While oily skin is a skin type that can be a constant struggle, the better you learn how to care for it, the easier it is to treat. While there are some things you can't control, there are some simple lifestyle tips that can help prevent acne.
Oily skin is the result of overactive sebaceous glands and is often hereditary, says Healthline. However, your regular skin care routine can sometimes increase sebum production. Oddly enough, with frequent peeling and a lack of moisturizer, the skin can become so dry that the sebaceous glands do their best to compensate by producing too much of an oily substance called sebum. However, applying too much moisturizer, especially in hot weather, can also quickly lead to oily skin.
One of the best things to combat sebum is to create a healthy cleansing routine, which is why you can add a foaming cleanser.
Why foaming cleansers work so well on oily skin
There are many cleansers that claim to fight oily skin, and while some of them work well, foaming cleansers are a step up. "Foaming cleansers remove sebum more effectively than other types of facial cleansers," says dermatologist Dr. S. Lindsey Zubricki in Real Simple. "That's because it goes a little deeper into the skin and effectively removes oils and sebum from your pores."
While it makes sense to think that oily skin needs the strongest cleanser, a mild cleanser works best. "It's important to take care of your skin as much as possible, even if you have oily skin," says Zubritsky. "I like to avoid harsh scrubs like those that have walnut or apricot shells as active ingredients."
After cleansing, apply a light moisturizer immediately before the skin is completely dry to lock in moisture. This ensures that your skin does not dry out and your sebaceous glands do not become overactive.
Ingredients to watch out for in foaming cleansers
Since oily skin often leads to breakouts, some ingredients work better on oily skin than others. "Salicylic acid is the main component of acne," says dermatologist dr. Ifuma Ijekimi for women's health. "Choose a 2% cleanser and use it for a week to make sure you're not pulling your skin too tight."
It is believed that acne appears when the skin is neglected or even infected, but this is not the case. “Acne is not caused by impure skin. If you have acne-prone skin, you need to cleanse it like everyone else,” Ejikeme said. "Effective cleansing is important to remove make-up, sunscreen, sweat, impurities and dirt from the skin, reducing the risk of it leading to inflammation or clogged pores."
Like any other skin type, oily skin requires regular monitoring. This includes both gentle cleansing and light moisturizers. Ejikeme recommends cleansing your face for just 30 seconds twice a day to keep your skin looking its best.
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