People with oily skin won’t outgrow the problem when they leave puberty and their teen years behind. Many people are simply born with a tendency to produce more oil than others. As depressing as that might sound, there are things you can do to get rid of oily skin, and they range from over-the-counter products to prescription medications, and even laser treatments.
Treating oily skin can be a challenge because one remedy that’s often discussed by experts, cleansing, can actually backfire and lead to more oil production if performed too vigorously or with the wrong type of cleanser. Harsh and abrasive cleansers will produce more oil and should be avoided. Dermatologists recommend that patients should keep the word “gentle” in mind when shopping for oily skin care products. Such a product will clean your skin but it won’t destroy the skin’s protective barrier. Doctors also say an especially gentle and mild cleanser is appropriate in the winter months to get rid of oily skin, balanced with a more thorough cleanser in the hot months when skin is sweating.
Causes of oily skin vary and can include hormones, and the stress that can make hormones unbalanced. Genetics are a contributing factor, too, with olive skin more prone to oil production. The environment is another factor to consider when trying to get rid of oily skin because heat and humidity make the problem worse. People who live in cities where the air is heavily polluted may also see the problem exacerbated because pollution can irritate the glands that produce oil. Some people believe that poor food choices can be a factor, but there is no scientific proof of this.
Sometimes oily facial skin can be helped by an application of a specially formulated masque that contains mud or clay. It is said these ingredients help draw oil out of the skin, although there is no scientific proof they actually get rid of oily skin. Over-the-counter products that contain alcohol will help dry the oil, which is also known as sebum. Experts also recommend astringent products to control oily skin.
Some people with oily skin want more control over the ingredients they put on their skin and they prefer to mix their own masques and washes. Ingredients for this type of homecare can include sea salt, honey, green tea and almonds. Aloe vera has also been used to help dry out oily skin temporarily. Some people also enjoy a face wash made of lemon juice, which they say can help eliminate oil and reduce acne. Others like to use milk and even crab apples when they mix up their own homemade remedies.
