About Oily Skin
Oily skin commonly affects people of all ages, although it occurs most frequently in teenagers and young adults, especially young men. It is a skin type rather than an abnormal condition, and although it can be a nuisance, there are benefits. Many over-the-counter products are available to control the effects of oily skin; in severe cases, a dermatologist can offer other options. Does this Spark an idea?
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Misconceptions
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Oily skin is often believed to be caused by insufficient washing; however, excessive washing and using harsh cleansers or techniques can cause skin to become oilier. There is also no real association between oily skin and eating greasy food, despite common beliefs to the contrary. Some people with oily skin believe that they do not need to moisturize; however, using a light, oil-free moisturizer after washing your face is still important to prevent irritation and rebound oil production.
Significance
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Oily skin is caused by an overproduction of sebum, a natural protectant produced by the skin. The production of sebum is regulated by dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone produced when testosterone is metabolized. DHT production increases rapidly in both sexes during puberty, leading to the oily skin and acne most teenagers experience. In women, DHT production varies with the menstrual cycle; as a result, skin may become significantly more oily in the days before menstruation begins each cycle.
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Effects
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Oily skin is often shiny and appears greasy. This can be upsetting for many people because it may appear as if they have poor hygiene. Blemishes, including acne and blackheads, are more common in people who have oily skin. Blemishes tend to occur when the pores are blocked by excess sebum, which may then form a dry plug or pustule.
Prevention/Solution
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Most cases of oily skin can be managed by using appropriate products to wash and moisturize the skin. Soap should never be used on the face since it strips away too much oil along with natural fatty acids that protect the skin. Instead, a gentle foaming facial cleanser should be used once or twice daily, without scrubbing. Afterward, a small amount of oil-free moisturizer should be applied. Oil-absorbing products and astringents can be used to reduce shininess and greasy appearance of the skin. In severe cases, a dermatologist may prescribe treatments similar to those used for acne.
Benefits
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Although oily skin can be a hassle, this skin type also has long-lasting advantages. Skin becomes less oily over time, so people who have normal skin in their youth often have dry skin when they are older. Those who have oily skin will find that their skin changes to the normal type over time. Oily skin ages very well, and wrinkling is far less pronounced in those who had oily skin when they were young.
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Resources
- Photo Credit Creative Commons image by Dan Taylor
