How to Avoid Oily Skin

A little oil is necessary for healthy skin, but excess oil can be unsightly and lead to acne, according to Web MD. You can manage oily skin by following a strict skin-care regimen. Over-the-counter products can help you avoid oily skin, though in extreme cases you may need to see a dermatologist, or skin specialist, who can prescribe medicine to alleviate the problem. Decide which products work best for you, then stick to the program to prevent oily skin from returning. Does this Spark an idea?

Eat a well-balanced diet. Fruits and vegetables are good sources of vitamins and natural antioxidants. Fish is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which contribute to healthy skin. Cut down on sugary and processed foods, which can increase oil production in the skin.

Wash your face with a gently cleanser in the morning and before bed. Harsh chemicals can actually trigger more oil production. Use your hands to apply the cleanser rather than an irritating washcloth or facial sponge, which also may increase oil production. Be sure to only use warm water.

Wash your face with a cleanser containing salicylic acid or glycolic acid if the gentle cleanser is not sufficient. Look for products marketed for acne care; they work for oily skin as well. Test the product to make sure it doesn't irritate your skin by using a small amount of cleanser at first.

Saturate a cotton ball with an alcohol-free toner after you wash your face. Apply the toner to your face to further reduce excess oil. Toners with acids are available, but they may be too harsh for sensitive skin and may actually stimulate oil production.

Apply an almond-sized amount of oil-free moisturizer to your cleansed and toned skin. Oily skin still needs to be moisturized daily.

Spread a mask for oily skin on problem areas, such as your forehead and nose, about once a month. Overuse can dry out the skin. Masks are ideal to make sure you look your best before a party or big event.

Apply an almond-sized amount of oil-free sunscreen to your face. Too much sun can dry out the skin and increase oil production. Look for products that are formulated for oily skin. (Some sunscreens clog pores and stimulate oil production.) An alternative is to use a facial powder with sunscreen, which evens out your skin tones while protecting you from the sun.

Pat your face with facial blotting paper during the day to avoid oily skin. Gently blot away any excess oil, especially on problem areas, for 15 seconds. Most blotting papers have powder to reduce oils and cut down on shine.

Contact a dermatologist if store-bought products are not helping you avoid oily skin. Creams with ingredients such as tretinoin, adapalene and tazarotene may help reduce excess oil, but they need to be prescribed by a physician.

Tips

- Change your regime when the weather changes. Some people with oily skin need to cut back on products containing acids during dry winter months.

- Medicated pads containing acids can be useful during the day on oily skin.

- Cut down on hard fats, such as a butter. Switch to olive or hemp oil.

- Eat foods rich in vitamin E, such as nuts.

Warning

- Always test new skin-care products on your skin before switching to them.