Red, Tingly & Dry Skin

Red, tingly and dry skin could potentially be caused by a number of interesting things. Find out what it means if you have red, tingly and dry skin with help from a board-certified dermatologist with a private practice in New York City in this free video clip.

Video Transcript

Hi, this is Dr. Debra Jaliman, a board certified dermatologist in New York City, and author of the book, Skin Rules: Trade Secrets from a Top New York Dermatologist. Here to talk about red, peely, dry skin. This is a complaint I here many times from my patients, and the first question I have to ask is, what products are you using? Many people get into this problem because they're over using products. So, the first thing you want to look at is, what is your cleanser? Maybe you're using a very drying cleanser, that either is anti-bacterial, or has glycolic acid or salicylic acid. So, the first thing is, change to a mild cleanser. Look for a cleanser with glycerin or ceramides, or one that says it's super-fatted and is hydrating. The next thing you want to do is, look at your other products, maybe you're using a lot of products with acids. For example, with retinol in it, or with retinoids, or you're using a lot of salicylic acid products or benzoyl peroxide. And all these products are drying out your skin. Many people over use the products they have, it maybe that they're not using a lot of acids, but the acids they're using, they're using repetitively. So, I see patients that are using their acids, instead of once a day, they're using them twice a day. So, you may want to cut down on your products and use them less often, or just discontinue the products. And then, you can use moisturizers, look for moisturizers with hyaluronic acid, with glycerin. If you don't have oily skin and you tend toward a more dry, then you look for products with jojoba oil, you can look for avocado oil, you can look for shea butter. And that will add moisture to your skin. Also, cut down on the heat of the water that you're using to wash your face, especially in the shower and every time you wash your face. If you use very hot, steamy water, it'll dry your skin out. You can also put a humidifier in your bedroom, the humidifier will add moisture to your skin and will help to prevent it from drying out. The other thing is, when you dry your face, don't dry it vigorously, pat it dry because that'll help to preserve moisture in the skin and won't irritate the skin. The other thing is, don't use abrasive brushes and abrasive sponges. Many people I see, are using loofahs on their faces, they're over-exfoliating. Many people over-exfoliate with grains, for example, and over-dry their skin. So, you have to treat your skin delicately, you don't want to over scrub it like a pot, because that will really dry it out. So, those are some tips, so that you don't end up with over-dry, peely, red skin.

How to Choose Lotion for Oily Skin

Oily skin can be frustrating. Prone to clogged pores and breakouts, it can feel dirty and difficult to manage. There are a few upsides to having oily skin: this skin type ages less quickly, and today's market offers many options specially formulated for this skin type. Moisturizing is an especially tricky step in the care for oily skin. Choose a lotion that is best for you. Read on to learn how. Does this Spark an idea?

Understand that oily skin requires special skin products designed to keep pores unclogged. Do not simply use a moisturizing lotion designed for normal skin when your skin is actually oily. Lotions designed for normal skin often include oils as an ingredient. Use this and you'll do yourself more harm than good.

Don't feel that you must apply a lotion to oily skin. Sometimes young people with oily tendencies do not require a moisturizer at all--only other skin care steps, including thorough cleansing. If your skin is nearly always oily, you may want to go without using a lotion and see how that affects your skin.

Look for labels that indicate a formula has been specifically made for your oily skin type when purchasing a lotion at a drug store. Some also include acne-preventing ingredients, since oily skin is often prone to breakouts.

Find the word "balancing" on certain lotions created for oily skin. These products balance the oily aspect, keeping skin dry, yet soft.

Stop by a skin care counter, such as in a local mall or department store, and ask a cosmetologist for recommendations when looking for a lotion for your oily skin. They may have a great product in mind for you, or they may give you several samples to try at home.

Tips

- Apply lotion conservatively to oily skin. A little bit can go a long way.

How to Treat Oily Skin Naturally

Keeping a complexion smooth and having a youthful appearance is difficult with the best of skin types but with oily skin it is even more difficult. You can wash it, cleanse it, watch after your skin all the time and still get nowhere. Try to treat the oily nature in a natural way to keep it looking youthful and beautiful. Does this Spark an idea?

Keep your skin clean. Limit washing your skin to two to three times a day but try to keep it free from dirt and grime. These can cause pores to clog and gives acne a foothold. Use hot water as it dissolves the oil better than warm or cold water. Also use a highly mineralized water, not tap water. Choose a soap that is lightly medicated or has antibacterial cleansing lotion in it. Don't rub the soap into the skin hard as it can help clog the skin pores.

Use a toner on the skin to close those pores. The heat of a summer day and hot water used in washing your skin only serve to open the pores wider allowing more oil to flow out. Close the pores with the toner and for an even better cool feeling store it in the ice box.

Apply an oil-free moisturizer after thorough washing and cleansing. This will help the skin tighten and look younger.

Avoid most acne creams and lotions. They have a drying effect on the skin and causes more oil to be excreted. Use a deep cleaning exfoliant once a week to deep clean the skin if scaliness becomes a problem.

How to Choose Bronzer for Oily Skin

Bronzer is a makeup product that enhances skin to give it a suntanned look. It is a sunless method to look radiantly healthy year-round, not only in summer. Bronzer can be used on every skin tone and type. Does this Spark an idea?

Choose bronzer for oily skin by looking at the powder forms. Although bronzer comes in various creams, lotions and sprays, the powder forms are best for oily skin. You can buy bronzer in a dry, pressed powder or loose powder.

Look for key words when you choose bronzer for oily skin. Choose the bronzer types that say "oil free" or "oil absorbing" on the label.

Read the label to learn the type of formula that the bronzer is made from. When you choose bronzer for oily skin, the "matte" formulas are best.

