How to care for oily skin?

Literally, the skin is defined as the flexible outer covering of the body and it is considered to be the body's largest organ. With it being a very prominent part of ourselves, it is really irksome when one has to go through stubborn skin problems that arise due to a lack of care and attention. Most of the heavily advertised skin-products do little but boast of extraordinary and unrealistic results, while the price tag they carry are far above the reach of common men. Nowadays, it is becoming increasingly essential that one takes the utmost and proper care of their skin according to its type. Basically, there are four common skin types which are as follows: i. Oily skin ii. Dry skin iii. Normal skin iv. Combinational skin Oily skin is generally considered to be more troublesome than the other three skin types, what with its being more prone to acne, pimples, blemishes and blackheads. Over-productive sebaceous glands make the skin look greasy and dull. This type of skin is a magnet for dust and dirt and can prove to be really rough and itchy. Because of the trapped dirt, the skin soon loses its radiance and appears to be dark most of the time. There are many causes and reasons to having an oily skin. Heredity, hormonal imbalances, humidity, hot climate and the wrong type of diet are some of the factors that contribute to the oiliness of the skin. Oily skin is generally common in teenagers due to the hormonal changes they have to undergo which tend to disrupt the oil balance in the body. Stress and daily life tensions aggravate the condition, and it is only when the right measures are taken, the oiliness of the skin can be combated effectively. First and foremost, regardless of the skin type immense consideration needs to be given towards keeping the skin clean and fresh. It should be washed at least two or three times a day with warm water, as hot water tends to dehydrate the skin. For maintaining a healthy skin, harsh skin-products, alcohol-containing cleansers and moisturizers are best avoided. Aloe Vera gel works wonders for the skin as it cleans out the pores and soaks up oil, while giving a cooling effect after it has been rinsed with water. For daily use, however, one could use a mild cleanser that is especially made for the skin type. Secondly, one should drink plenty of water everyday as it flushes out the toxins while keeping the skin hydrated. Besides that, consumption of soft drinks and junk food should be kept strictly minimal as it causes nothing but harm to the skin and according to some reports, can even cause acne. Thirdly, the skin should be given as little sun-exposure as possible as over-heating actually triggers the oil production in the skin. For cleansing, lemon juice could be applied to the skin and then rinsed with cold water. It adds a lot to the skin's overall health. Moreover, only water-based cosmetics or make-up made for oily skin should be used. Preferably, one can apply cucumber juice to the skin before applying any cosmetics as it has a healing effect on the skin. In addition to all of this, a proper diet schedule should be followed which must have a lot of protein, leafy green vegetables, fresh fruits, vitamins and iron. However, sugar, processed foods, salt and fats must be used restrictedly. Vitamin B2 is known to be beneficial for this type of skin and is found in whole grains, beans and nuts. Apart from this, getting sufficient sleep improves the skin's cellular repair activity and gives the skin a glowing, fresh look. As suggested by countless researches, smoking has a very negative effect on oily skin and makes it dim. While at work, or outdoors, oil-absorbing tissues can be used for effective absorption of oil. Lastly, regular exercise boosts blood circulation and nourishes and rejuvenates the skin. It plays a positive part in keeping the skin fresh while uplifting one's motivation level and self-esteem. However, one should bear in mind that if the cause to having an oily skin is heredity, the oily skin cannot be driven away permanently but its problems can be eliminated to a greater extent if proper care and hygiene is maintained. Nonetheless, many people are unaware that oily skin is less likely to show lines and wrinkles. It appears to be shiny if kept clean. It ages at a slower rate and is not prone to get discoloured so if properly treated, it can prove be a blessing in disguise in the long-run. References: 1) How to care for oily skin 'www.ehow.com/how_13738_care-oily-skin.html 2) Oily Skin Management Methods - www.disabled-world.com/artman/publish/oilyskin.shtml 3) Great Looking Skin- www.coolnurse.com/skin_care.htm 4) Oily skin- 1stholistic.com/Beauty/skin/skin_oily_skin.htm 5) How to Fight oily skin - www.ehow.com/how_2194_fight-oily-skin.html
Author: Riffat Rashid