While oily skin can clog pores and lead to increased acne, dermatologists say oily skin has many benefits, too. Oil helps maintain the skin and people with oily skin tend to have thicker skin and fewer wrinkles. The key is to find a balance between too much oil and preserving your skin's natural moisture. To keep oily skin under control, here are some tips:
1. Wash your face every morning, evening and after exercise. While washing, resist the temptation to scrub your skin — even to remove makeup. Scrubbing irritates your skin, which can make it look worse.
2. Choose skin care products labeled as “oil-free” and “non-comedogenic”. Products containing these labels — including cleansers, moisturizers, and makeup — won't clog your pores or cause acne.
3. Use a gentle foaming face wash. Many people with oily skin think they need a strong face wash to make their skin drier. However, using a face wash that is too harsh can irritate your skin and cause increased oil production. Look for a mild, gentle face wash instead.
4. Do not use oil or alcohol based cleaners. These can irritate your skin.
5. Use a moisturizer daily. Even though you have oily skin, it is still important to apply moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated. To save time and protect your skin from the sun's harmful UV rays, look for a moisturizer that also contains a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
6. Wear sunscreen outdoors. Sunscreen helps prevent sun damage that can lead to wrinkles, age spots and even skin cancer. Look for sunscreens that contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide and do not use sunscreens that contain fragrance or oil to prevent acne.
7. Opt for water-based oil-free makeup.
8. Don't sleep with makeup. Always remove all make-up before going to sleep.
9. Use tissues throughout the day. Gently press the tissue against your face and let it rest for a few seconds to absorb the oil. Do not rub it on your face as this will spread the oil to other areas.
10. Don't touch your face all day. While it's tempting to touch your face, it can spread dirt, oil, and bacteria from your hands to your face. Only touch your face when cleaning, moisturizing or applying sunscreen or make-up and make sure your hands are clean first.