Use a bronzer that best matches your skin tone. Bronzer comes in various shades just like regular make-up does. Although the purpose of bronzer is to give a suntanned look, you don't want to vary too much from your original skin tone.

Apply bronzer to the areas that are naturally first hit by the sunshine and most prone to be oily. These areas include the forehead, nose, chin and cheekbones.

Give your skin the glow of a suntanned look on other areas as well. You can apply bronzer to your collar bones and shoulders. Actually, bronzer can be used all over the body.

Tips

- Bronzer looks best (especially on oily skin) when it's applied right after washing the skin.

- Make sure your skin is completely dry before applying bronzer.

How to Cleanse Oily Skin

Oily skin can be hard to manage. It is shiny, with a thick and dull texture. Acne, blackheads and coarse pores are problems that often come along with oily skin. You can improve your oily skin's appearance by learning proper cleansing techniques. Does this Spark an idea?

Find a cleanser for oily skin. Choose a foaming, cream or gel cleanser that works best with your skin type and routine.

Choose a cleanser that only removes excess oil from your face. Your skin needs some oil to remain healthy. Stripping away all the oil can trigger your skin to produce even more oil.

Wash your face 2 to 3 times, daily. Apply the cleanser evenly and remove with warm water, make-up removing wipe or a cleansing wipe. Be sure to remove all of the cleanser. Leaving some on your face may lead to clogged pores.

Drink plenty of water to properly hydrate your skin and help it appear more youthful and healthy.

Utilize exfoliating treatments and masks on a regular basis to deeply cleanse your skin and pores.

Stick with a cleansing routine. Your skin responds to regular cleansing, exfoliating and moisturizing. You will begin to see results once you have established a daily routine.

Tips

- Consider changing your diet. What you consume directly effects how your skin appears and acts. Include plenty of leafy green vegetables and low-fat foods, and eliminate foods cooked in oils.

How to Diet to Combat Oily Skin

Heredity plays a large role in determining if you have oily skin. Hormone levels can also effect the oiliness of your skin. Therefore, puberty, pregnancy and menopause often cause oily skin. The good news is if you have oily skin when you are young, you look younger when you are older. People with oily skin have younger, more supple complexions with fewer wrinkles than people with dry skin. Does this Spark an idea?

Increase your consumption of foods that are high in vitamin B. A deficiency in vitamin B sometimes leads to oily skin. Foods that are high in vitamin B include whole grains, nuts and legumes.

Limit the amount of fats that you eat. Meat and oil should be eaten in moderation. Eliminate meat from your dinner a few nights a week, choose low fat salad dressings and avoid frying foods.

Watch out for foods that contain iodine. Studies suggest that a diet high in iodine contributes to an increase in oily skin and acne. Iodine is found in fish and iodized salt.

Snack on fresh fruits and vegetables instead of sweets. The connection between sugars and oily skin are not proved, but most sweet snacks also contain high fat and iodized salt. Best to avoid sweets for healthy skin.

Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated and flush out oils and toxins from your skin. Be sure to have at least 8 glasses each day.

Tips

- Exercise regularly to stay healthy and to reduce stress in your life. High stress levels contribute to oily skin.

How to Treat Oily Skin

Both women and men are plagued by skin problems and this includes oily skin or excess sebum. Often, oily skin is more cumbersome to deal with than acne and is largely a byproduct of genetics and hormones. This makes it more difficult to control. So when you want your appearance and personality to shine, but not your face, try these tips to help treat oily skin. Does this Spark an idea?

Cleanse you skin at least twice a day with a gentle cleanser designed for oily skin. Avoid irritating the skin with harsh soaps, perfumes and overly hot water. The goal is to treat the oily skin without causing new skincare problems. Cleansers with alpha hydroxy may provide additional benefits by reducing oil and deep cleaning pores, without over drying the skin.

Remove excess oil with an astringent or toner as this will also close the pores and reduce the chance of breakouts or debris clogged pores. Witch hazel makes for a good mild astringent but it may not be strong enough to treat oily skin. Choose from a skincare line you know is compatible with your skin or that is dermatologist recommended.

Apply a stronger, medicated astringent and/or cream for oily skin areas prone to or affected by acne. Look for ingredients such as salicylic acid, glycolic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Limit to the T-zone or oily areas of the skin.

Consider topical retinoids such as creams containing retinol or retin-A. These ingredients are often found in anti-aging creams but also work well for acne and excessively oily skin. However, caution is needed when using retinoids as they can cause over drying of the skin, sun sensitivity and other reactions. Many over-the-counter products are mild but start the application process slowly, every other day or so, for best results. Then, use daily or as needed to treat oily skin.

Follow up your skin regimen with an oil-free moisturizer or one designed for your skin type. If you have combination skin, limit application to the normal and dry areas. Unless your skin is very oily, most often a moisturizer is recommended to help maintain the skin's moisture and acid balance.

Exfoliate your skin at least two to three times a week to remove dead skin that may trap oil and dirt. Additionally, try an oatmeal or clay-based facial mask once or twice a week to help remove excess oil and invigorate the skin.

Wear makeup that is non-comodegenic and typically oil-free. Try mineral powder or rice powder to set makeup and absorb oil. Keep blotter tissues available for breakthrough spots if needed.

Discuss with your physician or dermatologist about any alternatives related to hormone-induced oily skin, whether it is severe enough to warrant a prescription or if a change in a current medication, such as birth control, is needed to treat oily skin.

Tips

- Limit your exposure to the sun and wear facial lotion or makeup with an SPF of 15 or above.

Warning

- Investigate product labeling thoroughly for potential interactions to other skincare products, sensitive skin or the sun.

