Hello,
This is Martha Thomas, head of customer care for Tree of Life Beauty, and I want to welcome you to our blog where we discuss important ways to age gracefully, "how-tos" for keeping skin healthy as you age, and so much more.
This week we will discuss “Simple Skin Care Tips for Oily Skin." If you missed any of our past blog posts, please check them out here on our website.
Please be advised that we are not doctors or dermatologists, and this article should not be taken as medical advice or any medical statement. Any questions or issues involving your skin-care needs should be taken up with a physician, and we highly recommend you consult with your doctor before taking up any skin-care regimen.
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Traditionally considered a teenage rite of passage, oily skin can be problematic well into adulthood, bringing with it breakouts, blackheads and shine. With a few careful steps its possible to help keep oily skin from ruining your routine.
What Causes Oily Skin?
Everyone’s skin produces oil. Known as sebum, this oil is released by the sebaceous gland and plays an important role in keeping skin healthy and moisturized. In some people the sebaceous gland produces more oil than necessary, resulting in a sheen of visible oil on the surface. How much oil someone experiences is affected by a number of different factors, and age, genetics, and environment can all impact how much grease is present on the skin. In fact, the same person may experience dry skin, oily skin, and combination skin at different times in their life.
Washing the Right Way
Greasy skin needs to be washed, but tackling this basic skincare task the right way can have a huge impact on oily skin--for better or for worse. While it can be tempting to launch an all-out attack on greasy skin with nearly constant cleanings and harsh products, this approach can amplify the problem. Instead, focus on gently washing the skin morning, evening, and after workouts.
Because any soap that dries out the skin too much can lead the skin to respond by producing even more oil to compensate, replace soaps and harsh scrubs with a gentle foaming face wash. This should be cleansing enough to leave skin feeling fresh without making it feel dry to the touch. Use gentle rubbing motions rather than intense scrubbing to further reduce oil-triggering irritation.
Avoid popping pimples
Most people have a tendency to get acne in the same area. You may get acne on your chin which means that you’re likely popping pimples in the same area of your face as well. This exposes that area to repeated pressure and damage that leads to an increased chance of exposing your skin to more bacteria, dead skin and pollutants. This exposure doubles the likelihood that you’ll get another pimple in that exact same spot. Again, this creates more damage in that spot.
Although it may be tempting to pop the pimple, try letting it heal on it's own while doing your part in washing, cleansing and treating the area. Different types of acne will respond to different treatments so it is always a good idea to visit a dermatologist in order to gain more knowledge and insight about your skin.
Drink Water
Our lives can become so busy that we often forget to drink water. Even though we hear about the benefits, sometimes it’s difficult to keep hydrated during the day. Water is incredibly important in order to keep healthy, youthful looking skin. We would suggest filling up a reusable water bottle and carrying it with you wherever you go. You are more likely to remember to drink water if it’s in front of you. Adding some mint leaves, lemon, cucumbers and other flavors can make it more fun to drink too! Read our “Stay Hydrated for Youthful Skin” blog post.
Don’t Abandon Good Skincare Habits
While layering extra products on skin that already seems greasy may feel counterintuitive, it’s still important to keep good skin care habits. In the long-term, these products play a critical role in keeping skin healthy and preserving its natural, youthful, attributes over the course of a lifetime. Oily skin can typically benefit from products containing Retinol such as Retinol Serum or a Retinol Moisturizer.
Make-up for Oily Skin
Greasy skin and cosmetics often chase each other in a vicious cycle. Oily skin and related breakouts lead to increased use of makeup. The additional makeup further clogs pores and irritates skin, leading to further oil build-up. Leading to even more makeup.
Establishing a healthy skincare routine is the first step towards breaking this cycle. Gentle cleansing, protecting, and moisturizing the skin leads to skin that naturally requires less covering up.
Regardless of which products are used, washing hands before applying any makeup will reduce the spread of dirt, oils, and germs which can contribute to breakouts. Avoid sleeping in makeup as well to also lessen its opportunity to clog pores and irritate the skin.
Oily skin can be challenging, but the right products and routines can make all the difference. Read our "How to Establish a Skin Care Routine" blog post next!
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