5 Tips on How to Care for Oily Skin

If you have oily skin, you are prone to acne, blackheads and spots. Your skin probably looks shiny and thick. Just as with any skin type, taking certain precautions and special care can help reduce skin problems.

The following are 5 tips for taking care of oily skin.

1. Wash your face twice a day—once in the morning and once before bed. Washing more often can strip your skin of all the natural moisturizers and increase oil production. The only time you should wash your face more than twice a day is if you have been perspiring.
2. Use a gentle cleanser. If you need something stronger, look for ingredients specifically made for oily skin and acne, such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or beta-hydroxy acid. Although usually marketed for acne, these products work well for oily skin too.
3. If you are experimenting with different cleansers to find one that works for you, keep a notebook and write down the date, what cleanser you are using and keep track of how your skin looks after a few weeks. If you notice irritation, write that down so you know not to try that cleanser again.
4. Oily skin still needs to be moisturized, but be careful to choose the right moisturizer. Look for water based or oil-free moisturizers and stay away from creams and heavy moisturizers.
5. No matter how tempted, don’t pick, pop or squeeze pimples as it can cause scarring and leave red spots on your face.

Remember, having oily skin does have some benefits. Those with oily skin tend to age slower. Oily skin tends to wrinkle less than those with dry or normal skin. Always remember to apply sunscreen before going outside, no matter the weather.