How to Treat oily skin with tomatoes

Tomatoes are very nutritious for us to eat. But they are also good to help treat oily skin because they contain natural AHA's, which can help to balance the pH levels. So when you are adding one to your salad, save one for your skin as well. Does this Spark an idea?

Fill a pot with water and bring it to a boil on a stovetop.

Place the tomatoes into the boiling water and allow them to boil for 2 to 3 minutes. Once time has elapsed, remove the tomatoes from the pot and place in a bowl of cold water and ice cubes.

Allow the tomatoes to cool and then remove them from the ice bath onto a towel or several paper towels. Pat them dry and then let them sit until completely cool.

Once cooled, gently rub the tomatoes to remove the skin. Once the skin is removed, you will need to cut them in half, crush them slightly and remove the seeds.

After removing the seeds, place the crushed tomatoes into the food processor and pulse until pureed.

Place the pureed tomatoes into a bowl and take them to your bathroom so you can prepare to use them as a mask.

On clean and dry skin, begin applying a layer of the tomato puree onto your face and neck, if needed. The puree is slippery, so once you apply it you may want to lie down so it stays in place. Keep the tomato puree on your face for 15 minutes.

Rinse you face after 15 minutes has passed and then continue with your regular regimen.

Tips

- To make the tomato mask thicker, you can add uncooked oatmeal. This can help the mask stay on your face better.

How to Pick Foundation for Oily Skin

Choosing a foundation for your oily skin can seem like a very tricky undertaking. You may know from many failed attempts that having oily skin presents its own set of unique problems. But don't sweat it; all of the guess work on how to choose your foundation for your oily skin has been done for you. Follow these simple steps to pick out the best foundation that you have ever worn. Does this Spark an idea?

Choose the formula of foundation that you will be the most comfortable applying. The best types of foundation for oily skin are: liquids that dry to a matte finish, powders, and mineral foundation. Any foundation that is oil free and comfortable for you to apply will work for your oily skin.

Pick a spot along your jaw line where you will test for color match. If you happen to have an oilier T-zone, then you will want to pick a spot there to test as well. Different spots on oily skin may change the color of a foundation so try a couple of places.

Pick a shade that you believe most closely matches your skin tone. Pull that shade, one shade lighter, and one shade darker to test in the foundation.

Put a small line of each shade of foundation on the test area of your oily skin. Do not rub the foundation in.

Look at each foundation shade closely. When any of the shades of foundation look pink or yellow against your oily skin they are not the shade for you.

Blend the foundation shade that most closely matches your skin tone into your oily skin. When the shade blends in with out leaving a line, this is the perfect shade of foundation for your oily skin.

Repeat Steps 3 through 6 until you find the perfect shade of foundation for your oily skin.

Tips

- Check your foundation shade for your oily skin every six months. Any change in your skin will lead to the need to change your foundation shade.

Treating Normal to Oily Skin

Normal skin is shiny, a little oily, and the cheeks are dry. Learn about normal to oily skin and how to care for normal skin in this free video from a licensed medical aesthetician.

Video Transcript

Hi, my name is Mary Thinnes I am a skin care expert. I will be discussing the first skin type out of the four. The first one is normal to oily skin. Normal skin ninety seven percent of the population has normal skin and by normal skin I mean the T zone which it runs from the forehead down the nose to the chin and is shiny and generally a little oily or oily and the cheeks are dry. So a lot of times its the skin type that can be deceiving because most people a lot of times will misinterpret it and think its oily skin where as its really normal skin. So it is very important to determine that either your T zone is oily and your cheeks are dry. Then you do have normal skin. Normal skin generally has normal size pores to there not to large not to small. Although they can tent to be a little larger along the T zone on the nose area. Generally to without the use of cosmetics or the blotting pads generally speaking by ten o'clock in the morning the shine does come through if someone is trying to mask that with powder or any kind of cosmetics. With out the use of the blotting pads by ten o'clock in the morning like I said the shine will generally come back through and the cheeks will still remain dry. So that would be how you determine the normal skin type.

Choosing Products for Normal to Oily Skin

Cleansing gels are recommended for people with normal to oily skin. Learn about products for normal to oily skin in this free video from a licensed medical aesthetician.

Video Transcript

Hi. My name is Mary Thinnes. I'm a skin care expert. Now, I'll be discussing how to choose the correct products for home use, based on your type of skin that we just mentioned before and what determining what your skin type is. For instance, if you have determined your skin to be a normal to oily, you obviously want to use products that are conducive [ph] for normal to oily skin. Generally speaking, cleansing gels are the ones that are generally that would fall into this category. With cleansing gels, they will have, you know, alpha hydroxy acids, which happens to be good for absorbing oil and correcting that condition in the skin. However, it's something that you don't want to use on a everyday basis. In order to regulate the oil production in your T-zone because like I mentioned before with normal skin, your T-zone, your forehead, nose and chin tend to be a little bit oily. So, if you were to use a product to absorb that oil, not on your whole face, you could use a cleansing gel that has the alpha hydroxy in it on your T-zone and then use a cleansing gel that was just your basic cleansing gel on your cheeks. And like I said I would alternate every other day. I wouldn't use that on a regular basis. So, that's how normal to oily skin type, the cleansing gel is appropriate for.

Tips for Oily Men's Skin

Learn how to treat men's oily skin with expert skin care tips in this free men's grooming video clip.

Video Transcript

Hi this is Rin from Major League Trim on behalf of Expert Village. In this clip we are going to be talking a little bit more about what product to use for your skin type. Now if you happen to have oily skin which is a common problem for most people; men and women. You are going to want to use something oil free, something that has a little bit of alcohol in it would be appropriate. The cleanser especially, the moisturizer and the scrub should be not as mild. So that way it would be able to get in there and take off the oil which is thicker and harder to treat. If you happen to have a combination of both a lot of times this is your T zone. A lot of time people tend to be oily in just this area. In the T zone area where it is more oily you are going to want to use the one that is oil free. You are going to want to use the moisturizer or whatever product it is that has a little bit of alcohol or some kind of chemical that fights off the rest of the skin. You can use whatever other product there is because you are not having trouble in those areas.

