Naturally, our skin produces sebum. Sebum is the oil produced by our skin cells as a natural mechanism. It gives the skin a shiny, greasy appearance and makes it prone to acne and blemishes. This oil, produced by the skin cells, clogs the pores with oil and dead skin cells. This promotes the growth of bacteria and inflammation.
Skin Care for Oily/Acne Prone Skin:
First. Please do not over exfoliate or strip your skin.
Oil and acne-prone skin can benefit from a skin routine that helps control oil production, unclog pores, and reduce inflammation. In addition, a combination of skincare and lifestyle changes can help you take good care of the skin. Here are some of the tips:
Daily Cleansing: Cleanse your skin twice daily with a gentle, oil-free, and non-comedogenic cleanser. Avoid using hot water, as this can dry out your skin. Instead, use lukewarm water and be gentle when massaging the cleanser into your skin.
Moisturize: Even though you have oily skin, it's essential to keep it moisturized. Look for a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer labeled as non-comedogenic, which means it won't clog your pores.
Using the right products: Salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and retinoid as cleansers, moisturizers, spot treatments and toners will help unclog pores and reduce inflammation.
Exfoliate: Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells and unclog pores. However, be careful not to overdo it, as over-exfoliating can irritate the skin. Look for products that contain alpha-hydroxy acids or beta-hydroxy acids, as these ingredients can help to exfoliate the skin gently.
Protect your skin from the sun: Sun damage can cause the skin to produce more oil and can lead to acne. Always use sunscreen with at least SPF 30, and reapply it every 2 hours if you are outside for long periods.
Watch your diet: Eating a diet high in sugar, processed foods, and dairy products can increase your risk of developing acne. Try to eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
Avoid touching your face: Your hands are covered in bacteria and oil, so try to avoid touching your face during the day. This will reduce the chances of introducing bacteria or oil onto your skin.
Manage stress: Stress can cause the body to produce more oil and can lead to breakouts. Try to manage stress through activities such as exercise, yoga, or meditation.
Be consistent: Consistency is the key, be it skincare or treatment. If you have difficulty keeping up with the routine, consider setting reminders to keep yourself on track.
Products to Avoid for Oily/Acne Prone Skin:
🚫 Heavy, oily moisturizers can add to the excess oil on your skin and may clog your pores, leading to more acne.
🚫 Thick, creamy cleansers: Thick, creamy cleansers can leave a residue on your skin that can clog your pores and lead to breakouts.
🚫 Alcohol Containing products: Some products, such as toners and astringents, may contain high levels of alcohol. While alcohol can help to remove excess oil from the skin, it can also dry out your skin and irritate it, which can lead to more oil production and more breakouts.
🚫 Products with fragrances or essential oils can irritate the skin and cause redness, dryness, and inflammation. They can also increase the risk of allergic reactions and cause breakouts.
🚫 Hair products such as gels, sprays, and creams can easily travel down to the face and block the pores. Also, avoid letting the hair touch your face. It is always a good idea to patch-test any new product inside your wrist before applying it to the face.
Treatments for Oily/Acne-prone Skin:
✔ Light-based therapies: Light-based therapies such as blue light therapy, red light therapy, and laser therapy can help to reduce inflammation, kill bacteria, and promote healing.
✔ Extractions: A dermatologist or esthetician can perform extractions, which is a procedure that involves gently removing clogged pores with the help of a small tool. This can help to reduce the appearance of blackheads and whiteheads.
✔ Dermabrasion/Chemical peels: Dermabrasion and chemical peels are resurfacing procedures that use a tool or chemical solution to remove the top layers of skin, revealing fresh, new skin underneath. These treatments can help to improve the appearance of acne scars and reduce the visibility of pores.
Conclusion:
It's important to remember that everyone's skin is different, so what works for one person may not work for another. Keep in mind that it may take several weeks or even months to see improvement, so be patient and keep working with your skincare professional or dermatologist to find the right combination of products and treatments that work for you.
