Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 5: Cleaning your face
• Method 3 of 5: Apply makeup
• Method 4 of 5: Change habits for less oily skin
• Method 5 of 5: Treatment by a dermatologist
• Tips

Your facial skin naturally produces fat, also called sebum, for protection, but what if your skin is too oily and you want to combat it? Oily skin can cause acne, and it can make you self-conscious, but luckily there are some easy ways to take care of your facial skin to make it less greasy.

To step

Method 1 of 5: Cleaning your face

1. Use a mild facial cleanser. Wash your face with a mild cleanser so that it doesn't get irritated. If you use too strong agents, the skin can actually become more oily, because it will produce more fats to compensate for removing all natural fats.
   • If a mild cleanser isn't effective enough, you can try a product with benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or beta-hydroxy acid.
2. Only use toner on the oily areas of your skin. If you apply toner all over your face, you may end up with dry patches that will flake or turn red. Focus only on the oily parts and leave the normal and dry parts alone.
3. Use astringent pads when you're on the go. Astringent pads can be useful for removing oil from your skin when you can't wash your face. Put a few in your bag or put them at work if you often get oily skin during the day.
4. Don't use moisturizers that contain oils such as petroleum jelly or shea butter. These ingredients make your skin more oily. Read the ingredients on the package carefully before purchasing a moisturizer.
5. Choose a moisturizer that contains dimethicone. Look for an oil-free moisturizer that contains dimethicone instead of petroleum jelly (petrolatum). Moisturizers with dimethicone give a mattifying effect, while your petroleum jelly skin will glow more quickly.
6. Choose a moisturizer that won't clog pores or cause acne. Whichever moisturizer you choose, make sure that it doesn't clog pores or cause acne, as it is less likely to cause breakouts.
7. Don't use too much moisturizer. First, put a thin layer of moisturizer on your face, then decide if you need more. Start with a chickpea-sized amount, adding more if your skin still feels dry after applying it.
8. Try different moisturizers until you find one you like. If a moisturizer works well on someone else with oily skin, it doesn't have to be the case for you.
   • If a friend recommends you a product, or if you've read a review about a moisturizer, try getting a sample before buying. The make-up department in a department store often gives free samples if you ask nicely.

Method 3 of 5: Apply makeup

1. Use a mattifying primer. After you've cleaned your skin and applied moisturizer, apply a mattifying primer to your face. Mattifying primers help absorb excess oil from your skin throughout the day.
2. Choose oil-free makeup that won't clog pores. Look for foundation, powder, blush, and bronzer that are all oil-free and won't clog pores. These products will not give you oily skin and they will not clog pores.
3. Use a mineral-based powder. Using a large powder brush, apply a light coat of mineral-based powder to your face. Mineral-based powder prevents the appearance of a "pancake" of makeup on your face. Bring the powder with you so you can touch it up throughout the day.
4. Use all make-up sparingly. Only use a small amount of each product so that you don't get too much makeup on your face. Light layers ensure that your skin can continue to breathe, so that your skin will produce less oil.

Method 4 of 5: Change habits for less oily skin

1. Avoid foods that give you oily skin. Foods high in fat, sugar and salt can cause oily skin. Dairy and white flour products also contribute to oily skin. Avoid these foods or limit their consumption so that your face is less greasy.
2. Eat foods that help with oily skin. Foods high in fiber, such as legumes, fruits, vegetables and whole grains, help against oily skin. Green leafy vegetables and citrus fruits are especially effective against oily skin. Prepare the vegetables without oil by steaming or boiling them.
3. Drink plenty of water. Water helps keep your skin hydrated and flushes toxins from your body. Drinking enough water every day can help control oily skin.
4. Reduce stress. Stress causes your body to produce cortisol, which can lead to more sebum production. To reduce stress, you can add some relaxation techniques to your daily routine, such as meditation, yoga, or breathing exercises.

Method 5 of 5: Treatment by a dermatologist

1. Talk to a dermatologist. If you still have problems with oily skin, a dermatologist may be able to prescribe medications or care products to control your facial sebum production.
2. Ask about topical retinoid treatment. A dermatologist can prescribe a retinoid cream for oily skin and acne. However, this treatment only works in 20-30% of patients.
3. Ask about hormone therapy. Women can develop oily skin due to hormone fluctuations. In some cases, the contraceptive pill can reduce oily skin and fight acne.
4. Ask about a chemical peel. Alpha hydroxy or glycolic acid peels are means to remove excess oil from the skin. Unfortunately, the results of these treatments are only temporary, but a dermatologist can combine peels with other methods for maximum results.
5. Ask for Roaccutane. Roaccutane is a very effective medicine for oily skin and acne, and it is extracted from vitamin A. Most patients need to take Roaccutane for 15-20 weeks. Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should not take Roaccutane as it can lead to birth defects.

Tips

• Bring tissues so you can blot excess fat from your face throughout the day.
• Change your routine seasonally. Your skin can be oilier in the summer than in the winter, so pay attention to how your skin looks as the seasons change and you can adjust your routine accordingly.
• See if you can find a product that is a moisturizer, sunscreen, and foundation all in one, then you don't have to put on that many layers.