Taking Care of Oily Skin - Causes of Oily Skin, Care for Oily Skin

At the outset, it would be better to clear up the notion that oily skin requires harsh treatment or a regimen that is diametrically opposed to dry skin. Oily skin needs as much care and attention as dry skin does, though probably with better results. Oily skin typically appears shiny, thick, and dull and may have coarse pores and pimples or other blemishes. This skin is prone to developing blackheads as the oil-producing Sebaceous Glands are overactive and produce more oil than is normally required. This oil gives the skin a greasy appearance and makes it appear unhealthy and thick.
Causes of oily skin External causes of oily skin include:
humidity, hot weather, pollution and cosmetic use.
Internal causes, some being out of our control, include: heredity, diet, pregnancy, hormonal changes and oral contraceptive use.
There are particular life phases when one is afflicted with or more prone to developing oily skin. These include adolescence, pregnancy and Menopause when the body battles with extreme or marked hormonal changes. Though skin tends to become drier with increasing age, it can also turn into combination skin—skin that is oily in some areas and dry in others—which may be a little more difficult to manage than oily or dry skin.

Care for oily skin Oily skin is less likely todevelop wrinkles and fine lines and this works out to be one of thegreat advantages of having this skin type. With due amount of care,oily skin can be made to work to your best advantage. A few importantpointers with regard to oily skin include:
Oily skin needs frequent and thorough cleansing. This does not mean the use of harsh products. Rather, gentle facewashes or soaps will need to be used in combination with lukewarm or warm water to cleanse face and avoid the clogging of wide pores. Harsh products that strip your skin of essential oil can cause flakiness and an unsightly appearance, while also resulting in rebound oily skin. Use of harsh products can cause reactive over-secretion of Sebum from the skin glands and result in an outbreak of pimples. Skin-care products that tend to leave skin feeling taut and dry should be avoided as they cause the upper layers of skin to shrink resulting in restricted oil flow through pores which eventually ends up as blockages and breakouts. It is best to use oil-based cleansing products as they tend to dissolve skin oils better. These can be teamed up with oil-free moisturizers to maintain a shine-free complexion. Though you should limit washing of oily skin to 2–3 times a day, you can splash cold or lukewarm water on your face and pat dry with a face towel as often as 7–10 times a day. While this works in managing oily skin, it also leaves you feeling more refreshed and alert. Skin cleansing is an important aspect of managing oily skin. It is preferable to avoid extremes when choosing cleansers—harsh cleansers can cause rebound oily skin and mild cleansers may not clear away the collected oil. A natural soap without artificial additives or antibacterial lotions or soap can be ideal for managing oily skin, depending on whether the skin is experiencing an episode of breakout. Moisturizing is key to healthy skin, even for oily skin types and should be done immediately after cleansing. An oil-free moisturizer is ideal for moisturizing as it will give a shine-free and fresh appearance to the face. Lukewarm or warm water is better for cleansing facial skin in oily skin types. Particular attention to the sensitive skin around the eyes is warranted and you can start using a skin-care cream that is specially formulated for the skin around the eyes, even in your 20s. If you have oily skin that appears scaly as well, using a deep-cleansing exfoliant on alternate nights, followed by a light moisturizer, may be a solution. It is important that you only use cosmetic and skin-care products that are specifically designed for oily skin. Using an antiseptic night cream once or twice in a week can reduce the incidence of Acne. Clarifying masks can help reduce blemishes that are an ubiquitous aspect of oily skin. An alternative option is to use a clay or mud mask once a week. Use an antiseptic cream or a pore-minimizing lotion or toner before applying make-up as this will reduce sebaceous secretions and will let the make-up stay fresh longer. Creams containing benzyl peroxide have been found to be more effective in this regard. Lime juice can work as a good cleanser if used in moderation. A half-teaspoon of lime juice mixed with rose water can be applied over the face to help cleanse away oily secretions about 30 min before a bath.
Diet for oily skin Diet is a significant factor in the management and prevention of oily skin. A few dietary tips include: A diet rich in proteins and restricted in sugar and salt should form the basis of dietary care of oily skin. Green leafy vegetables and fresh fruit contain plenty of vitamins and other essential micronutrients and help by improving the integrity of skin. Any deficiencies of minerals or vitamins should be corrected by administration of supplements and a balanced diet. Rich sources of vitamins B5 and B2, such as wheat germ, whole grains, beans, nuts and buckwheat help rejuvenate skin. Water intake should be high as well-hydrated skin is less prone to oiliness and infection. High water intake also flushes out toxins that are present in the body. Fats should be avoided in diet, especially from foods prepared in unhealthy fats such as fried and highly seasoned foods. Healthy fats, such as from seafood or nuts, are good for skin and can be consumed in moderation. Cooking should involve oil-free methods such as boiling, steaming, or poaching. Where it is impossible to cook without oil, opt for sauteeing or grilling over frying. Junk food can become a major contributor to unhealthy skin and should be avoided along with alcoholic beverages.
Other recommendations Smoking is detrimental in oily skin and even in other skin types as it causes enlargement of pores and impairs the health of the skin. Regular brushing and massage of the entire body can stimulate circulation and rejuvenates the skin. Supplements containing gamma linoleic acid and omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial for the skin. They strengthen skin Cells and boost moisture content within skin. Sleep is essential for the body to repair itself, thus it is important to get adequate sleep. Exercise will also benefit skin as it boosts circulation and will facilitate the processes that nourish and cleanse skin.