Oily skin isn’t a problem faced strictly by teenagers and adolescents; adults can suffer from it as well. Our skin produces natural oils (sebum) that prevents it from drying out. However, some people develop an excessive amount of sebum, resulting in oil skin that promotes the formation of acne and clogged pores. The good news is that you manage oily skin by following some simple steps.
Do Wash Your Face Regularly
If you suffer from oily skin, try to get into the habit of washing your face at least once a day. A mild cleaning soap will wash away the excess sebum, leaving your skin feeling fresh and rejuvenated. Of course, this is a practice that should be in every man and woman’s skincare regimen, regardless of skin type.
Do Exfoliate
Face washing alone isn’t going to combat the effects of oily skin, which is why it’s important to exfoliate. A proper exfoliating agent will clean deep into your pores where soap is unable to reach. Leaving your pores clogged with sebum can lead to acne, irritation and inflammation — three things that probably want to avoid. Be sure to check out our previous post for more exfoliating tips.
Do Get a Good’s Rest
There’s a reason why it’s called “beauty rest” — because sleep really does impact your physical appearance. Failing to get the recommended 7-8 hours of shut-eye per night will increase your risk of developing oily skin.
Don’t Over Wash
While washing your face plays an important role in managing oil production, doing it too often can actually have a negative effect. Sebum — in small amounts — is beneficial because it keeps the skin hydrated and moist. When you strip away the sebum, however, your skin will begin to produce more of it in an attempt to make up for the loss. So, how often should you want your face? Try to wash it no more than once per day to avoid triggering an even higher level of sebum production.
Don’t Consume a High-Sodium/Sugar Diet
Aside from the obvious consequences of a high-sodium and sugar diet, it may also contribute to oil skin. A smarter approach is to plan your diet around lean meats and fresh veggies and fruit, as this will deliver beneficial nutrients without increasing your skin’s sebum production.
