The pilosebaceous unit, a fancy name for a hair follicle and its oil gland, is essentially a fancy way of saying that oily skin is caused by an overactive oil gland that produces excessive amounts of sebum. One of the causes of acne is a blocked oil gland pore, which can be aggravated by the use of certain types of cosmetics.
The overgrowth of acne bacteria near your oil glands can exacerbate inflammation and pus development. Acne bacteria dwell on the skin. Acne can occasionally hurt due to this. There is a considerable possibility that you may develop acne if your family has a long history of the condition. Additionally, it is connected to diseases like polycystic ovarian syndrome.
Adopting a regular skincare routine, changing your diet and lifestyle, and applying natural therapies are all necessary for managing oily skin and preventing breakouts.
Here are some tips and natural remedies to help you achieve clearer, less oily skin:
Maintain Face Cleanliness:
Use a mild, sulfate-free cleanser to wash your face twice day. Avoid over washing or using harsh soaps since these actions might deplete your skin of its natural oils and cause it to produce more oil.
The key to hacking oily skin is balance. Use a cleanser that removes excess oil and is not stripping to your skin. Foaming cleansers are usually recommended for oily skin as they work better at deep cleansing. Those with a little more shine and experiencing acne could make use of cleansers with active ingredients like salicylic acid for the extra unclogging of pores.
Exfoliate every week:
Remove dead skin cells from your skin once or twice a week to avoid clogged pores. Use a gentle exfoliation containing components such as beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) or alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs).
Moisturize:
Even oily skin needs moisture. Use an oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated. This can actually help regulate oil production.
When the skin is too dehydrated, it basically causes the skin to produce even more oil as a defense mechanism to retain moisture in the skin. So, for the love of healthy skin, please moisturize even when you think you don’t have to.
Dietary Adjustments:
Reduce your intake of processed, oily, and sugary foods because these can make acne worse. Consider eating more produce, whole grains, lean proteins, and fruits and veggies in your diet. Take in plenty of water to stay hydrated. Stay hydrated to maintain moisture in your skin and try including a wide range of fruits and vegetables in your diet.
Control Stress:
Stress levels that are too high might cause breakouts and more oil production. Engage in stress-reduction methods, such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing.
Organic Masks:
Use clay, honey, yogurt, or other natural substances in face masks. These might aid in absorbing surplus oil and enhancing skin texture.
Consider a Retinoid:
Retinoid is a derivative of vitamin A that helps to accelerate skin cell turnover and is extremely popular in anti-aging products. On oily skin, retinoid can be helpful to help regulate the production of oil and minimize breakouts due to the accelerated skin cell turnover. Since retinoids are not photo-stable (they degrade at the presence of ultraviolet light), use it at night and allow it to work its magic while you sleep.
Use Oil-free Makeup Products:
Much like selecting your skincare products, look for makeup products that are mattifying, claim the ability to control oil, and that are noncomedogenic. Start with a mattifying primer and/or foundation and set your makeup with a finishing powder with oil-controlling ingredients that absorbs excess oil after makeup application. It’s important to select noncomedogenic makeup products to ensure they don’t clog pores unnecessarily.
And ALWAYS remember to remove your makeup at the end of the day before going to bed.
Natural Supplements:
Some supplements like zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin D may help improve skin health. Consult a healthcare professional before adding supplements to your routine.
Consult a Dermatologist:
If your acne is severe or persists, consult a dermatologist. They can provide personalized advice and may recommend prescription treatments or procedures.
Conclusion:
Oily skin isn’t dangerous in itself, but it can leave you feeling self-conscious and can cause acne. Acne can lead to depression, social withdrawal, and, if severe, permanent skin scarring.⁸
You can initially try to manage your oily skin with a good skincare routine and topical cosmetics containing green tea or L-carnitine. If these don’t work, you may want to consider seeing your doctor for prescription medication.
