Top 10 Tips for Cleansing Oily Skin

Anyone can have oily skin and it can be caused by a lot of factors – age, gender, ethnicity, or geographic location. For some people, genetics play a part in having oily skin. For others, it can be a myriad of other elements including poor face cleansing regimen, humidity, or even exposure to cigarette smoke. Some women may experience an increase in oil production at specific stages of life such as during puberty, during pregnancy, when taking birth control pills or during menopause period.

People with oily skin might feel greasy even just a few hours after a shower. For women, makeup can wear off easily. Oily skin also attracts dust and dirt which will clog pores. Acne, blackheads and other skin problems will develop with clogged pores. All of these make the field of dermatology busy, continuously developing products and procedures that will help prevent having oily skin. And it can begin with proper cleansing. The following are ten tips for cleansing oily skin:

1. Washing the face with a mild soap frequently (about times daily) can slow down production of oil, leaving the face cleaner and fresh looking. Another good alternative is a good oil control face wash. Remember that soap with harsh chemical and strong scents can irritate the skin and stimulate production of oil.
2. Use astringent as cleanser. It helps shrink pores and reduce oil secretion. Astringent should be used before wearing makeup to lessen oily look on face.
3. Use the three-step cleaning, toning and moisturizing. Choose an oil free moisturizer to provide the right moisture for oily skin.
4. Don’t use cosmetics which contain alcohol as it tends to make skin very dry. Choose oil-free cosmetics. Water-based skin care products are preferable for oily skin. If your skin is prone to breakouts, try using products with blemish control ingredients.
5. Stay away from oily and fatty foods, and processed foods containing high sugar and preservative. They all have adverse effects on the skin.
6. Exfoliate your skin. This is the best way to get rid of dead skin cells. Exfoliation reduces pores and whiteheads and it does make the skin feel smoother.
7. Drink plenty of fluid. The body needs detroxification and water can help detoxify the body and maintain fluid balance. Drinking 8-10 glasses of water every day will improve your skin’s condition.
8. Use a face pack made of rosewater, multani mitti, and lemon juice two times a week will help control oil production and achieve a normal texture.
9. Don’t sleep with makeup on your face. This will develop a risk of clogged pores, acne and bacterial growth. Remnants of makeup along with dirt and sebum can clog pores and stimulate acne growth.
10. Ask the dermatologist which class of drugs with retinoid is suitable for your skin. These drugs ensure that the glands produce less sebum.

It is important to remember that the skin needs a certain amount of oil to keep it healthy. Make sure that the cleansing regimen being used does not rid the skin or face with the needed oil. Excessive oil production can cause breakouts, but drying your skin of oil will also have adverse effects.