Oily skin often falls into the category of difficult and sometimes uncomfortable skin types. This is especially true in summer when the heat becomes an unwelcome companion for anyone with oily skin.
The main characteristic of oily skin is excessive sebum production which can lead to clogged pores and eventually to pimples and blackheads. With the right attention oily skin can be kept under control but the choice of products is very important. Many toners designed for oily skin are full of denatured alcohol. While it has an antibacterial effect and briefly removes the feeling of oiliness it can easily over dry the skin. In response the skin produces even more sebum which only makes the problem worse in the long run. Denatured alcohol is common not only in toners but also in cleansers and moisturizers so it is always worth checking the ingredient list before buying. It may appear as Alcohol denat Alcohol Bio Alcohol or SD Alcohol.
The cause of oiliness can often be overly dry skin which can improve or even disappear entirely when using a light moisturizer on a regular basis. Although it may sound strange at first to apply oil to oily skin jojoba oil is a fast absorbing plant oil recommended even for oily and acne prone skin. Its light texture is quickly absorbed and it helps balance sebum production. In the evening apply a few drops as the last step of your skincare routine then massage it into the skin with gentle circular motions or mix a few drops into your moisturizer.
To absorb excess sebum use a clay mask once a week. It softens the skin while providing a deep cleansing effect. For daily cleansing you can also try a black soap developed specifically for oily skin which can even help with breakouts. It is tempting to squeeze pimples at home but this can easily lead to permanent scarring. Regular professional cleansing treatments can noticeably improve the condition of the skin and the results can be maintained with proper home care between appointments.
Oily skin is often combined with dehydration which shows up as tightness and discomfort. Use gel based moisturizers and masks that replenish water in the skin and contain water binding ingredients.
Even though dealing with shiny skin may not feel encouraging there are advantages to oily skin. For example it is usually less sensitive than other skin types and tends to develop wrinkles much later. During the teenage years oily skin is often only temporary and it commonly shifts to combination or normal skin in the twenties.
