Do You Have Oily Skin?

Oily skin, unfortunately, is not the best skin type to have, for it gives the skin a thick, shiny appearance. Sad to say, there seems to be conflicting information about oily skin and how it should be treated.

Oily skin - which is often accompanied by large open pores, blackheads and pimples - affects all ages because as one gets older, the skin tends to become drier. It is caused from the overproduction of sebum in the oil glands but it can also be caused by a change in hormones, pregnancy, change in climate and, of course, diet.

Oily skin is usually more common among people with darker skin and is often hereditary. While this does not sound great, a huge plus for oily skin is that it tends to age slower than dryer skin types. This is because wrinkles are not as obvious as the skin tends to be more hydrated.

People who have oily skin are unknowingly guilty of one common mistake, which is constantly cleansing the area to try and zap out the oil. While cleansing is a very important part of a skincare routine, over-cleansing will stimulate the oil glands to produce more oil.

The following won't get rid of your oily skin, but they will certainly help control the condition.

•Choose products specifically for oily skin. A lot of product labels indicate what skin type they are meant to treat. To make sure, look for "oil-free."

.Oily skin needs to be cleansed twice a day. Try once in the morning and again before retiring to bed. Use hot water rather than warm, as it dissolves oil better. The cleansing product you use, which should be specifically formulated for oily skin, will more than likely be non-greasy and nondrying. Try to avoid heavy cleansing creams that will just clog up pores.

•Do not use a product that leaves skin on the face taut. Some may find this appealing because it gives an image of smaller pores. When in fact, this will cause the upper layers of the skin to shrink, restricting oil flow and causing blockages and more pimples.

•Consider a toner without alcohol. Alcohol dries the skin and can sometimes be too harsh for oily skin.

•Twice a week, use a clay-based facemask. The clay will tighten and draw out the oil and any impurities.

•Look at your diet and drink lots of water. You have heard it so many times before, but it really is important to eat fresh fruit and vegetables. Chocolate does not cause pimples, but like caffeine in coffee, it stores up toxins in your body and can give skin a dull appearance. Eat plenty of protein and up your intake of iron. Avoid fats, especially animal fats.

•Exercise. Circulation and good blood flow is important to maintain a clear complexion.