Acne breakouts can appear on any skin type, including combination, dry and oily skin. When acne affects oily skin, it is usually as a result of the skin producing too much oil, which causes the pores to become clogged and infected. In order to effectively treat acne breakouts on oily skin, it is important to work toward balancing out the oil production in the skin, removing dead skin that could clog pores and topically treating individual breakouts with a low-concentration benzoyl peroxide cream.
Step 1
Apply a non-comedogenic oil to the face to balance out the oil production in the skin. Soak a washcloth in very hot water, and gently press the washcloth onto your skin. Once the washcloth cools, spread 1 tsp. of olive oil onto the skin, and massage it in for three minutes with your fingers. Soak the washcloth in very hot water again, and drape it over your face. Allow the washcloth to remain there until it cools down, then use the washcloth to wipe away the oil. Repeat twice per day.
Step 2
Apply a facial scrub to the skin to remove dead skin and impurities. Pour 1 tbsp. of baking soda into your hand, and pour 1 tsp. of water onto it. Mix the two substances well with your fingers. Spread the baking soda mixture onto your skin, gently moving it around using small, circular finger motions. After two minutes, rinse off the skin with warm water. Repeat twice per day after applying the oil treatment.
Step 3
Spot-treat acne breakouts using a 2.5 percent benzoyl peroxide cream. Squeeze a pea-size amount of 2.5 percent benzoyl peroxide cream onto your fingers, and dab it around your skin. Smooth the cream around your face until it has been completely absorbed into the skin. Re-apply the benzoyl peroxide cream twice per day, once in the morning and again at night after the skin has been treated with oil and exfoliated.
Tips and Warnings
- Olive oil is a non-comedogenic oil, meaning it will not clog pores when used on the skin. Olive oil is highly emollient, and when used regularly on the face, it will "trick" the skin into thinking that the skin is properly hydrated. A decrease in oil production will follow, preventing excess oil from becoming clogged in the pores. Cleansing the skin with oil can replace washing the skin with soaps and cleansers, and can actually flush out the pores more effectively. The oil bonds to the excess oils and sebum in your skin, and allows them to drain out more easily when heat and steam are applied to the skin. The skin should be cleansed with oil twice per day, as you would with a soap or a cleanser. Baking soda is an alkaline substance that can be used as an exfoliant to remove dead skin cells without damaging or irritating the skin. Benzoyl peroxide works to clear skin by releasing oxygen into the pores, which kills off acne-causing bacteria. Many strengths of benzoyl peroxide cream are available, including 2.5 percent, 5 percent and 10 percent. Using the lowest-strength benzoyl peroxide cream will clear acne pustules without causing severe side effects, such as redness or peeling.
Things You'll Need
- Olive oil
- Washcloth
- Baking soda
- 2.5 percent benzoyl peroxide cream
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