The sebaceous glands create oils to maintain supple skin, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), part of the National Institutes of Health. The organization notes that the largest concentrations of sebaceous glands exist on the chest, upper back and face. Sebum pushes through a pore called the follicle, and onto the skin surface. Proper care proves necessary to keep excess oils from creating clogs and acne.
Soaps
Hair, oil and keratinocytes (cells that cover the inside of the hair follicle) together create blockages that allow oil to fill the follicle, creating black and white heads as well as acne infections. Selection of an appropriate soap is critical to removing a significant portion of the oil, while allowing enough oil to remain to keep the skin supple.
A variety of soaps may be necessary to clean the face, chest, back and other parts of the body. Sulfur assists in breaking "down blackheads and whiteheads," according to the NIAMS. The Mayo Clinic also recommends acne soaps that incorporate benzoyl peroxide, a product that destroys those bacteria that creates acne. The NIAMS states that soap containing benzoyl peroxide "may also reduce oil production."
Do not scrub oily skin. Wash the area using a gentle touch, twice each day, once in the morning and again in the evening. After exercising or during hot weather, an additional cleansing may be necessary at midday.
Astringents
Many people equate rough scrubbing and frequent application of astringents with reducing skin oil, but the opposite actually proves true. The NIAMS notes that "astringents are not recommended unless the skin in very oily," but does recommend using astringents on selected spots of extremely oily skin.
Astringents incorporating RETIN-A (a product that incorporates vitamin A acid and retinoic acid), available with a medical prescription, is recommended for extreme cases to prevent acne infections when oil blocks the pores. The liquid product is available in 0.05 percent by weight and includes alcohol and polyethylene glycol 400 and butylated hydroxytoluene.
Maintenance
In addition to regular cleansing, oily skin maintenance involves care when shaving or using cosmetics. Shaving aggravates the hair follicle and releases additional oil from the pore onto the skin. The NIAMS recommends limiting shaving and using the least abrasive type of razor.
The use of makeup and cosmetics also requires additional skin maintenance, including selecting products labeled as "oil-free." The Mayo Clinic recommends selection of powdered cosmetics or liquid or gels and the avoidance of heavy foundation products. Care should be taken that all cosmetics including eye shadow, as well as hair shampoos and conditioners, should be oil-free.
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