It is important to know the reason behind oily skin. Excessive production of sebum causes oily skin. This causes clogging of pores and accumulation of dead cells which causes acne or pimples formation.
Therefore the fact behind oily skin care is to remove surplus sebum. However, the cleansing should not remove all the oil. Normally, cleansing of the oily skin should be carried out at least twice a day and in hot and humid conditions it should be even more frequent. However the cleansing should not be too frequent as it can make the skin too dry and as a rebound action the skin produces more oil. The cleanser to be used should contain salicylic acid as it slows down the production of sebum.
Generally, the products for oily skin are oil free. However one should check for the contents of the product. For minimally oily skin the products labeled as “suitable for all skin types” can be used but for extremely oily skin the products especially for oily skin should be used. The toners for oily skin are alcohol based however; toner should not be excessively used as it can harm the skin.
Moisturizers for oily skin may or may not be required. For too much oily skin moisturizer may not be required. If moisturizer has to be used then it should be oil free, lipid free and wax free. Clay mask can be used once in a week.
Individuals of oily skin should avoid used of creams, lotions and ointments in general. The skin care and beauty products if at all they are to be used they should be oil free.
Oily, greasy and fried foods like French fries should be avoided. Cheese containing foods like pizzas and fast foods also should be avoided by individuals of oily skin. Individuals having oily skin should avoid walking through restaurant and fast food kitchens and dirty subways.
A well balanced diet, drinking plenty of water, regular physical exercise, control over sun exposure and learning stress relaxation are good for health of skin in general.
Suitable products can be chosen only after trying a few. Over the counter vitamin A products are useful for oily skin care. Prescription products containing sulfur and retinoid are also available. If the oiliness can not be controlled after using these products then consulting a dermatologist is better.
