Your skin is your body's largest organ. Research also shows that healthy-looking skin, which is smooth, even toned and blemish-free, is one of the most powerful determinants of beauty across different cultures. If you have oily skin, this may seem disconcerting, but before you seep into bottomless depths of misery, you might learn more about the issue and find hope.
Cause
Behind oily skin are overactive sebaceous glands that produce too much sebum. Sebum literally means fat in Latin, and this is what coats your skin and hair. Imagine not showering for a few days and feeling how greasy your hair is. It happens because of the overabundance of sebum that wasn't washed away. This is also what causes the shine and pimply appearance associated with oily skin.
Correlations
Heredity: If your parents and their parents had oily skin, it's likely that your skin will have this quality too.
Hormones: Changes in hormonal levels will alter your skin's consistency, which is why people going through puberty, and women who are starting menstruation or are pregnant, can experience oily skin.
Diet: In some studies, greasy, fatty and fried foods can cause skin to look oily. This may be because carbohydrates with a high glycemic index increase levels of glucose and insulin, which affect skin tone.
Misconceptions
While using products to control oil buildup, you can't wear makeup: As long as you are sensible about what products you use, cosmetics are perfectly fine to use.
Moisturizer should be avoided completely: Oil and moisture are different things. Oily skin holds the face's moisture, but won't replace its loss. Especially after age 30, it's important to moisturize.
Drying products will fix oily skin: Actually, it will signal the skin to produce more oil.
Sun exposure will eliminate pimples: No, a tan may hide blemishes associated with oily skin, but it isn't a sustainable or smart way to treat your skin. SPF is always a must.
Solutions
Diet: Avoid salty and fried foods, and eat mostly low-fat items. Make sure your meals are rich in leafy greens and fresh fruits, and don't forget to drink plenty of water .
Makeup: Use products that are non-comedogenic, which means they won't clog your pores. Some people believe mineral makeup, such as products containing titanium dioxide and mica, is the best alternative. Other cosmetics called "anti-shine" primers may also work as a way to absorb oil.
Skincare: Wash your face two to three times a day. Use moisturizing creams with alpha hydroxy acid (AHAs), which contain glycolic acid or salicylic acid. These ingredients work to exfoliate and cleanse pores. Steaming your skin will also help.
Lifestyle: Stress not only affects your mindset and emotions, but can take a physical toll on your body, including your skin. Find calming activities to relax yourself. In addition, humid and hot weather can affect your skin. Keep this in mind if you experience rapid skin changes.
The Silver Lining
While you may begrudge your oily skin, a major benefit is its durability through the aging process. Skin dries up as you grow older, and women especially experience this drying affect during menopause. Oily skin tends to look less wrinkled and more vibrant as the years go by, which means chances are you'll look younger for longer.
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