How to Apply Concealer on Oily Skin

Get tips for applying concealer to oily skin in this free video clip from a makeup artist.

Video Transcript

I am here at Cynergy Dance Studio in San Antonio, Texas with my beautiful model Kerry. We’re going to be talking about moisturizers for different skin types, doing a beautiful makeover on her, discussing eyelashes, the different eyelash curlers, and proper eyebrow placement in the makeup. Always remember to put a little bit on the lid, because once again, everyone’s lids have a slight discoloration. It can be broken capillaries; it can just be a darkness, this whole orbit. Typically, if you have a little bit of under eye circle, then you’re also going to be a little dark on the lid as well. What happens if you do a lot of wiping around the eyes, you wind up just taking all the color and bringing it to the end. Stippling it in, I’m actually setting it in. We started with the correct moisturizer, which is an oil free moisturizer. If you have wrinkles that you want to address, then get a moisturizer that has an anti wrinkle. If you have dry skin, find a moisturizer that is nourishing. But for Ms. Kerry, I just did a nice light oil free. Now, I’m going to take a little bit of a concealer. Since I did just a good job covering it with foundation, she only needs very little concealer now. I’m just going to apply it where she needs it. That looks very, very pretty; it looks very natural. I’m just focusing on her eyes. You see how much that really opened up her eyes, looks very natural. I’m going to set it with a loose powder.

Tips for Hiding Oily Skin

Get tips for applying concealer to oily skin in this free makeup lesson.

Video Transcript

I am here at Cynergy Dance Studio in San Antonio, Texas with my beautiful model Kerry. We’re going to be talking about moisturizers for different skin types, doing a beautiful makeover on her, discussing eyelashes, the different eyelash curlers, and proper eyebrow placement in the makeup. If you have some slight imperfections in your skin or think you have slight imperfections in your skin, remember a little secret here with makeup. You can only change the color of the skin; you can not change the surface of the skin. So, if you have a red mark, you can always take the red out, but if it’s got a bump in the skin, you can make it smoother. Don’t drive yourself crazy by trying to make smooth, because you can’t make skin smoother. You can do it Photoshop, in pictures; you can do that kind of magic. But really in person, all you can do is take the red out, the blue out, or whatever color your discoloration is. What I’m doing is stippling in a little concealer, and then what I’ll do is I’ll set it with powder.

How to Apply Cream Eyeshadow on Oily Skin

Learn how to apply cream eye shadow in this free makeup video clip from a professional makeup artist.

Video Transcript

I am here at Cynergy Dance Studio in San Antonio, Texas with my beautiful model Kerry. We’re going to be talking about moisturizers for different skin types, doing a beautiful makeover on her, discussing eyelashes, the different eyelash curlers, and proper eyebrow placement in the makeup. I’m going to be applying her eye shadow now, and just as we did the foundation, it was a base, I’m going to apply a base color on her eye shadow. This is a crease-resistant cream eye shadow, which means any powder that I put on top of it will not crease; it will make her eye shadow last all day. You can wear this alone if you’d like, it comes in all shades. I’m using like a high canvas color, a slight, slight yellow. This will also make her eyelids all one color, nice and even. Mainly, I use a cream eye shadow to base, because when I put powder on top of it, it will grab onto the powder and it’ll be crease resistant and much easier to blend. I’m applying the cream eye shadow with my finger. Most of the makeup I apply with my fingers. As a makeup artist, you really will not be able to have really long nails and you have to keep your hands nice and warm, nice and sanitized, always smell good, and be very gentle around the eyes. Since she’s going to have a natural look, I’m just going to use a soft grey and plum color. Always start with your dark color first. I’m slightly lifting up the eye. You don’t want to grab it real hard, just a slight lift and it’ll open up this area where you’re applying color. Once again, since I’m doing a very natural look, and if you notice I’m kind of doing a V, and I’m leaving this spot and this spot without any color, I’m going to go back to it. I’m using a little bit of a plum, looks like a brown though, and I’m blending it because we have that cream underneath it so it blends really pretty. I’m lifting up ever so gently, and I’m leaving this area and this area without any color yet. Blending it out, up and out, and we’re going to use a couple of other colors, but right now I’m just blending.

How to Adopt a Natural Beauty Routine for Oily Skin

If your skin has a shiny appearance, feels greasy to the touch and you often have pimples or blackheads, you have oily skin. To keep oily skin glowing and blemish-free, adopt a beauty regimen free of strong soaps and harmful chemicals and adhere to it faithfully. Does this Spark an idea?

Wash your face twice every day with an all-natural castile soap. Oily skin attracts dirt, so keeping your skin clean is the best defense against blemishes. However, don't wash your face more than twice a day as it can dry your skin too much.

Smooth on an all-natural alcohol-free toner or astringent with a cotton ball to remove any excess oil. Look for toners and astringents with a witch hazel base, along with natural ingredients such as tomato, parsley or cucumber extracts that are beneficial to oily skin.

Moisturize with a small amount of jojoba oil if your skin feels dry after washing.

Exfoliate your skin with an oatmeal-based exfoliant once or twice a week to scrub away dead cells. Make your own easily by mixing 1/2 cup cooked oatmeal with 1/4 cup pure organic honey. Massage the oatmeal mixture onto your face and leave it for about 20 minutes, then rinse with warm water.

