So the rain has appeared to have stopped for the time being and the sun is out in all its glory. Which means, heat all through the day and trouble for those persons who have oily skin. More heat equals more sweating and more sweating means more oil production on your skin. This could pose a problem if you have no idea how to tackle it. Though there are some advantages, here are some tips on taking a handle on your oily skin:
Even though your skin may age more slowly than other types, that’s little consolation when you’re looking at large pores and shine. When looking for ways to help control your oil production, start with some basic steps.
- Wash only twice a day. Even though the oil crops back up within a couple hours, resist the urge to wash again. If you strip the oils too much, your skin will react by producing even more, which is definitely what you don’t want. If you wash off that excess oil more than that, use water alone.
- Use a dissolving cleanser. You want your cleanser to gently dissolve the oils and deeply clean at the same time. Use warm water, and massage the cleanser into your skin for at least one minute before rinsing off.
- Tone carefully. Again, the danger here is over-stripping your natural oils and causing a backfire in oil production. You want a toner that is gentle but effective.
- Balance the oils in your skin. This is critical in oily skin types, and the step that most people struggle with. You know the problem is too much oil, so you try to get rid of that oil, but oftentimes that means harsh products that just strip the skin, damage the outer layer, and lead to increased oil production in the long run, as well as accelerated aging. Natural oils have an amazing ability to work with the body to balance the way your skin looks, which is why I’m so sold on them.
Once you’ve got your daily routine down, it’s time to add in a few extra steps that will improve the appearance and behavior of your skin.
- Use a mask 2-3 times a week. Masks help reduce the oily appearance on the face for days at a time. Plus they can help pores appear smaller. Try our Purifying Mud Mask, which uses mineral rich clays to give a toner and tighter appearance to the skin.
- Exfoliate 2-3 times a week. Try the Dead Sea Scrub, which leaves your looking skin smooth and clean. Just be careful not to over-exfoliate, because that can cause skin damage and may encourage your skin you produce more oil.
- Consider your diet. Foods high in fats, sugars, and unhealthy oils can cause a negative reaction in your skin. Choose healthy fruits and vegetables and lean proteins, and cut down on sugar-sweetened beverages.
- Try witch hazel before applying makeup. It’s a natural toner. Wiping your face before applying makeup will help soak up excess oil without stripping your skin.
- Use oil-free cosmetics. When choosing makeup products, always find oil-free or “non-comedogenic” products that won’t clog pores.
- Don’t overdo powder. You may think that more powder would help soak up excess oil, but it can actually get cakey and may encourage your skin to pump out more oil. Apply powder sparingly only on shiny areas, and use a matte translucent formula.
- Remember sun protection. No matter what kind of skin you have, you need to protect it from the sun, which is enemy #1 when it comes to aging! Look for zinc oxide formulas.
