Content

• Steps
• Part 1 of 2: Identifying Causes of Oily Skin Problems
• Part 2 of 2: Control and Improve Oily Skin

Is your skin very oily? There are several ways to find out the root causes of this problem, as well as options for controlling it, which will help your skin look healthier. It's much easier than you think!

Steps

Part 1 of 2: Identifying Causes of Oily Skin Problems

1. 1 It is necessary to understand what exactly provokes the appearance of the problem. Sebum is produced by the sebaceous glands. Most of them are concentrated in the area of ​​the face, neck, chest and back, therefore it is these areas that are most often prone to signs of oily skin.
2. 2 It is necessary to know the factors that contribute to the predisposition to the appearance of oily skin. These include:
   • genetics (if your parents, at some point in their life, had a problem with oily skin, then you most likely will have it too)
   • age (oily skin is more common in teens and young adults around the age of 20 than in adults)
   • hormones (oily skin can become a problem for women during a certain period of the cycle, during pregnancy, when taking birth control pills or during menopause; in men, hormones do not play such an important role, since they do not affect the body to the same extent as in women)
3. 3 Recognize factors that can aggravate the problem of oily skin. With some of them, you are able to cope, which in turn improves the condition of your skin. Factors that can aggravate the condition of oily skin:
   • stress (during stressful situations, the condition of oily skin may worsen)
   • nutrition (fatty foods and dairy products can make the problem worse)
   • worsening after applying makeup (cosmetics such as foundation can clog your pores and make your skin look greasy)
   • the weather can exacerbate the problem in some people
   • too frequent use of scrubs and washing your face can also irritate the skin and worsen its condition

Part 2 of 2: Control and Improve Oily Skin

1. 1 Wash your face gently three times a day. Vigorous friction can increase greasiness, so this should be done very gently. However, washing your face is a very important process, as it cleanses the pores and reduces the oiliness of the skin.
   • Use a mild soap or cleanser, then pat your face lightly with a dry towel (be careful not to damage your face).
2. 2 Change your diet. Some foods that help fight oily skin include eggs, lemon juice, yogurt, tomatoes, apple cider vinegar, apples, cucumbers, and honey. It is necessary to avoid the use of fatty and high-calorie foods, as well as dairy products, as they aggravate the skin condition.
3. 3 Use a cleanser containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. These ingredients are especially helpful in combating oily skin. Check the label at your local pharmacy to find similar products.
4. 4 Choose "non-comedogenic" cosmetics. Cosmetics marked on the label do not clog pores and are suitable for oily skin. Also, go for water-based cosmetics, which are much better for oily skin than oil-based cosmetics.
5. 5 Wait 5 minutes after washing your face before applying makeup. If you apply it right away, it will penetrate your pores, exacerbating irritation and sebum production.
6. 6 Remove any makeup residue as quickly as possible. Gently cleanse the skin with a delicate cleanser (regular soap is not suitable for the skin of the face, as it is too harsh) after cleansing the skin of makeup. This will help keep your skin healthy and prevent excess sebum production.
7. 7 Continue to moisturize your skin. This may seem counterintuitive with oily skin, but any type of skin needs proper hydration. Use a light, oil-free moisturizer; it actually keeps your skin healthy and also reduces sebum production due to the overall improvement in skin condition. Apply a moisturizer once a day.
   • In summer, use an oil-free sunscreen that can act as a moisturizer.
8. 8 Do not forget about the existence of products that can be ordered from a pharmacy or obtained by prescription from a doctor. Such drugs help in cases with especially problematic skin. Before using it is necessary to consult a doctor. As stated above, keeping your skin healthy and free of irritation should be your priority, so medications to dry the skin (reduce the oily sheen) should only be used as a last resort.