How To Get Rid Of Oily Skin

Excessive oily skin can be the bane of your life. The difficult to deal with condition leaves a shiny complexion that can cause concern. We have a few nifty oily skin care tips to turn your oily sheen into a healthy, dewy, glow. Read on to discover what causes oily skin and how to get rid of it.

WHAT CAUSES OILY SKIN

Oily skin in caused by excess production of sebum - the skin natural oils. There are a variety of reasons for this - however simple lifestyle changes can get rid of oily skin or make it more manageable, while it other instances it may be a little more out of control.

Environment - how the weather affects oily skin

Weather can affect the skin - for example dry skin is prevalent in the harsh winter months and your oil glands can produce lots of excess sebum to compensate. When it's humid and hot or dry and cold the weather can wreak havoc on skin. Hot, sweaty conditions can encourage the secretion of sebum. Both instances can mean you end up with oily skin.

Oily skin & genetics

Just as your eye and hair colour is passed on from your parents, they're also usually to thank/blame for your skin type. Indeed, your genetic makeup likely plays a part in whether you're more or less prone to large sebaceous glands and oily skin.

Even if you're genetically predisposed there are ways to try and control oily skin, develop a skin care routine for oily skin by gently exfoliating (a few times a week). Also, make sure to wear sun cream - sun overexposure can lead to damaged skin the results of which can mean skin goes in overdrive leaving you with oily skin.

Read on for more causes and skin care tips to stop that sheen.

THE OTHER CAUSES OF OILY SKIN

There are plenty of other reasons you might have oily skin, a few of which we have control over.

Diet

One of the areas you can definitely control is your diet. Making sure you eat a healthy, balanced diet containing vital vitamins and minerals (hopefully through fruits and vegetable) could reduce oily skin. Consuming oily, greasy goods are not only bad for your health but could be one of the causes of your oily complexion.

Over-washing

In an effort to get rid of your oily skin you might think washing your face repeatedly can control your oily t-zone (or whole face). However, over washing can be a common cause for out of control oily skin. It may feel intuitive to scrub your face whenever you see it shining but it's really easy to be overzealous with your favourite skin products.

Scrubbing your skin too hard and too often with certain materials, tools or harsh exfoliators strip the skin of moisture and cause your glands to overproduce oil. A gentle exfoliating scrubs a few times a week works wonders for oily skin care, following up with a moisturiser to lock in the moisture and keep the skin at bay works wonders. After all, regardless of your skin type, your skin is a delicate organ which should be treated with care.

Hormones & medicine

There are some medicines that can increase oil production and cause oily skin. On the flip side, coming off some of these medications can cause your skin to change as your hormones balance settles. Similarly, certain steroids have been noted to cause oily skin. Other medications may cause dehydration as a side effect - which could result in excess sebum. Make sure to check with your doctor on the possible side effects of medication
Hormones can fluctuate especially in your teenage years (read our teenage skin guide). This can often stimulate oil. Puberty, menstruation, pregnancy and menopause are phases of life associated with oily skin as are times of extreme stress or illness.

HOW TO GET RID OF OILY SKIN

So now we've established some common causes of oily skin – what can you do to fix it? Well, to suggest there is a cure all oily skin remedy which will forever rid you of this complaint entirely is unrealistic and inaccurate. However, there are plenty of healthy habits, preventative measures and Nivea products which will certainly alleviate it. Follow our oily skin care tips below for fabulous, sheen free skin.

Stay hydrated

A top tip for your skin health in general, not only for those who suffer from oily skin, is to remain hydrated. After all, your skin is an organ made up of cells, and cells are made up of water and without water, the skin can't function at its best! Ultimately, dehydrated skin will produce excess sebum in an attempt to keep itself moisturised. So, ensure you keep your water bottle topped up!ext in field

Don’t stop with the moisturiser

A common misconception with oily skin is that a moisturiser or serum will only make it greasier. As mentioned previously, if your skin is dehydrated this can cause it to overcompensate and produce more sebum than it would usually - so an easy way to try and reduce oily skin is keep that skin moisturised. A light moisturising day cream is ideal for keeping your skin's moisture levels topped up.

Blotting papers

As most people afflicted with oily skin will attest, blotting papers can be your best friend! If you're not aware of them already, blotting papers can be a great temporary measure to reduce shine and oil. They are specially designed, absorbent papers that absorb oil on the skin. Take care not to buy perfumed papers as this could cause you skin to react or break out.

Wash your makeup brushes

Remember your makeup brushes and sponges can be a haven for bacteria. They often attract dead skin and oils, which spread to your face when you use them. Either wash them regularly or replace them as often as you can, to avoid transferring bacteria to your face.

OILY SKIN CAN SERVE A PURPOSE

Oily skin can be a pain, but sebum actually serves and important purpose in maintaining skin health. It's makes sure skin is kept moist and soft, as well as helping your skin's natural protective barrier. Follow the above oily skin care tips and tricks to get rid of oily skin.