Dear Beauty Conscious Reader,
If you have oily skin, you probably think it’s a curse.
Most people with this skin type have tried hundreds of different skin-care products – from harsh toners to stripping cleansers – to help get rid of their “slick” problem. But there’s something you should know about oily skin. It’s not a curse at all…
Oily skin is a blessing.
And if you’re one of the lucky ones with oily skin, there’s a good chance you’ll age more slowly than any other type of skin out there…. if you take care of it the right way.
You see, oily skin is characterized by larger pores and a higher sebum (oil) production by the sebaceous (oil) glands. And pores often get clogged and are more prone to comedones (blemishes and blackheads).
As a result, people often associate oily skin with “dirty” skin… but this is certainly not the case. Some other common misconceptions about oily skin are:
- Oily skin doesn’t need a moisturizer
- Oily skin has to be washed more frequently
- Oily skin needs a drying wash such as benzoyl peroxide
- Oily skin should use an alcohol-based toner
The truth is all of these misconceptions will actually make oily skin worse. But the good news is there are ways to keep the oil under control and help your skin stay radiant and youthful as you age. All you have to do is understand how your skin works…
Just like any other skin type – oily skin needs a good moisturizer.
Even though people with oily skin may think they have enough moisture to last them a lifetime, but by midday, they still need to moisturize because their skin can be dehydrated.
So the best moisturizers for oily skin are water-based and contain hyaluronic acid (HA). They can come either in cream or serum form, but I prefer the serum. It’s a clear gel similar to aloe vera, and works like a water sponge for your skin..
Even when you are drinking lots of water daily, its properties go to hydrate all the vital organs first, getting to the skin last. HA attracts water like a magnet and is an excellent choice to give much-needed hydration to those with oily skin.
Another challenge associated with oily skin is that your pores can become clogged easily.
This clogging prevents your natural oils and lubrication from getting to the outer skin layers and can make your skin feel dry and rough. It also causes your glands to work harder in an effort to lubricate the skin.
It’s important to remember that whenever your pores are clogged – regardless of your skin type –nothing can get in or out. To allow moisturizer to penetrate, you need to incorporate an exfoliating treatment into your skin-care routine – at least once or twice per week.
Some great exfoliating choices include:
 Clay Masks draw out impurities in the skin. |
- Clay Masks. If you choose to use a clay mask, start by softening your pores with a hot towel before applying. It helps stimulate circulation and draw out impurities. Pure Radiance’s Sierra Nourishing Clay Mask works great and lets you manage the consistency by adding or reducing the amount of water you use.
- Fruit Acid Peel. A natural fruit acid peel (Alpha-hydroxy or AHA and Beta-hydroxy or BHA) will clear clogged pores, minimize their size and allow better penetration of your skin-care products. Also, incorporating an AHA or BHA cleansing wash into your daily routine will help get your skin glowing in no time.
- Enzyme Mask. Another good option for exfoliation is an enzyme mask with papain (from papaya) or bromelain (from pineapple). For a homemade version, try putting papaya or pineapple into a blender to make a mask yourself. Pumpkin is also rich in natural enzymes and a good choice for exfoliation.
As far as a daily skin-care routine goes for people with oily skin, there are a few things to keep in mind. Don’t over-wash your skin with soap, a wash that contains benzoyl peroxide, or go for a drying alcohol-based toner. These “quick fixes” may give you matte skin for a short while, but they will stimulate your oil glands to compensate later on.
Here is an easy home routine for oily skin:
- In the morning, wash with a gentle, sulfate-free cleanser or one that contains natural AHAs or BHAs. Follow with a water-based moisturizing cream or HA serum.
- Once or twice per week, exfoliate your skin. Find the one that works best for you – clay mask, enzyme peel or mask, or fruit acid peel or mask (with AHA or BHA).
- At night, wash with a gentle, sulfate-free cleanser or one that contains natural AHAs or BHAs. Follow with a water-based moisturizing cream or HA serum.
Remember, True Beauty Begins on the Inside,
Elina Grosmane, Licensed Esthetician
[Ed. Note: Elina Grosmane is a highly sought-after skin care consultant and the principal of Carpe Diem LLC. She’s the force behind many well-known beauty products on the market today. Elina also serves on the board of directors for Just Ask David, an organization dedicated to keeping toxic chemicals out of skin care.]