Posts Tagged ‘reducing oily face’

how to get rid of an oily shiny face

Friday, November 13th, 2009

Causes of Oily Skin

The skin is equipped with sebaceous glands that are responsible for the secretion of natural oil called sebum. This sebum is essential as it lubricates the skin, giving it its natural texture. Oily skin is the outcome of overactive sebaceous glands. Hormonal changes (especially during menstruation), stress and anxiety have the tendency to stimulate the sebaceous glands thus resulting in oily skin. Oily skin attracts dirt and grime leading to clogged pores, making the skin prone to various forms of acne. Such skin appears excessively glossy and unhealthy, thus making one look rather unattractive as well.

Reducing Oily Face

To reduce the accumulation of natural oil, washing your face several times a day with plain, cool water is recommended. Twice a day, the use of a mild face-wash, especially recommended for oily skin, is advisable so as to keep the production of sebum in check. Choosing skin care products that are free of oil will also be truly beneficial in controlling the accumulation of oil. In addition, the use of oil-free cosmetics is also recommended to prevent the shiny appearance. For people with oily skin, it is essential to keep in mind that an oily complexion is more prone to damage caused by pollution. Hence, keeping the face covered with a scarf while outdoors is recommended to prevent further damage. The use of a sunscreen especially designed for oily skin will also prove beneficial in preventing damage caused by the harmful rays of the sun.

The use of aloe gel is recommended as aloe is a natural moisturizer that has the ability to absorb excess natural oil without drying out the skin. Its antimicrobial qualities also help in killing germs that may cause acne and other skin conditions. A face mask made with oatmeal, milk cream and a pinch of turmeric powder is recommended for oily skin. Oatmeal has the capacity to absorb excess sebum while milk cream nourishes the skin. The turmeric powder assists in killing microbes while lightening skin tone, giving the skin a healthy and radiant glow. Massaging the face with a mixture made by adding a few drops of lavender oil or geranium oil to jojoba oil will also prove beneficial in reducing the greasy effect of oily skin. Jojoba has properties similar to sebum and thus goes well with every skin type. Lavender and geranium oil help in regulating the flow of natural oil from the sebaceous glands thus ensuring that the skin is not too oily, nor too dry. They are also known to reduce skin sensitivity while leaving the skin nourished and smooth.