Summer Pointers For Caring On Oily Skin

I thought oily skin was the scourge of adolescence.  I thought I was far enough over the hill that I didn’t need to worry about oily skin. But I do, and I’m not alone.  Questions concerning what to do about oily skin far outnumber those about dry or sensitive skin, particularly in warm summer weather.

Oily skin or areas of skin feel greasy, possibly sticky and grimy and appear shiny.  It is often thick and coarse, with visibly enlarged pores.  Oily skin may appear somewhat flushed or sallow.

Wrinkles are less apparent, but oily areas are frequently blemished with blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples or cysts.  This acne condition is often aggravated because soil clings to an oily skin more readily.  Dead skin cells tend to build up, obstructing pore openings and muddying the complexion.

Oily skin should be cleansed twice a day.  Cleansing in the morning and following makeup removal or before bed in the evening is generally sufficient to remove accumulated oil and soil, although you may wish to cleanse three or four times a day if oil accumulation is severe.

Cleanse oily skin with a stronger soap or rinsable soap formulated for oily skin and use comfortably hot water.  Work the soap into a full lather in your hands and gently wash with circular and upward motions giving special attention to your chin nose and forehead.  Then rinse many times in clean water to remove all traces of soap residue that will irritate your skin.  Pat dry with a soft, clean towel.

Once or twice a week you can use an abrasive material and a slightly more vigorous action to remove dead skin cells that might otherwise obstruct pore openings.  You might use a well-napped washcloth, complexion brush, polyester cosmetic sponge or loofa sponge.  Do not use these products too frequently or too roughly or you may irritate your skin.

An astringent is generally recommended for use on oily skin.  It removes any traces of oil or soap residue and controls the greasy shine.  Astringents contain alcohol or witch hazel and their antiseptic effects tend to reduce breakout and infection. Healing is encouraged because of their drying effect.

Astringents may contain additional ingredients that cause mild tissue irritation, temporarily plumping skin cells and causing pores to appear somewhat smaller. Overuse can damage your skin.  You may choose to use a stronger concentration of alcohol in summer to control oiliness.

If your skin is already blemished, you should avoid the use of a moisturizer in those areas.  It adds more oil to an already oily skin.  However, you may need to apply a light film on your eyes, neck and possibly your lips.  If your skin is not blemished, it is advisable to apply a light film of lightweight lotion smoothly over your face and neck.

If makeup is worn, select water-based rather than cream or oil-based products.  It may be wise to omit wearing any foundation makeup and rely instead on loose facial powder.  Cream eye shadow may be used and will not crease if you lightly dust your shadowed lid with talcum powder.  Powder blush will glide on smoothly.

You can control an oily skin condition during the day with convenient-to-carry, individually packaged, pre-moistened towelletes.  If you prefer, carry a small bottle of astringent and cotton balls in a plastic bag in your handbag.  Re-apply a light coating of lotion, powder and blush after using.  Oily skin will contribute to the problems of oily skin, so shampoo often.  Style your hair off your face as often as possible, particularly during active sports or exercise periods.  Wash your skin after exercise to remove excess oil and perspiration.  When out in the sun, select a gel-type sunscreen.