Do you have that oily and shiny skin on your face?

Oily skin means that your sebaceous glands are more active. This skin type is more prone to blemishes and breakouts. If you’re not sure if your skin is oily, take a short easy test: take a blotting paper. Gently dab different areas of your face, then look at the sheet: if it becomes translucent, it means that your skin is oily and the paper has absorbed some of it.  

If you have oily skin, you may have noticed shiny areas in your T-zone and on your chin. Your pores are enlarged, and you are prone to spots. Your make-up might disappear throughout the day. If you touch your face, it may feel greasy.

Causes of oily skin:

1. Overactive sebaceous glands: Your skin contains natural oils that keep skin supple and soft, plus they keep our lipid barrier in good condition. When your sebaceous glands work too much, your skin gets greasy.
2. Hormones: sebaceous glands are regulated by hormones. Any hormonal imbalance may cause oily skin.
3. Stress triggers hormonal fluctuations that lead to excess oil production.
4. Environment: Heat or too much humidity may cause oily skin. Your skin is more likely to be more oily during the summer than in the fall or winter.
5. Wrong skin care products: too heavy creams or cleansers may cause pore clogging.  If your skin is dry, change your skin care plan for the spring and summer with lightweight moisturizers and gel-based cleansers.

How to manage oily skin

1. Avoid super rich oils and moisturizers and opt for lighter moisturizers instead
2. Wash with gentle soap and warm water.
3. Avoid soaps with fragrances, added moisturizers, or harsh chemicals, which can irritate or dry out the skin, making it respond by creating more sebum.
4. Avoid loofahs and rough washcloths, as added friction may stimulate the skin to make more oil.
5. Don't scrub.
6. Don't pick, pop, or squeeze pimples. It will take longer to heal.
7. Use non-comedogenic skin care products and cosmetics. This means they won’t clog pores.

If lifestyle changes do not help you get rid of your oily skin, ask your doctor about medicated face care products.

Log the condition of your skin with the MIA app and continue to get more insights about your health.