What does oily skin need? How to care for it?

Dilated pores, a shiny nose, a tendency to acne lesions – these are the hallmarks of oily skin. This type of skin can be problematic, and the key to taming it is proper care. What specifically does oily skin need? How to take care of it? Answers to these and similar questions can be found below.

Oily skin, or what kind of skin?

Recognizing and defining oily skin is not difficult – simply put, it is a skin type that is characterized by excessive sebum production. As a result, oily skin glows and is sometimes sticky to the touch. Excessive work of the sebaceous glands is not good for the skin – it makes the complexion shiny, and pores can become excessively dilated. Importantly, oily skin also has its advantages – it usually ages slowly, and is quite resistant to sudden changes in temperature, wind and air pollution.

Oily skin and its symptoms

You’ll recognize oily skin by the shininess of the skin and the blackheads and sebaceous gland outlets visible on the surface. These lesions occur primarily in the T-zone, that is, on the forehead, chin and nose, but you may also notice them on the décolletage and back. In addition, oily skin is prone to acne formation.

Other characteristic features of this skin type are:

• Oily surface – the skin is sticky to the touch.
• Difficulty in maintaining makeup – foundation and other makeup products applied to oily skin smear easily, due to increased sebum production.
• Characteristic color – skin with a tendency to greasiness is not only shiny, but most often also has a grayish-yellow or earthy color.

Oily skin – causes

Skin can be oily, dry, normal or vascular. Each skin type has its own characteristics, strengths and problems. Oily skin is not a dermatological condition, but its excessive oiliness and tendency to acne can already be considered in the category of an aesthetic problem.

Most often, the cause of excessive sebum production and the tendency to develop blackheads is improper hormone levels, but it is also sometimes a matter of skin care mistakes.

Other factors that promote oily skin:

• Genetic predisposition – if your parents, siblings or grandparents were prone to oily skin, this problem may also occur in you.
• Hormonal changes – this is why oily skin often occurs in teenagers, women during menstruation and pregnancy.
• Stress – an excess of stressful situations is not conducive to good skin condition.
• Improper diet – a diet high in saturated fats and highly processed foods has a negative impact on the appearance and condition of the skin.
• Inadequate skin care – the use of cosmetics that contain alcohol or other highly drying substances can lead to excessively oily skin. Don’t be fooled by appearances – oily skin also needs moisturizing, but a gentle one.

Proper care for oily skin

Oily skin care should, above all, be regular. If you have this type of skin, be sure to cleanse it daily – preferably with face-washing gels and foams, which usually have a light consistency and therefore do not clog pores. The next stage of care is toning with astringent and soothing cosmetics. On such cleansed skin you can apply a cream.

The right cream for oily skin

Remember that oily skin, like any other skin type, also needs moisturizing. Therefore, choose a cream with this effect, having a light texture – which will not aggravate shiny skin. Using too many mattifying cosmetics can dry out the epidermis and increase sebum production. When buying a cream for oily skin, look for a product that contains hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, which inhibits excessive sebum secretion.

Primer for oily skin – which one to choose?

If you have oily skin and like to paint yourself, get the right foundation. How to find the perfect one? A foundation for oily skin should have a lightweight formula that will not make your skin shine excessively. Choose a product that reduces increased sebum production, preferably with a long-lasting effect. For oily skin, mineral foundations in powder form are great – they are applied with a brush. Since they contain zinc oxide in their composition, they have mattifying properties and regulate sebum production.

Oily skin – treatment

To tame oily skin, it is necessary to care for it properly. The key actions are: regular cleansing, moisturizing and using cosmetics that level sebum secretion. Take care of your skin from the inside as well, and don’t neglect healthy habits. Drink about 2 liters of water a day, follow a diet rich in sources of omega-3 fatty acids, and make sure you don’t run out of minerals and vitamins. All of these compounds benefit the condition of your skin.

Oily skin vs. specialized treatments

You can also take care of oily skin in other ways – by undergoing specialized treatments. If you have this type of skin, you can opt for:

• Chemical peels – deeply cleanse the skin, exfoliate it, and thus make it firmer, refreshed and smoother. Importantly, performing this type of peeling is quick, and you can repeat the procedure many times.
• Water microdermabrasion – cleanses, nourishes and smooths the epidermis. This treatment is non-invasive and can be performed even during pregnancy and lactation.
• Needle mesotherapy – its effect depends on what substance is applied as part of the treatment. For oily skin, it can be a cocktail of vitamins and minerals, but also moisturizing ingredients that will soothe the skin and regulate the sebaceous glands.

Remember to consult a specialist before undergoing a particular treatment. This one will choose the optimal therapy for your skin and make sure you have no contraindications to the treatment.