Oily Skin

Do you have OILY SKIN?

Oily skin occurs when the sebaceous (oil-secreting) glands produce more oil than is needed for proper lubrication of the skin. This excess oil can clog pores and cause blemishes. Oily skin is probably largely a matter of heredity, but it is known to be affected by factors such as diet, hormone levels, pregnancy, birth control pills, and the cosmetics you use. Humidity and hot weather both stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce more oil. Because skin tends to become dryer with age, and because of the hormonal shifts of adolescence, oily skin is common in teenagers, but it can occur at any age. Many people have skin that is oily only in certain areas and dry or normal in others, a condition known as combination skin. In general, the forehead, nose, chin and upper back tend to be oilier than other areas.
Oily skin has its positive aspects. It is slow to develop age spots and discoloration, fine lines. and wrinkles. It often doesn't freckle or turn red in the sun - on the contrary, it tans evenly and beautifully. On the negative side, oily skin is prone to "breakouts" well past adolescence and has a chronically shiny appearance, an oily or greasy feeling, and enlarged pores.
Unless otherwise specified, the supplements and Herbs dosages recommended here are for adults.
*Aloe Vera has excellent healing properties. Apply aloe vera gel topically, as directed on product label or as needed.
*Burdock Root, Chamomile, Horsetail, Oat Straw and Thyme nourish the skin.
*Lavender is very good for oily skin. Mist your skin with lavender water several times daily.
*A facial sauna using Lemongrass, Licorice Root, and Rosebuds is good for oily skin. Two or three times a week. Simmer a total of 2 to 4 tablespoons of dried or fresh herbs in 2 quarts of water. When the pot is steaming, place it on top of a trivet or thick potholder on a table, and sit with your face at ta comfortable distance over the steam for fifteen minutes. You can use a towel to trap the steam if you wish, After fifteen minutes, splash your face with cold water and allow your skin to air dry or pat it dry with a towel. After the sauna, you can allow the herbal water to cool and save it for use as a toning lotion to be dabbed on your face with a cotton ball after cleansing.
*Witch Hazel applied to the skin is excellent for absorbing oil.
Recommendations:
* Drink plenty of quality water to keep the skin hydrated and flush out toxins.
* Reduce the amount of fat in your diet. Consume no fried foods, animal fats, or heat-processed vegetables oils. Do not cook with oil, and do not eat any oils that have been subjected to heat, whether in processing or cooking. If a little oil is necessary, such as in salad dressing, use cold-pressed canola or olive oil only.
* Do not drink soft drinks or alcoholic beverages, Avoid sugar, chocolate, and junk food.
* Keep your skin very clean. Wash your face two or three times in the course of a day - no more, because too much washing will stimulate your skin to produce more oil. Use your hands instead of harsh scrubs or washcloths. Sterile gauze pads are also good for cleaning the skin. (Do not use a pad more than once). Do not use harsh soaps or cleansers. Use a use soap with no artificial additives. Do not use cleansers or lotions that contain alcohol. After cleansing, apply a natural oil-free moisturizer to keep the skin supple.
* Use hot water when washing your face. Hot water dissolves skin oil better than lukewarm or cold water.
* Try using a clay or mud mask. White or rose-colored clays are best for sensitive skin.
* Choose cosmetic and facial care products specifically designed for oily skin.
* Two or three times a week, use a loofah sponge for the face and warm water to boost circulation, remove dead skin cells, and remove many of the impurities found in oily skin. Avoid using loofah around your eyes, and do not use it on areas with open sores. See a qualified esthetician to get treatments of Microdermabrasion Facials
* To clear away excess oil, use a clay or mud mask. Blend together well 1 teaspoon green clay powder (available in health food stores) and 1 teaspoon raw honey. Apply the mixture to your face, avoiding the eye area. Leave it on for fifteen minutes,, then rinse well with lukewarm water. Do this at least three times a week - or more often if necessary. White or rose-colored clays are best for sensitive skin.
* Once or twice daily, mix equal parts of lemon juice and water together. Pat mixture on your face and allow it to dry, then rinse with warm water. Follow with a cool-water rinse.
* Look for facial powder that is mineral based.
* For combination skin, simply treat the oily areas as oily skin and the dry areas as dry skin (dry skin part 3 coming soon)
* Do not smoke. Smoking promotes enlargement of the pores and impairs the overall health of the skin.
Considerations:
* Caring for oily skin does not mean trying to dry the skin out. Despite having excess oil, skin may still lack moisture. Moisture is a term that is used to refer to the amount of water inside the skin cells, not the amount of oil on the surface of the skin. While oil and moisture levels are related (the oil helps prevent loss of moisture through evaporation), the two are not the same. There are products available that help to supply and protect moisture without adding oil. Vitamin A Moisturizing Gel is a good non-greasy moisturizer. Using such a moisturizer may help prevent the development of wrinkles in the long run.
Although it is a common myth, oily skin doesn't actually cause acne. Although there is an association between the severity of acne and the amount of oil a person's skin produces, not all people with oily skin have acne. (acne - part 2 coming soon).
For best results - get a deep cleansing facial at least once a month for a qualified esthetician.