It's well known that anyone can get acne, but those with oily skin are especially susceptible to breakouts. This is due to the fact that your excess oil can trap dead skin cells in your pores, leading to partially or fully blocked pores (whiteheads and blackheads). For many, the key to getting rid of acne is getting rid of oily skin. Luckily, many treatments exist that accomplish both of these tasks simultaneously.
Step 1
Wash your face. Use a gentle cleanser and warm water to penetrate your pores and break down oil without stripping your skin. You may also wish to use a cleanser that contains benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid to work on killing acne bacteria and unclogging your pores. Wash your skin well twice a day.
Step 2
Use a toner. Immediately after cleansing, use a toner to remove excess oil and dead skin cells. Pour a small amount of toner onto a cotton pad and wipe all over your face, being careful not to press too hard, as this can irritate blemishes. Look for a formula that is alcohol free so as to prevent excess irritation and drying.
Step 3
Exfoliate your skin. Use an exfoliant scrub once a week, but don't overdo it. Removing dead skin cells too frequently can strip your skin of its natural moisture and actually cause you to get even oilier.
Step 4
Apply oil-free makeup. Make your application as light as possible. Use powder-based makeups that won't clog your pores but will absorb excess oil throughout the day. If you do use a liquid foundation, make sure it's water based. Apply it lightly and dust with a loose powder to avoid shine later in the day.
Step 5
Use an acne medication designed to slow down oil production. Many over-the-counter creams like benzoyl peroxide absorb oil, but sometimes prescription-strength treatment is required. In these cases, a medication like Accutane may be beneficial because it shrinks oil glands and kills acne bacteria. However, this medication can cause serious side effects, so be mindful of that before starting a new prescription.
Things You'll Need
- Gentle acne cleanser
- Toner
- Cotton pads
- Facial scrub
- Powder-based makeup
- Water-based liquid foundation
- Benzoyl peroxide
- Accutane
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