Get rid of oily skin for good

Oily skin can be problematic, especially if you're planning to wear makeup. Here are a few tips to help you get rid of your oily skin problems.

Oily skin is a result of overactive sebaceous glands.

• These glands, which produce an excess of sebum or oil, are heavily located in the face, neck, chest, head and back areas of the body. This can lead to clogged pores and breakouts.

On the bright side, people with oily skin tend to age better and have fewer fine lines and wrinkles.

• Genetics plays a large role on whether or not you have oily skin, but it’s not the only factor. Here are common causes and ways to prevent oily skin.

Do you find your face and hair greasier the day before a big deadline or presentation? Stress can cause an excess production of oil.

• Be aware when stressful situations are coming up, and make sure you’re allocating time for stress-relieving activities in your schedule such as running, walking, going to the gym or meditating.
• Ensure you get at least eight hours of sleep every night.

Hormonal fluctuations related to pregnancy and menstruation can influence oil production in the body.

• Drink a tonic of apple cider vinegar and water or peppermint tea during hormonal high points and take a daily serving of flax seed to help flush out hormones.
• Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables will benefit your skin all year round.
• And, of course, drink plenty of water.

When air becomes drier, our skin gets dehydrated. When the skin senses a deficit in moisture, it will overcompensate with more oil.

• While it may seem counter-intuitive, oily skin requires moisture, too.
• Use a light, oil-free moisturizer after cleansing to lock in moisture all year round.

Overuse or incorrect use of skin care products can lead to oily skin.

• Use products made for oily skin, such as a pH-balanced cleanser and alcohol-free toner. Steer clear of facial scrubs and harsh exfoliating tools, which can aggravate oily skin.
• Masks with AHA, BHA or other enzymes gently exfoliate and stimulate the skin at the cellular level, while clay mud masks help tighten pores.

The cosmetics aisle offers many oil-free options for makeup.

• Try a mineral-based, powder foundation. Stick to powder-based eye shadows and blushes.

While the sun may dry the outer layers of skin, the sebaceous glands work overtime to replace the oil that’s been lost, resulting in production of more oil.

• Use oil-free sunscreen with SPF of 30 or higher. Opt for gel-based sunscreens over thick creams, as these work better for people with oily skin. Just remember that gel-based versions sweat off faster, so you should plan to reapply more often.

You may not be able to get rid of oily skin altogether, but you can minimize and prevent some of the side effects. If nothing else, smile and embrace the anti-aging effects of oily skin!