Top Tips for Managing Oily Skin Year-Round

Have you ever scratched your face then looked down at your hand and it looked as if you’ve just eaten a plate full of french fries? Congratulations! You have oily skin! Truth be told, having oily skin isn’t always a walk in the park. For some, it can cause severe acne breakouts without much room for healing before another breakout shows. That being said, here are the best ways to manage your oily skin all year long.

How to Care for Oily Skin

1. Avoid Oil-Based Moisturizers

This may seem like a “duh” moment, but believe it or not, it’s easy to accidentally use oil-based moisturizers, especially when you’re simply using a product you’ve used for years. Nonetheless, those products may be adding to the oil sitting on your face. Instead, use water-based moisturizers to ensure your skin is healthy, hydrated, and moisturized.

This goes for make-up and other cosmetic products. If you have oily skin, leave the oil-based items on the shelf. The best way to determine what is oil-based and what is water-based is to read the label. Most water-based products will list water as the first ingredient. Oil-based products don’t always say “oil.” Sometimes it’ll appear as glycerin, paraffin, paraffinum liquidum, petrolatum, or synthetic wax.

Just keep a close eye on those labels and be sure to research anything you’re unsure of.

2. Wash Your Face Often

Sure, most people wash their faces in the morning and before going to bed, but those with oily skin should wash their face multiple times a day. You certainly don’t want to overdo it, but anytime your face is feeling sticky or hot, you may want to give it a quick wash. This will help reduce the oil buildup and keep it from turning into acne.

3. Get Used to Using Blotting Paper

These handy little inventions are made from highly absorbent paper that can be used to easily absorb your facial oils. Some of these blotting paper brands even add salicylic acid and minerals to the paper to reduce the chances of acne.

It’s important to note that blotting paper may not be for everybody, especially those with sensitive skin, so be sure to check with your dermatologist before trying it out.

4. Eat a Well-Balanced (Less Oily) Diet

Well all know that what you eat affects every part of your body, and that includes your skin. While you most certainly should eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and drink your recommended daily amount of water, for those with oily skin, you should also stay away from fried and oily foods. There hasn’t been bonafide proof that eating oily foods is directly linked to an overproduction of sebum (your body’s natural oil), however, thanks to the common habit of face-touching, you can easily transfer oil from your fingers to your face after eating fried foods.

Bottom line: eat fresh foods and don’t touch your face.

5. Add Cosmetic Dermatology Procedures to Your Skin Care Routine

A great way to manage oily skin is to see a dermatologist on a regular basis and take part in regular skin care treatments. Procedures like chemical peels and dermaplaning are great ways to ensure your skin is in tip-top shape. This can help limit the amount of oil buildup and reduce your chances of having acne, blackheads, etc.

Be sure to seek the advice of a licensed dermatologist before attempting any sort of treatment. If you’re in Cincinnati, Ohio, our experts at The Dermatology Group can help with that. We can give you advice, resources, and treatment options that are sure to fit your skin type. Give us a call today!