Use a natural facial mask once each week to clean your pores deep down, which will help prevent pimples and blackheads. For example, try an easy facial made from 1 cooked carrot. Mash the carrot with 1 teaspoon honey and spread it on your face and neck. Leave it for 15 to 20 minutes, then rinse with cool water.

Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water every day. Water flushes the toxins out of the body.

Tips

- Always use a sunscreen if you'll be spending time in the sun. Choose a gel-based sunscreen formulated especially for oily skin.

How to Make a Natural Astringent for Oily Skin

Oily skin is characterized by medium or large pores and a shiny appearance caused by overactive sebaceous glands. Oily skin is not necessarily prone to acne, but pores can become clogged easily. The best care routine for oily skin consists of mild cleansing, toning and moisturizing. Store-bought astringents are toners used to remove excess oil. However, most of these contain isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol and other harsh chemicals that strip skin of its vitality. An easy solution is to make your own natural astringent at home. Does this Spark an idea?

Heat 2 cups of purified water on the stove top to about 180 degrees Fahrenheit. It should be steaming hot but not boiling.

Pour the hot water over the tea bags in a large bowl. Let them brew for two minutes. Discard the tea bags and pour the tea into the empty bottle.

Add the witch hazel to the bottle, close the lid and shake to mix thoroughly.

Refrigerate until the solution cools. Keep it refrigerated between uses.

Tips

- Apply astringent to your face with a clean cotton ball, using gentle circular motions to remove excess oil.

About Oily Skin

Oily skin commonly affects people of all ages, although it occurs most frequently in teenagers and young adults, especially young men. It is a skin type rather than an abnormal condition, and although it can be a nuisance, there are benefits. Many over-the-counter products are available to control the effects of oily skin; in severe cases, a dermatologist can offer other options. Does this Spark an idea?

Misconceptions

Oily skin is often believed to be caused by insufficient washing; however, excessive washing and using harsh cleansers or techniques can cause skin to become oilier. There is also no real association between oily skin and eating greasy food, despite common beliefs to the contrary. Some people with oily skin believe that they do not need to moisturize; however, using a light, oil-free moisturizer after washing your face is still important to prevent irritation and rebound oil production.

Significance

Oily skin is caused by an overproduction of sebum, a natural protectant produced by the skin. The production of sebum is regulated by dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone produced when testosterone is metabolized. DHT production increases rapidly in both sexes during puberty, leading to the oily skin and acne most teenagers experience. In women, DHT production varies with the menstrual cycle; as a result, skin may become significantly more oily in the days before menstruation begins each cycle.

Effects

Oily skin is often shiny and appears greasy. This can be upsetting for many people because it may appear as if they have poor hygiene. Blemishes, including acne and blackheads, are more common in people who have oily skin. Blemishes tend to occur when the pores are blocked by excess sebum, which may then form a dry plug or pustule.

Prevention/Solution

Most cases of oily skin can be managed by using appropriate products to wash and moisturize the skin. Soap should never be used on the face since it strips away too much oil along with natural fatty acids that protect the skin. Instead, a gentle foaming facial cleanser should be used once or twice daily, without scrubbing. Afterward, a small amount of oil-free moisturizer should be applied. Oil-absorbing products and astringents can be used to reduce shininess and greasy appearance of the skin. In severe cases, a dermatologist may prescribe treatments similar to those used for acne.

Benefits

Although oily skin can be a hassle, this skin type also has long-lasting advantages. Skin becomes less oily over time, so people who have normal skin in their youth often have dry skin when they are older. Those who have oily skin will find that their skin changes to the normal type over time. Oily skin ages very well, and wrinkling is far less pronounced in those who had oily skin when they were young.

How to Create a Beauty Regimen for Oily Skin

Do you have a beauty regimen for your oily skin? Having a beauty regimen is a step toward the right direction. However, having an improper beauty regimen can be considered as taking two steps backward in the world of skin care. Closely examine your oily skin regimen. You could be treating your skin like it is dry or normal skin, rather than using products to compliment its true oily nature. Discover exactly how oily skin should be treated and you will have your skin down to a science. Does this Spark an idea?

Cleanse your oily skin. Squeeze a quarter-size amount of cleanser specifically made for oily skin. Search for an oil-free cleanser that contains benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. These chemicals work to prevent breakouts which can be common to oily skin. Lather your skin 2 to 3 times per day, but never more than this frequency. Over washing can actually kick your glands into overproduction mode.

Exfoliate your skin. Use approximately a dime-size of exfoliant. Scrub this once or twice a week.

Moisturize your face. Apply a nickel to a quarter amount of moisturizer with SPF and antioxidants. Look for lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer. Apply a moisturizer every morning. It is okay to reapply moisturizer since blotting oily skin may remove the product.

Apply a product with retinol. Retinol is an anti-aging product. Ever night, use retinol gel to get rid of fine lines. You only need a pea-size amount of the product.

Use an overnight cream. Look for a cream with vitamin C to lighten discoloration and provide a healthy glow over time.

Warning

- Skip exfoliation if you have acne. This friction can actually be damaging and make your skin look and feel worse.

How Does Oily Skin Cause Pimples?

General Overview

Oily skin is a product of a person's unique genetic makeup. No amount of scrubbing or washing the face will lessen the oil on the skin because the specific genes of a person cause the oil glands inside the skin to produce excess sebum, or oil. Besides genetics there are a few other causes for oily skin including hormonal imbalance, certain cosmetics, pregnancy and the use of birth control pills. Hormonal changes in teenagers and pregnant women can lead to the skin producing extra oil which can lead to acne and an embarrassing shine on the face.

