What is oily skin and how to take care of it?

Oily skin is acne-prone skin with open pores, a shiny complexion, blackheads, and pimples. Because hormones affect oil production, anything that changes your hormone levels may affect your skin. ... To keep oily skin clean, wash your face a 2-3 times a day with plain soap and water.

Oily skin is firstly characterized by an overproduction of sebum. This protective oily substance is made by the sebaceous glands and its excess secretion is often visible and sometimes unattractive: shiny skin, enlarged pores, blackheads, or pimples. This is very common at puberty as a result of hormonal changes during which a testosterone derivative attaches to the sebaceous glands and increases sebum production. 

Several other factors influence sebum production by sebaceous glands:

• Poor skin hygiene;
• The use of cosmetics that irritate the skin;
• Hormonal factors: adolescence, taking oral contraceptives, pregnancy, etc.;
• Genetics;
• Climatic conditions: heat and humidity, for instance;
• Toxic substances: tobacco and pollution, for instance;
• Stress, anxiety, fatigue.

·       Very oil skin has a shiny appearance, especially on the T zone (forehead, nose, and chin). As the pores are enlarged, the texture of the skin appears irregular. In too great a quantity, sebum can block pores and become a fertile ground for acne and other skin problems.

Here is what you can do to reduce the oily appearance of skin:

Cleanse it: Cleansing is the first condition that needs to be respected for good skin. If possible, wash your face twice daily with a very mild and unscented cleanser with a neutral pH. Some cleaning products are specifically formulated for oily skin types. Pat your skin dry with a clean towel instead of rubbing it vigorously. You can also apply a skin-toning lotion to tighten pores. Avoid those containing alcohol because they stimulate sebum production. Do not forget to remove your makeup every night before going to bed.  

Use Moisturize: Oily skin also needs to be moisturized. Some products that have an ultra-light texture, are without oil, and enriched with a sebum-regulating complex. Don’t worry. If you choose the right product, it will not add to your skin’s shine. It will actually have the opposite effect! Be wary of tinted creams because they can stimulate sebum secretion and the appearance of pimples.

Use sunscreen: Protect yourself from the sun’s rays with sunscreen suitable for oily skin types. Avoid tanning salons at any cost. Use a mild exfoliant twice a week. Give yourself a skincare treatment at a beauty salon from time to time. Ask the beautician to adapt the treatment your particular type of skin.

Eat Fresh: Adopt a healthy diet. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables. Avoid fatty and sugary foods such as sausages, deli meats, chocolate, and fast foods. Drink plenty of water. Sleep well, avoid stress, and happily kick the smoking habit!

Remember, having oily skin does have some benefits. Those with oily skin tend to age slower. Oily skin tends to wrinkle less than those with dry or normal skin. To know  more about care of oily skin you may contact Dr. Manju keshari, Senior Dermatologist and Skin Specialist at KEMPS Skin Clinic Vaishali, Sec.4, Ghaziabad.