(Newswire.net — November 21, 2019) — So many people long for what they don’t have. Straight-haired folk dream of luscious curls. People with curly hair dream of straight, silky sheen.
You can see the same thing with skin type. If you have dry skin, you probably wish for more hydration and healthy oil. But if your skin is very oily, your shiny face probably drives you up the wall!
Today we’re talking oily skin – what is it? What are the problems? How can we deal with oily skin without it drying out?
What is oily skin?
You might think you have oily skin but actually have combination skin. People with combination skin tend to get shiny and oily on their forehead, nose, and chin but not the rest of their face.
If you truly have oily skin you’ll notice these factors:
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Your face looks shiny or greasy everywhere
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Your skin appears thick and coarse
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You have enlarged pores
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You get occasional breakouts of acne
You can test your skin type easily. Just give your face a gentle wash in the morning and pat it dry. Don’t apply any makeup or lotion and wait an hour or two, then look in the mirror. If your face is all shiny and oily by the time you look, you have oily skin.
But if your cheeks are dry while your forehead and nose are shiny, you have combination skin – which we will also cover below.
What causes oily skin?
Oily skin occurs when your sebaceous glands are doing their job too well. Your skin needs some oil to be healthy and protected, but if the glands are overproducing sebum, it can cause problems.
Usually, this is a hereditary issue inherited from one or both of your parents. Using too many chemically enhanced skincare products can also upset the natural balance of your skin, triggering over-production by your sebaceous glands.
Why is oily skin a problem?
Oily skin causes a range of issues:
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Clogged pores and acne – Excess oil on your skin can trap dirt, leading to clogged pores. In turn, clogged pores can result in blemishes and acne breakouts.
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Shiny face – This is an aesthetic thing and may not bother you, but oily skin will make your face appear shiny or even wet. Many people don’t like this aspect of their appearance.
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Cosmetics that run – When you have oily skin, you may find your makeup often runs and you need to reapply it throughout the day.
The good news on oily skin
There is some good news if you have oily skin though. Oily skin ages slower than dry skin, so as you get older you might be glad to have that shiny face!
Reduce excess oil with this daily routine
You don’t want to obliterate the oil from your skin – that’s counterproductive – but there are ways you can reduce the shininess, large pores, and risk of acne.
Here are some basic steps to get your oily skin under control:
1. Only wash your face twice a day
It can be frustrating to wash your face only to see it oily again within an hour or two. But it’s important to resist the urge to keep washing.
Overwashing will strip away natural, healthy oils from your skin. In response, your sebaceous glands will go into overdrive meaning your skin will actually be oilier and oilier.
2. Use a dissolving cleanser
It’s important to use a cleanser that gently dissolves the oils on your skin and deeply cleans at the same time. Try Okana’s Apple Juice Foaming Cleanser, which will remove dirt, excess oil, impurities, and unclog pores without stripping away healthy oils or drying out your skin.
Use warm water, and massage the cleanser into your skin for at least one minute before rinsing off.
3. Tone carefully
It’s also important to use a toner that won’t do more damage than good. Gentle but effective is what you’re after, not a chemical assault!
A great option is Okana’s Cucumber and Lettuce Toner. It uses 100% natural and organic ingredients that will clean and tone your skin with vitamins, minerals, and nutrients.
4. Apply natural oils to your skin
This one is so important but many people don’t do it because it feels counterintuitive. Your skin is oily so you want to get rid of oil not add more – right? Well, it’s not quite that simple. As we discussed, using harsh products to strip away oil can make the problem much worse. It can also stress your skin, leading to faster ageing.
Applying natural oils can actually help to balance out your skin. It might sound weird but give it a try and you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
A great option is Okana’s Avocado Smash Body Butter, which is packed with avocado oil, apricot kernel oil, macadamia oil, and rapeseed oil. Apply it every day after cleansing and you’ll notice a more balanced look.
8 more tips for oily skin
In addition to your daily routine, here are 8 tips to improve the appearance and health of your skin:
1. Use a face mask 2-3 times a week
Masks can reduce the oily appearance of skin for days at a time. They can also help your pores appear smaller. Try a natural mud mask – mineral-rich clay can tone skin, giving it a tighter, smoother appearance.
2. Exfoliate 2-3 times a week
Try a natural exfoliant like Okana’s Bamboo Beads Face Scrub, which leaves your skin looking smooth and clean.
Don’t over-exfoliate though, as that can make your skin feel under attack leading to overproduction of oils.
3. Consider your diet
Choose healthy fruits and vegetables and lean proteins, and cut down on sugar-sweetened beverages. Foods high in fats, sugars, and unhealthy oils can cause a negative reaction in your skin.
4. Apply witch hazel before your makeup
Witch hazel is a natural salicylic acid toner. Applying it to your face before applying makeup will help soak up excess oil without stripping too much away.
5. Use a light moisturizer
Using a light moisturizer with infused ingredients that cleanse can help your skin balance out its own oils over time so that you don’t stay so oily.
6. Use oil-free cosmetics
Always look for makeup products that are oil-free – often written as ‘non-comedogenic’ – as these won’t clog up your pores.
7. Don’t overdo powder
Take it easy when applying powder to your skin. It might seem like it would soak up excess oil but it can make the skin feel suffocated and encourage the production of more oil.
Apply powder sparingly only on shiny areas, and use a matte translucent formula.
8. Remember sun protection.
One of the most important – and most overlooked – things you can do for your skin is protect it from the sun.
UV rays from the sun are your biggest enemy when it comes to ageing, and they can also lead to deadly skin cancers. So stay covered up and use a good, natural sunblock all throughout spring and summer.