Oily Skin and Pimples

Excess sebum produced by the skin glands often results in pimples, blackheads and whiteheads. The excess oil causes pimples by clogging the pores of the skin, which in turn leads to the pores becoming more susceptible to bacterial infections and inflammations. The clogged pore is unable to function properly and bacteria eventually seeps in and causes the pore to become inflammed, leading to a pimple. Blackheads occur when the oil in the pore hardens, but does not become infected with bacteria. Blackheads can stretch the pore, however, making it look larger.

Caring for Oily Skin

If you have oily skin, proper care is important to prevent pimples. Wash your face a few times daily with warm water and a mild, soapy cleanser. Avoid harsh, chemical-based cleansers that leave skin feeling too tight and dry. Oil-based products are ideal for breaking down the natural sebum on the skin and washing it away without being too harsh on the skin. You may be able to avoid using a moisturizer completely until later in life. Always choose cosmetics that are oil-free, as they will lead to even more clogged pores.

How to Fight Oily Skin

Oily skin is cared for by cleansing the face twice for a deep clean, spraying a hydrating toner mist onto the face, using a high-quality moisturizer to protect the skin and applying an oil control gel. Keep oily skin under control, while maintaining proper hydration, with beauty advice from a clinical aesthetician in this free video on skin care.

Video Transcript

Are you experiencing a little too much shine on your face? Do you have a little bit too much of that JLo glow than you want? My name is Keeley Selvage with Keeley's Skin Solutions. I've been a clinical aesthetician for over half a decade, and I'm going to talk to you about how to fight oily skin. Now know this, oily skin stays younger looking longer, so it doesn't necessarily have to be a good thing if you know how to take care of it properly. So, I'm going to take you through a few steps to show you how to take care of your oily skin on a daily basis. Now, I've already cleansed my client's skin once, and we're going to cleanse it a second time. A second time, why a second time? Well, that's a very good question. The reason we want to cleanse it twice is because the first cleanse actually takes off the surface oil, dirt, and impurities; any makeup, pollution, smoke, anything like that in the air, we're removing that from the surface of the skin. Then, the second cleanse is actually cleansing the skin, and that's what we really want. It's really going to clean out and purify those follicles or the pores of the skin, and really make sure that our face is all clean, and it also keeps us from having to use an astringent. Astringents are alcohol based and can dry out the skin. We don't want that. Even though your skin is oily you do not want to dry it out, because what happens is when your skin is dehydrated it sends a signal to your sebaceous glands or your oil glands that it's dry, and so they start makin' more oil. So, instead of a drying toner we're going to use a hydrating toner mist, I'm going to spray this over you, and that's going to balance her pH, and it's going to give her the hydration that she needs. Now, we're also going to put on an oil-free moisturizer. Moisturizer on top of it? Yes, a moisturizer too, because once again, we want it to stay hydrated, and also our skin has a protective barrier. It keeps bacteria from entering it; therefore, we're preventing breakouts which we know is a problem with oily skin. After that, you can use an oil control gel, and then also, you can use rice paper throughout the day. And if you don't have those, the toilet seat covers that you find in the mall; those work too if you're in a pinch. My name is Keeley Selvage, with Keeley's Skin Solutions, and that is how you fight oily skin.

How to Control Oily Skin

Controlling oily skin can be as simple as using Neutrogena cream or alternative home treatments. Find out how to get rid of oily skin by using lemons and cinnamon with help from a barber and salon owner in this free video on skin care.

Video Transcript

Hello my name is Sophia and I own a salon in Austin, Texas, Sophia Beauty Barber Salon and I would like to explain for you on how you can rid of oily skin and how you can control the oilier skin. The best way we have several things we could control the oilier skin. One of them is you can cut the fresh lemon in half ad squeeze that one and mix it with the cinnamon and you could apply to your face like 20 minutes and then after that you can rinse it off and then after that you can use Neutrogena Cream and apply to your face like daily and every night before you want to go to bed and then rinse it off and another one you could use it is a Gatorade and apply the Gatorade in the cotton then apply to your face and then you feel like it is tingling rinse it off. You are going to see how this one is a miracle to remove the oilier skin and control the oily skin.

What Causes Oily Skin?

Oily skin can be caused by genetics or by stripping the skin of natural oils through the use of salicylic acid or exfoliants. Control oily skin by using a hydrating moisturizer that is free of oil with help from a makeup artist in this free video on skin care.

Video Transcript

Hi. I'm Kelly and I am an aesthetician and makeup artist from Ulta Line cosmetics. And I'm going to tell you what causes oily skin. There's a couple of different factors. First thing is genetics. You are born with your skin type so whether you're dry, oily, combination or normal you're born with that type. So people who are truly oily skins are born oily skins and nothing you can do to get rid of that but you can definitely control it. Another thing that will cause oily skin is if you're using too many stripping ingredients. If you're using say a lot of Salicylic acid trying to treat acne or just over exfoliating basically what happens then is you're stripping your skin of all of its natural oils and it basically tricks your skin into thinking its dry so in turn your skin then produces more oil. The easiest thing to do use a really great hydrating moisturizer that's oil free water based. And that's going to balance oil and water ratio in the skin. See you see it's a really light weight moisturizer that just soaks right in. Plus it has modifying properties to it. So those are some of the causes of oily skin.

What Is the Best Sunscreen for Oily Skin?

The best sunscreen for oily skin is an absolutely oil-free product that also includes oil absorbing properties, such as sunscreen by Dermalogica. Choose a sunscreen that hydrates and soaks into the skin with beauty advice from a certified aesthetician in this free video on skin care.

