. Caring for this type of skin is also dependent on the degree of oiliness. If your skin is excessively greasy only use those products made especially for oily skin. If you want to use a toner after cleansing, make sure it doesn’t contain alcohol. Because excessive toning can harm your skin and cause it to produce more oil.
The next step in your oily skin care routine can be a mild moisturizer. Don’t use a moisturizer that contains a lot of oil or wax as a primary ingredient. You could also use a clay mask (say once a week) as an oily skin care measure.
You may have to try several different skin care products before finding one that’s right for you.
In case these measures don’t give you the desired result, consult a good dermatologist for advice. He may recommend alternative oily skin care products that are available only on prescription and need to be used carefully.
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