oily skin

For oily skins, the key to managing the overproduction of sebum is gentle and thorough cleansing routine.

Below are a few tips on how to manage oily skin conditions:

Dos

  • Use mostly water-based products which should have some humectants such as glycerine, hyaluronic acid etc, astringents such as witch hazel extract, and chemical exfoliants such as alpha hydroxyl acids (lactic acid, glycolic acid etc,) and Beta hydroxy acid such as salicyclic acid.
  • Non abrasive physical exfoliation (face srub)  at least one in a week will be helpful to keep the follicles clean and prevent sebum and cell build up.
  •  Clay masks or other absorbent face masks that can help soak up excess oil on the face while deeply cleansing are better suited for this skin type.
  • Sometimes, in cases of excessive oily skin conditions the use of a moisturiser might be unnecessary. A good alcohol-free toner and a water based facial serum with good humectants in it, might be all that  is needed .
  • Always check your cosmetic products to ensure that they have ingredients that are rated as noncomedogenic, nonacnegenic or doesn’t clog pores. (Check here to see the comedogenity level of some natural butters and oils ..   https://www.beneficialbotanicals.com/facts-figures/comedogenic-rating.html)
  • Wash your face at least twice a day with a gel or foamy face cleanser suited for oily skin conditions. Most oily skin cleansers will contain ingredients like glycerine, alpha-hydroxy acids like lactic acid, glycolic acid  or beta-hydroxy acids like salicylic acid.
  • Willow bark extract is also a good natural source of salicyclic acid that can be used to as a natural alternative to salicyclic acid in formulating for oily skin types.(check here for an article on willow bark extract…   http://bareskinnaturals.com/blog/natural-skin-care/)
  • Use an oil free sunscreen of  SPF 15 to 30 daily.
  • The use of some antibacterial essential oils such as tea tree oil might be beneficial in tackling the acne causing bacteria on the skin.

Don’ts

  • Avoid the use of harsh chemicals such as alcohol, benzoyl peroxide etc. in your skin care products. The long term effect of these products  on the skin far outweighs any immediate benefits.
  • Avoid the use of heavy petroleum based products, butters or oils as these will clog your pores and create a conducive environment for acne.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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