Video Transcript

I'm Kelli. I'm an aesthetician and makeup artist at Ulta Salon & Cosmetics, and I'm going to talk to you a little bit, about the best sunscreens for oily skin. First thing, you want to pick one that's absolutely oil-free. It doesn't have any mineral oil in it, or anything like that.You definitely want to find one that's going to be a very light texture, but still has a high SPF, and maybe has some oil absorbing properties to it, as well. This is one I really like. It's by Dermalogica. It's an oil-free matte block, so you can see, I'm just going to put a little bit, on the back of my hand, here. It's very, very lightweight, and it goes into the skin really easily. It basically just soaks right into the skin. This is actually a moisturizer as well, so it's going to give you some hydrating properties. One thing with oily skin, many oily skins are terrified to put a moisturizer on their face, because they feel like it's going to contribute to the oiliness factor, but basically, what happens if you're not balancing that oil and water ratio, with a really good hydrater, you're actually basically asking your skin to produce more oil, which in turn, is just going to lead to a vicious cycle, so you can see that sunscreen dries down to a completely matte finish, and this is also going to help to absorb oil for me, throughout the day, so that's one of the best sunscreens for an oily skin.

How to Help Oily Skin

Oily skin is caused by over-productive sebaceous glands, also known as oil glands. Help oily skin with tips from a beauty editor in this free video on skin care.

Video Transcript

Over-productive sebaceous glands or oil glands are responsible for oily skin. What may seem like a curse at first, may actually be a blessing because oily skin generally are slower to show lines and wrinkles. I'm Jackie Silver with how to help oily skin. People with oily skin may be more prone to breakouts, but there are a few simple steps to minimize them. Wash your face with a foamy cleanser and warm water. Not too hot. Don't use soap. That'll make the problem worse. Use a cleanser formulated for oily or combination skin. Use a good toner two or three times a week. Finish with an oil-free moisturizer. For extra protection, use a clay mask about once a week also. Drink plenty of water. And remember to stay out of the sun. Remember to help oily skin, use a foamy cleanser specially formulated for oily or combination skin. Use a good toner. Try a clay mask once or twice a week. Drink plenty of water and moisturize with an oil-free product. I'm Jackie Silver with how to help oily skin. Have a beautiful day.

How to Exfoliate Oily Skin

It's important to exfoliate the skin to remove dead skin cells so that new ones may rise to the surface. Exfoliate oily skin with tips from a beauty editor in this free video on skin care.

Video Transcript

No matter what type of skin you have, it's important to exfoliate to remove the dead skin cells that slough off. I'm Jackie Silver from Aging Backwards with how to exfoliate oily skin. Our skin which is our largest organ produces new cells in the lower layers. Those new cells then rise to the surface. The old cells die and can make your skin look ashy if they're not removed. Exfoliating helps to soften fine lines and gives your skin a nice rosy glow. To exfoliate oily skin or any skin be careful not to rub too hard. Choose a scrub that specially formulated for oily or combination skin. These types of scrubs can have small beads or ground seeds in them which gives the product the abrasiveness necessary for exfoliation. Wet your face with lukewarm water or wet your entire body in the tub or shower. Hot water is harsh on skin, and cold water closes the pores. You want to keep the pores open to clean them out, then close them at the end to keep them clean. Some exfoliating cleansers contain as much as twenty-five percent ground volcanic rock, things that are good for oily. You don't want to dry it out too much or the oil glands will start overproducing. Scrub the exfoliating cleanser over your skin with a wash cloth, shower sponge or loofah using gentle circular motions. Rinse thoroughly with cool water and pat dry. Even though you have oily skin, you should still follow up with a light moisturizer for hydration. Look for products formulated for oily skin. Remember, when exfoliating oily skin, use lukewarm water not hot. Don't rub too hard. And follow up with a light moisturizer. I'm Jackie Silver with how to exfoliate oily skin. Have a great day.

How to Avoid Oily Skin

A little oil is necessary for healthy skin, but excess oil can be unsightly and lead to acne, according to Web MD. You can manage oily skin by following a strict skin-care regimen. Over-the-counter products can help you avoid oily skin, though in extreme cases you may need to see a dermatologist, or skin specialist, who can prescribe medicine to alleviate the problem. Decide which products work best for you, then stick to the program to prevent oily skin from returning. Does this Spark an idea?

Eat a well-balanced diet. Fruits and vegetables are good sources of vitamins and natural antioxidants. Fish is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which contribute to healthy skin. Cut down on sugary and processed foods, which can increase oil production in the skin.

Wash your face with a gently cleanser in the morning and before bed. Harsh chemicals can actually trigger more oil production. Use your hands to apply the cleanser rather than an irritating washcloth or facial sponge, which also may increase oil production. Be sure to only use warm water.

Wash your face with a cleanser containing salicylic acid or glycolic acid if the gentle cleanser is not sufficient. Look for products marketed for acne care; they work for oily skin as well. Test the product to make sure it doesn't irritate your skin by using a small amount of cleanser at first.

Saturate a cotton ball with an alcohol-free toner after you wash your face. Apply the toner to your face to further reduce excess oil. Toners with acids are available, but they may be too harsh for sensitive skin and may actually stimulate oil production.

Apply an almond-sized amount of oil-free moisturizer to your cleansed and toned skin. Oily skin still needs to be moisturized daily.

Spread a mask for oily skin on problem areas, such as your forehead and nose, about once a month. Overuse can dry out the skin. Masks are ideal to make sure you look your best before a party or big event.

Apply an almond-sized amount of oil-free sunscreen to your face. Too much sun can dry out the skin and increase oil production. Look for products that are formulated for oily skin. (Some sunscreens clog pores and stimulate oil production.) An alternative is to use a facial powder with sunscreen, which evens out your skin tones while protecting you from the sun.

Pat your face with facial blotting paper during the day to avoid oily skin. Gently blot away any excess oil, especially on problem areas, for 15 seconds. Most blotting papers have powder to reduce oils and cut down on shine.

