Oily Skin Research Paper

How To Prevent and Treat Oily Skin

Is your skin often shiny? Is your make up always ‘sweating’ off your face? Is your face prone to pimples? Then you’ve got oily skin or a combination skin type.

People with an oily skin shine on their face and have regular breakouts. Their pores are large and easily noticeable.

People with a combination skin type exhibit two types of skin types on their face. Their cheeks and other face portions appear dry and cracked while the T-zone (forehead, nose and chin) will be oily.

Causes of oily skin

Our skin is kept supple and soft by oils produced by the body. If too much sebum (oil) is produced, it leads to acne breakouts and oiliness. Oily skin can be blamed on two factors: genetics and hormones. Medically,

This the sits on the skin surface, forming an oily sheen. When this excess oil gets trapped in the pores and combines with bacteria and dead skin cells on the skin surfaces then, pimples, blackheads and blemishes form.

Genetics is also a cause of oily skin. Reaction to hormonal changes in most patients depends on hormones and genes. Hormone fluctuations could be a result of events like pregnancy or puberty, and hereditary or genetic factors can determine your skins reaction to these fluctuations.

Other causes of oily skin include:

 Use of the wrong amount of skin care products: sometimes while we are trying to look younger and get a smooth skin, we over exfoliate or over clean. Too much exfoliating and cleaning products strips the skin of its natural oils leading to overcompensation by the sebaceous glands.

 Cosmetics: some make up products make the sebaceous glands active especeially the oil based one. The skin becomes heavier and greasier. Most liquid cosmetics make the skin oily.

 Diet: excessive caffeine, processed foods, foods high in salt and fats and sugary products could lead to oily skin. Unhealthy diets cause dehydration on the skin and malnourishments which causes the sebaceous glands to overproduce

This absorbs oils produced throughout the day and keep the skin shine free and fresh. Powder could be another option to help soak up additional sebum on the oiliest areas. Oil control papers can also help when you need a quick fix.

c) Change your skin care routine.

Switch to an oily skin regimen.

i. Look for cleansers containing sulfur, tea tree oil or salicylic acid that dissolve excess sebum. You can also use Glycolic acid to improve the texture and tone of your skin. After cleansing use an alcohol free, mild toner that removes impurities. Finish off with a light oil-free moisturizer. Do this twice every day. ii. Use an astringent every other day to tighten pores and remove excess oils. They however contain high alcohol levels and could be over drying and harsh. They should therefore not be used after exfoliation. iii. Exfoliate to prevent clogged pores. Do it every once a week using an oil-free scrub designed for your skin type. Be gentle however to avoid irritating your skin.

Warning: be wary of home