Acne generally affects teenagers and young adults of both genders equally. Acne problems after the mid- twenties is called skin Rosacea and is an adult complaint as opposed to a teenage complaint. Those unlucky enough to have oily skin will be plagued by acne breakouts more than those with dry or combination skin. The good new is that
oily skin can be treated easily and the treatment is uniformed in that the whole face can be treated as opposed to combination skin where the different areas of the skin need to be treated individually.



What Causes Acne?

The oil glands under the skin are known as sebaceous glands and can over secrete oil into the hair follicles of the skin this in turn blocks the pores and in conjunction with dead skin cells daily dirt and grime combine to cause inflammation and a bacterial build up under the surface of the skin. It is important to daily cleanse the skin and exfoliate the dead skin cells to prevent bacterial build up.



Visible Signs of Oily Skin

Oily skin is characterized with large visible open pores, black and white heads, shiny appearance to the skin and problem areas on the chin, forehead neck and upper and lower back. Oily skin can be heredity problem or exacerbated by fluctuating hormone levels at times of puberty menstrual cycles and during pregnancy. The onset of the male androgens hormone in the form of testosterone is the culprit for the excessive oil secretions. The positive news for those suffering from oily skin is that they are less likely to age early as oily skin is less dry and susceptible to wrinkles in later life.



Oily Skin Types

There is different treatment available for varying skin types so it is important to get the correct treatment for your oily prone skin. It is important to keep oily skin cleansed and oil free. A facial cleanser that targets the sebaceous glands and oily pores is important. A stringent (noncomedegenic) non pore clogging cleanser is vital for keeping pores un clogged and preventing future breakouts. Facial toners with natural antibacterial products and skin soothing products will help to cleanse and sooth tired and sore skin.


Witch hazel, Aloe Vera, Calendula Tea tree oil for example will kill the bacteria under the skin close pores and soothe the dermis. Benzyol Peroxide or Salicylic Acid based products with Potassium Hydroxquinoline sulphur and White Paraffin will exfoliate the skin rid the top layers of dead skin cells and bleach the skin to improve the look of scar tissue. Gentle products that won’t irritate the skin or encourage scratching will benefit the skin it is important not to over cleanse the skin as this will lead to the skin compensating and producing more oil.



Oily Skin Cleansers

Blotting the skin with a tissue is an effective way to determine if the skin is excessively oily. A light weight non alcohol based cleanser that doesn’t strip the skin of essential oils and encourage oil production is favourable Believe it or not oil based cleansers are more affective than water based ones at getting deep down pore deep to rid the skin of dirt and unclog the pores effectively. A cleansing routine morning and nigh time will be sufficient to avoid over cleansing and drying the skin. It is important to concentrate on the T- Zone areas of the face typically the forehead nose and chin.



Toners for Oily Skin

Toners are affective at removing the remaining traces of oil left after cleansing. The effectiveness of the cleanser should determine if you need a toner or not. Skin experts will tell you that a good cleanser is all you need to clean your skin and toners are an unnecessary expense. Toners contain astringents such as alcohol and glycerine. Toners contain refreshers such as witch hazel or tree oil that are antiseptic anti-inflammatory. Be careful not to use toners with excessive alcohol as this will strip the skin of essential sebum oil and be counter productive. Toners are meant to restore the natural PH balance to the skin and close open pores.



Facial Masks

Face masks can be used 2 or 3 times weekly to dry up oily clogged pores and cleanse the skin pore deep. Clay masks are ideal as they will cleanse the skin especially if combined with sulphur and anti bacterial, antiseptic and anti-oxidant ingredients to zap away nasty zits and inflamed spots. Tee tree oil Aloe Vera and Lemon Grass and Eucalyptus oil are ideal for inflamed irrigated skin. Skin masks that contain OTC medicated ingredients such as Salicylic acid will exfoliate dead skin cells and buff the skin making it look refreshed and refined. The normal recommended time for skin masks is 15 to 30 minuets depending on the ingredients and the severity of the oily secretions.



Facial Scrubs for Oily Skin

Facial scrubs are beneficial for removing dead skin cells and rejuvenating dead skin and ridding the skin of oily pore blockages. Constant facial scrubbing of the face will be detrimental as the skin’s oily sebaceous glands will be activated and will be prone to acne breakouts when not expected. Oatmeal or almond ground face scrubs will reduce oil and rejuvenate tired and sore skin. Natural ingredients such as oatmeal, coffee ground beans walnuts or almonds combined with anti-oxidant fruits like strawberry, apple, blackberry lemons or limes will make great facial scrubs or face masks. Surprisingly Caster oil or sunflower seed oil is very beneficial for removing down dirt in the pores. Steaming the face twice weekly will remove deep pore oil and bring the dirt to the skins surface. Caster oil will heal and replenish the skins membranes and repair skin damage due to acne scarring. Essential fatty acids in natural oils will replenish natural vitamins and minerals.



Moisturizers for Oily Skin

Moisturizers are good for re-hydrating the skin and restoring the natural skin Ph balance.
It is important to restore moisture to the skin and provide a protective barrier for the skin against inflamed acne scarring. Moisturizers will improve the appearance of the skin and the texture and feel of the skin. It is important to choose non pore clogging moisturizer that is not too heavy or greasy. A light weight dermatological tested moisturizer will nourish and soothe the skin. Mineral oil petrolatum, glycerines and emulsifiers are essential for skin cell rejuvenation and healing. Emollients emulsifiers and glycerines in the form of a gauze sheet for scarred or burned skin tissue.