Contact a dermatologist if store-bought products are not helping you avoid oily skin. Creams with ingredients such as tretinoin, adapalene and tazarotene may help reduce excess oil, but they need to be prescribed by a physician.

Tips

- Change your regime when the weather changes. Some people with oily skin need to cut back on products containing acids during dry winter months.

- Medicated pads containing acids can be useful during the day on oily skin.

- Cut down on hard fats, such as a butter. Switch to olive or hemp oil.

- Eat foods rich in vitamin E, such as nuts.

Warning

- Always test new skin-care products on your skin before switching to them.

How to Mattify Oily Skin

Keeping skin looking at its best is vital in looking youthful. One thing preventing skin from looking healthy is an excess of oil. Though the oils produced by glands help keep skin healthy, too much oil can look unattractive. Controlling and reducing oil production in order to look your best is a simple process that should be integrated into your daily routine. To mattify your skin means to make it less shiny or oily. Does this Spark an idea?

Use gentle cleaners to wash your face in the morning. This cleanser should contain 2 percent salicylic acid. Avoid choosing cleaners with too much acid, as it can overly dry your skin.

Apply sunscreen that is oil-free and contains either denatured alcohol, oil-absorbing micronized zinc or titanium dioxide.

Exfoliate your skin once a week.

Apply a clay mask once a week. The mask should contain salicylic acid.

Use blotting paper to soak up any excess oil as often as needed.

Tips

- Avoid using moisturizer. If you must use a moisturizer, choose one that is oil-free.

- Avoid wearing too much foundation and makeup, as it tends to block pores.

How to Crush Vitamins for Oily Skin

When your skin overproduces oil, it traps dead skin cells on the skin surface, clogging your pores. Thus, oily skin needs to be controlled to avoid clogged pores that lead to breakouts. There are various over-the-counter products, but you might prefer a topical remedy to taking medicine internally. Certain types of vitamins can be crushed into a powder to create a mask for oily skin. Does this Spark an idea?

How to Crush Vitamins for Oily Skin

Take 10 vitamin C tablets, aspirin or multivitamins. Each of these tablets have specific qualities that aid in making your skin look healthier. Vitamin C is known for its ability to repair tissues, while aspirin's anti-inflammatory properties help make your skin more toned. Multivitamins are packed with different vitamins that also contribute to tissue development.

Crush the tablets using a mortar and pestle. Start by breaking the tablets in large chunks, and add more pressure to break them down into a powder. Make sure that you use a clean mortar and pestle to avoid contamination.

Pour the resulting powder into a bowl, and add the warm water. Stir to dissolve the mixture and create a paste that you can apply to your face. Add more warm water as needed. The consistency should be thick, but it should apply easily to your face.

Take the paste and apply using circular motions. This will help the skin remain taut and avoid sagging. Start with the chin, and massage the paste upward on the rest of your face. Leave it on for about 15 minutes.

Rinse your face with warm water and a face cloth. The warm water will open your pores to let out the dirt, and the face cloth will help slough off impurities to make your face look clean. Then splash your face with cool water to close your pores.

How to Make a Parsley and Mint Cleanser for Oily Skin

Parsley is full of volatile oils, including camphor, which has astringent qualities. The menthol in mint has cleansing properties and is soothing and refreshing. When you combine parsley and mint, you create an effective natural cleanser for oily skin. And since it's so easy to make and so cheap, you can afford to use it daily. Does this Spark an idea?

How to Make a Parsley and Mint Cleanser for Oily Skin

Choose your mint. When the word "mint" is used, most people are referring to Corsican mint. This variety is touted as having the truest mint flavor and aroma. You can, however, use other types of mint for your cleanser. For example, peppermint has medicinal properties and is a popular substitution. If you find peppermint too strong, try spearmint. Ultimately, the type of mint you choose is based on your personal preferences---and what is readily available in your garden or at the supermarket.

Create the infusion. You can either dry the mint first or chop it while fresh. When using dry mint, add 1 tbsp. When using chopped fresh mint, add 2 tbsp. Combine the mint and ½ cup of parsley and add to 1 cup of boiling water. Allow the mixture to steep for one hour.

Strain the infusion. Pour the mixture through a strainer into a jar or bottle. Use within 3 days.

Tips

- If you want a more tonic cleanser, add dandelion or comfrey. The combination of either of these herbs with parsley will create a cleanser that helps stimulate circulation and release impurities.

Warning

- While this cleanser is generally safe for all skin types, you should test it on a small patch of skin before using.

How to Make a Toner for Oily Skin With Peppermint and Lemon

Peppermint is one of the most popular medicinal herbs. The menthol contained in the herb is used to treat colds, sinus infections and the flu. This same menthol is also good for the skin, especially oily skin. Menthol causes the pores to close and tighten. In addition, the astringent properties of peppermint make it a good facial cleanser. A toner made with peppermint and lemon will help to naturally clear up problem skin and will leave your face feeling fresh and renewed. Does this Spark an idea?

Place eight tbsp. witch hazel in a glass bottle or jar. Witch hazel is used primarily for its astringent qualities and is an essential part of this toner.

Add one-half tsp. essential oil of peppermint. You can substitute peppermint oil extract, which is not as potent as essential oil (see Warnings).

Add four tbsp. fresh lemon juice.

Add two tbsp. gin or vodka.

Seal the glass bottle or jar and shake to combine. Allow to stand for 24 hours. Shake well before using.

Warning

- Essential oils are much stronger than extracts or the fresh herbs themselves. Essential oil of peppermint is especially potent. Be sure to test a small patch of skin before using to make sure there are no adverse reactions. Peppermint and peppermint oil should not be administered to infants.