How to Care for Oily Skin

Do you have overproductive sebaceous glands, which are responsible for oily skin? The good news is this skin type is generally slower to show fine lines, wrinkles and discoloration. The downside can be more frequent breakouts, large pores and a greasy appearance. The following steps can minimize the negative effects.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Stick with the basics: The experts suggest cleansing your face two or three times daily with good old soap and water. Pack a premoistened cleansing pad if you won't be around a water basin throughout the day.
2. Understand that dermatologists and aestheticians often disagree on which types of soaps or cleansers to use'but all agree that once you find a product that works well for your skin, you should continue using it.
3. Follow the recommendations of dermatologists and shower or bathe in tepid rather than steaming-hot water. Hot water can strip your skin of needed moisture, while cold water can shock your skin.
4. Avoid using cleansers that tend to overdry skin. This paradoxically causes your skin to produce even more oil than usual.
5. Use only noncomedogenic moisturizers and sunscreen products'this means they're oil-free and won't clog pores.
6. Talk to your dermatologist about a class of drugs called retinoids, which reduce production in oil glands and shrink their size.
7. Keep in mind that oil glands are very sensitive'stimuli such as hormones, heat and (some say) fatty food can trigger them.
8. Remember that your efforts to keep your oily skin clear can only go so far, as some studies indicate that oily skin is hereditary.

Tips & Warnings

• Constant breakouts may indicate that you have acne or another skin condition. Contact your dermatologist for medical advice and guidance.