How to Manage Oily Skin

Having oily skin is not necessarily a bad thing. Oily skin tends to age better and wrinkles less than dry skin or even normal skin. I can attest to this fact as all of the women in my family have super slick skin yet look at least ten years younger than they really are.

The fact that oily skin can keep aging at bay longer is great, but truth be told, it can still feel uncomfortable, unpolished and dirty. Luckily, there are a few things that can be done to stop you from feeling like an oil slick and for getting rid of that pesky shine. I have found that with these six steps you can easily control those overactive sebaceous glands and achieve a magazine worthy complexion.

1. Cleansing your skin twice a day is essential for managing oily skin. Avoid washing your face more than twice as day, as this can strip your skin of its essential oils which will in turn cause your sebaceous glands to become overactive resulting in even oilier skin. When washing your face, use warm water, as it is more effective in dissolving grease than cold water.

2. After washing your face, pat it dry and use a toner or astringent on it. Toner and astringents work double duty in cleansing your pores and removing any dirt left behind by your soap or facial cleanser, and also shrink pores so that oil production is lessened. Some toners and astringents are harsher than others and contain alcohol or salicylic acid. If those toners are too strong for your skin type, you can opt for natural products such as witch hazel, cooled green tea or tea tree oil which also shrink pores and aid in controlling oiliness.

3. Add a clay or mud mask treatment to your weekly beauty routine. If your skin is particularly oily you can use a face mask twice a week. Clay and mud masks contain minerals that are very effective in purging oils and clearing out pores. For the most part, the darker the clay or mud in your mask, the better the oil absorbing properties it will have.

4. Make sure to always use oil free beauty products. A lot of cosmetics and face creams and lotions are made with mineral oils which can add to your already existing facial oils. Look for products that are water based and water soluble. These will be less harsh and thick on your skin and will allow your skin to breathe. Powder blushes and eyeshadows are also much better for use with oil skin, as their cream based counterparts can literally "slide" off of oily skin. Powder cosmetics have a lot better staying power on shiny faces.

5. To control excess oiliness during the day, apply a loose translucent face powder all over your face. Use a large brush to apply the powder which will make for a more even and natural looking application. If you don't have translucent face powder available, baby powder works just as well when applied sparingly.

6. Make sure to always carry a packet of oil absorbing sheets, or blotting papers with you. They come in compact sizes to fit in your pocket or purse and can be found at any drug or beauty supply store. These little sheets are made of oil absorbing paper which you can use as often as needed to remove excess oil from any part of your face leaving you looking matte and fresh.
I have also found that in a pinch, running into a public restroom and using a piece of clean toilet seat protector paper works just as well at absorbing oil.

While there is no permanent cure for oily skin, these six simple steps will have you well on your way to having those overactive oil glands under control. If your skin continues to be chronically oily, a visit to your dermatologist may be a good idea. He or she will be able to prescribe products not found over the counter for more persistent oily skin.