How to Stop Shiny Oily Skin

Having oily skin can be frustrating because the excessive oil production makes your face look greasy and shiny. Hormones and genetics determine how oily your skin is, reports the United States National Library of Medicine, but you don't have to sit back and deal with the slick, shiny skin Mother Nature gave you forever. Following a skin-cleansing regimen and using the correct cosmetic products will tone down your skin's oily look and help you feel more comfortable with your appearance. Does this Spark an idea?

Wash your face with warm water and an oil-free gel cleanser no more than three times a day. While keeping your face clean is essential in preventing excess oil, washing it too often can irritate it and actually make your skin respond by producing even more oil.

Apply a thin layer of witch hazel-based astringent to a cotton ball and spread it across your skin. Concentrate on your oiliest areas, such as your forehead or nose. Astringent will help remove any oil, dirt or cleanser residue left behind on your skin after washing.

Smooth a thin, even layer of oil-free moisturizer onto your skin after cleansing. It may seem counterintuitive to add moisture to oily skin, but it will prevent the irritation that can make your skin produce more oil. Choose a product labeled "noncomedogenic," meaning it's less likely to block your pores, if moisturizer makes you break out.

Use powder makeup products, rather than cream or liquid products. The powder will help absorb your skin's oils and prevent you from looking shiny. Cream or liquid foundations or concealers will usually melt off when combined with your skin's oils, so you'll look shiny and have no makeup coverage.

Carry blotting papers in your purse or pocket to soak up any excessive oil throughout the day. Press a paper against your skin and gently dab it so the paper can absorb the oil. Do not rub the paper roughly against your skin or you'll remove any makeup you're wearing.

Tips

- Purchase mineral-based powder makeup because it contains more natural ingredients and may be less irritating to your skin. Find blotting papers at drugstores in the skincare or cosmetic sections.

Warning

- Visit your dermatologist if you notice any changes in your skin, such as redness or more oil than normal, because it could be a sign of an underlying skin condition.