Skin that is greasy and oily can cause embarrassment and problems when it comes to choosing skin care. Most skin care products are meant for individuals with combination, or normal skin. Having greasy skin means that your sebaceous glands are producing too much oil, manifesting as that greasy look on your skin. Using the wrong products can send your sebaceous glands into overdrive, making the problem worse. Choose the right products for greasy skin and keep it looking healthy.
Cleanser
Using a mild cleanser at the end of each night will remove oil so that it doesn't clog pores. Unfortunately, some with greasy skin use cleansers that are much too drying. This tells your sebaceous glands to create more oil, to make up for the loss in balance. Instead, use a hydrating cleanser with ingredients like glycolic acid and witch hazel; both sop up extra grease without drying your skin, says dermatologist Audrey Kunin, M.D.
Moisturizer
An oil-free moisturizer can help your skin become more balanced by keeping it hydrated. Some moisturizers, however, can leave a greasy film on the skin, exacerbating the problem. Looking for the word "mattifying" on the packaging is a good way to find a moisturizer that will tame some of your greasiness. Look for a moisturizer like Clearasil Total Control All Day Mattifying Moisturizer that is oil and fragrance free, says DermaDoctor.com. It is less likely to irritate already sensitive, oily skin.
Masks
Masks are a good choice for weekly treatment of greasy skin. While the reduction of greasiness may only last a few days, it is a good way to keep the problem under control. A mask that lists clay or sulfur as one of the main ingredients, like MD Formulations Vit-A-Plus Clearing Complex Masque, will absorb excess oil and leave skin feeling smooth and even.
Makeup
Just because you have oily skin doesn't mean you have to skip the makeup, says Kunin. Instead, look for powder-based makeups that will help absorb oil while making your skin look matte. Bare Minerals Foundation is a good choice, and one of its ingredients is cornstarch-based, which will help to absorb the oil. Stay away from liquid foundations or multiple layers, which can look cakey over greasy skin.
Blotting Papers
For a quick fix throughout the day to remove greasiness from your face, try blotting papers. Made of extremely thin rice paper, they help to sop up greasiness from your face. Blotting papers like Tweezerman Facial Blotting Papers are easy to use and small and discreet, so you can slip into the bathroom and touch up your face in a matter of seconds.
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