The how to's of Oily Skin plus proven skin care tips and skin care products recommendation

Oily skin is medically referred to as Seborrhoea. it is a skin type wherein the skin produces a massive amount of sebum and/or increase rate in the production of oil in common areas of the face such as the forehead, nose, chin, apples of the chick & upper chest area. A person with Seborrhea is often plagued with skin woes such as excessively shiny skin, greasiness, occasional redness, patchiness, itchiness and worst, acne. Apparently there is very little thing we can do to change the biology of this certain skin type since this is dictated or deeply embedded  in the genes(Dang you genes you really are a force to reckon with.) other reasons such as medical conditions like Obesity and Insulin resistant Diabetes can immensely contribute to seborrhea, so I suggest you to go see a Doctor if there are sudden changes happening in your skin ( change in skin type for example). Medication such as Birth Control Pills may do the same to your skin. Many drugs, actually list oily skin as a side effect, but because it's not a "serious" issue its placed near the bottom where it is often overlooked. Hormonal Birth Control Pill and hormone replacement medications are the most common causative agent that can increase in oil production uncontrollably and frequently lead to an oily, greasy forehead or oily T zone. But, never lose hope, my Dear! although oiliness is truly a challenge, there are still some specific ways one can do to minimize and control oil production in the sebaceous glands. I should know since I have the same condition as you or far worst than yours.

So What are those specific measures that we can do to lessen the glisten you may ask? A catchy phrase isn't it? lol..

Ok fine, fine! I'll cut the chase!So here's the tried and tested skin care tips and products I've used to counter oiliness and avoid acne. there are also some product recommendations Dr. Andrea swears by. wait, what? Dr. Andrea Who? Dr. Andrea by the way, is my trusted dermatologist that made my Oily, extremely sensitive and acne prone skin recover.

Disclaimer:  oily skin varies from person to person, so take my advice with a grain of salt.

1. The Use of Facial wash containing Salicylic Acid as its active Ingredient.

According to studies, products that contain Salicylic acid can immensely help seborrheic skin. Salicylic Acid unclogs pores, help slow down the rate of oil production or shininess of the skin especially in a wash form. It has been well studied and demonstrated that Salicylic facial wash is often better tolerated and has been proven to have better results in decreasing the oiliness or shininess as compared to putting on a topical or leave on Salicylic acid, a product which when left on the skin can be so irritating that your skin will compensatorily produce more sebum. Salicylic acid in wash form nicely sips through deeper layers of the skin and concentrates on oil glands quite quickly. This can also dry out little acne like lesions.

Tip: for Salicylic Acid Beginners

1.Use 2% Salicylic acid, its a good starting point for beginners, higher than that may cause irritation.

2. A gentle lather on the skin will do. Let the lather set for a good 4 to 5 minutes before rinsing and follow up immediately with moisturizer to avoid trans epidermal water loss.

Dr Andrea's Suggestions:

CeraVe renewing SA Cleanser

has salicylic acid, ceramide to restore skin barrier and niacinamide to help calm down redness and Inflammation. quite expensive. currently priced at $9.38 on amazon and a whopping P1380.00 Philippine peso 

Neutrogena oil free Acne Wash

uses 2% salicylic acid currently priced at $6.99 for 6 fluid ounce on amazon and is marked at P750.00 to P900.00 Philippine Peso

My Product Suggestions:

 COSRX salicylic Acid Exfoliating Cleanser

contains WinterGreen Extract for anti Inflammatory, antiseptic and astringenic. tea tree oil has anti bacterial property and promotes acne healing. black willow bark extract which has high level of salicylates and tannins that have astringent and anti inflammatory properties enhances skin renewal and anti aging. currently priced @ $ 12.88 for 150 ml on amazon. Philippine Price ranges from P 500.00 to P700.00..my favorite facial wash so far for two reasons: its affordability and efficiency.

Cathy Doll Acne Solution Serum+ Foam Cleanser

my new discovery, its as good as CosRX if not better. I tried and tested 3 sachets of this bad boy for two weeks and so far so good. currently priced at $19.95 on amazon. Philippine price is around P350.00. yes, I know!isn't that a good news for my frugalistas! 

2. You can use Bentonite Clay mask once or twice a week for the sole purpose of absorbing oil build up at the surface level of the skin nothing more nothing less.expensive clay mask, in my opinion, is a total waste of money.   

masks I use once or twice a week

3. Avoid Alcohol Based Toners at all cost. specifically Toners with contents predominantly alcohol. this will irritate your skin so bad, causes patchiness, redness, peeling, stinging and tingling sensation, and dry out every area of your face. skin that feels so stiff and dry upon application of a toner is a disaster waiting to happen.NO, it's a huge" NO-NO". If you opt to use toners. choose natural toners or alcohol-free toners instead, like Thayers Witch Hazel Alcohol-free Toner.

4. Do not Skip your Daytime and Night time Moisturizers/Cream simply because every time you wash the surface of your skin you will also remove the natural barrier of your skin and so, it is important to hydrate, restore and keep the natural skin barrier healthy at all times. Because when the barrier is compromised it'll amp up oil production. if you find your face oily or greasy after moisturizing, check the composition. I highly suggest you choose an oil free moisturizer or Gels.

Recommendation

A unique lightweight formula that exfoliates and moisturizes while helping to restore the protective skin barrier.
Formulated with three essential ceramides (1, 3, 6-II) help to restore the protective skin barrier.
Utilizes patented MVE® controlled-release technology to help replenish ceramides and deliver long lasting moisturization.
Free of fragrance and dye, hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic and non-irritating. currently priced at $ 10.28 for 8 FL oz on amazon

CosRx oil free ultra Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap

It contains 70% Birch sap, a powerhouse ingredient for calming and treating sensitive, irritated, or freshly exfoliated skin. If you’ve ever experienced dryness due to acne medication, winter weather, or natural sensitivity, this is the cream for you. It quenches dry skin with zero greasy residue and calms acne-prone skin without causing breakouts currently priced at $20.00 on Soko Glam.com.Philippine price is currently at P950.00-P1200.00 

5. Sunscreen- I cannot emphasize enough the importance of sunscreen. SPF's are your primary protection against frequent and subsequent sun exposure. harmful effects of UVA and UVB which causes unimaginable damage to your skin may be irreversible, so don't forget your sunscreen in the morning, regardless of where you're going; indoor or outdoor, SPF is a must. according to Dr. Andrea Sunscreen of at least, SPF 30 preferably broad spectrum is good enough and reapply as per instruction.

Product Recommendation

CosRx SPF 50 +++ aloe soothing Sunscreen

Aloe Soothing Sun Cream is not just the normal sun cream. It not only completely blocks the UVA and UVB,but also moisturizes your skin. The combination of scientifically proven sun protection and natural ingredients and provide the skin protection layer. Even when you are under the strongest sun light,you have nothing to worry about. Hydrate your skin with the most powerful moisturizing ingredient aloe while protect from the daily sun light.

Note: Diet and Supplements for oily skin as well as other important tips will be discussed later. Yup this topic will be thoroughly discussed and it'll be a series! Lol..kidding.

You can ask me questions or just leave a comment. I'll answer you as soon as I can.