About Oily Skin Problems
Seborrhea is the name for the condition we call oily skin. Seborrhea affects both men and women. Although it occurs more frequently in adolescents, seborrhea can affect people from all age groups. The problems associated with excessively oily skin are not life-threatening, but they are definitely a nuisance and can cause acne.
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Cause
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Sebaceous glands are the reason for oily skin, and are most pronounced in the face around the nose. Thus, the nose tends to be oily, even for those with normal skin. To accommodate the large amounts of oil produced, the pores of the nose are larger pores in other parts of the body. Other areas that are prone to overly active sebaceous glands are on the neck, chest, and back. The amount of oil that these glands can produce is largely dependent on genetics. A surge of hormones during adolescence often encourages the sebaceous glands to produce more oil.
Problems
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One of the most common problems caused by oily skin is called acne vulgaris, more commonly known as acne. The hair follicles of the skin get inflamed and cause pustules to form. These blemishes can be a breeding ground for bacteria and can become infected. Another problem caused by oily skin is the formation of blackheads and whiteheads. Blackheads are formed when the oil combines with the dirt that accumulates in the face. The portion that is exposed to the air oxidizes and turns black. Whiteheads are similar to blackheads, except that they are closed and not exposed to air, so they appear as white bumps on the skin.
Cleansing
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The problem of oily skin cannot be completely eliminated. But steps can be taken to manage them effectively. To keep the skin healthy, even with overactive sebaceous glands, proper washing must be done regularly. Removing the oil from the surface of the skin will lessen the risk of clogged pores and thus prevent further breakouts. Choose a gentle cleanser that does not have strong fragrances and colors. If a soap is too strong, it may irritate the skin instead of helping it.
Medication
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Some topical medicines have been shown to alleviate problems caused by oily skin. Most of these medicines are available without a prescription. Benzoyl peroxide is one such example. It has the ability to kill bacteria, which is a factor in the formation of acne. It can peel away dead skin cells, prevent the pores from being blocked further. Antibiotics can be prescribed by doctors to get rid of the smaller blemishes in the skin. However, topical antibiotics may not be strong enough to combat larger pustules. Antibiotics also tend to irritate the skin, so they should be used carefully. Another common medicine for problems with oily skin is retinoic acid. Just like benzoyl peroxide, it helps prevent the pores from being blocked.
Nutrition
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Diet can be a factor in fighting oily skin. Eating foods rich in Vitamin A and C such as oranges can help combat acne. Minerals such as zinc, which is found in shellfish, also help with the problem of acne and other skin blemishes. When dealing with oily skin, it is important to drink plenty of water to flush out toxins in the body that can contribute to the skin being infected.
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