Oily skin is an annoying problem that is common in teenagers but can occur at any age. Besides giving the skin a shiny, greasy appearance, excess oil on the skin can also clog your skin's pores, resulting in acne. Certain face washes can help reduce oily skin and acne in some people, although more serious cases may require medicated or prescription treatments. Before trying a medicated face wash, use a mild cleanser to prevent over-drying and irritation.
Mild Cleansers
Using overly-drying cleansers can actually promote oily skin, as stripping the skin of moisture causes sebaceous glands to work overtime. If you have oily skin, be sure to wash your face with only gentle, nondrying cleansers such as Dove, Neutrogena or Basics, and avoid washing the face more than twice a day. Some face washes also contain calming and anti-inflammatory agents that people with sensitive, oily skin may find beneficial.
Acne Washes
When your skin glands produce too much oil, your pores can become blocked, resulting in acne. People with acne should initially try using mild cleansers to avoid further irritation and oil production caused by over-drying, although if acne is persistent, you may benefit from using a face wash that contains an acne medication such as benzoyl peroxide, salycilic acid or sulfur. These products may cause irritation so it is best to first try a face wash that contains a milder anti-acne ingredient like benzoyl peroxide, which is well-tolerated by most people.
Exfoliants
Face washes containing exfoliants may also benefit people with oily skin by preventing pores from becoming blocked. Face washes containing alpha hydroxy acids such as glycolic acid and lactic acid act as exfoliants by helping remove dead skin cells and promoting the growth of new cells. These ingredients also help reduce inflammation. Some face washes also contain mechanical exfoliants such as exfoliating beads or grains. To avoid irritation, dermatologist Jeanine Downie, M.D., recommends using mechanical exfoliants containing round, soft microbeads rather than products with rough, scratchy grains.
Other Solutions
In addition to using face washes for oily skin, practicing good skin-care habits and using other over-the-counter products may help reduce oily skin. Avoid touching your face and using oily cosmetics, including moisturizers, makeup and hair products that contain oil. Using blotting papers that soak up excess oil throughout the day may also help reduce oiliness. For stubborn acne, medications like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid can also be purchased in the form of creams or serums that you apply after washing.
Prescription Treatments
If your oily skin or acne does not improve with the use of over-the-counter solutions and self-care, a doctor may prescribe you a prescription face wash, topical cream or medication to treat your condition. A common topical prescription acne treatment is retinoic acid, which comes in the form of a cream or gel. As the cause of excess oil production is often hormonal, birth control pills or a pill called spironolactone may also improve oily skin and acne.
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