Oily Skin 101

Oily skin. If you have it, you probably hate it. And if you don't, you are very thankful. The only perk I have ever heard and known to be true of having oily skin is that your chance for wrinkles is considerably less. But why are some people oily and others are very dry? Well, this is something I have actually just learned in school and found it interesting enough to share with you!

Oily skin, if you have it, you'd know, is hard to control simply because it is genetically determined by hormones in your body [which we can't control topically on our own]. The hormones that produce oil are called androgens, known as male hormones, but are found in both men and women. Oil production is actually to our benefit, but it's when too much is produced that it becomes a problem. [A shiny, OMG problem.] When too much oil is produced, we see our pores become enlarged. They become large because they are trying to accommodate all the oil in our skin. Excess oil can also lead to the thickening of the pores skin, which can block the oil from escaping the pore. We all know that this leads to dreadful blackheads and pimples.

But itf you aren't sure you have oily skin, here are some ways to know:

• Your makeup seems to slide or disappear from your face throughout the day
• Your face becomes shiny and appears greasy by midday
• The oily places of your face are prone to blackheads, white bumps, acne, etc.
• Pore are visible, especially around your nose, forehead, and chin

When caring for oily skin, let's first take a look into your skincare routine. You might be using products that are drying [typically containing alcohol] which seem like a good idea because they initially make your skin feel less oily. However, using irritating and drying products can actually increase your oil production. These products will trick your hormones and skin into thinking they aren't producing enough oil, and in return, produce more directly in the oil glands. Consider using water-soluble cleansers, liquid toners, and serums to treat target areas. 

Here is a sample step-by-step routine for oily skin:

1. Cleanse- It's best to find a fragrance-free, gentle cleanser that doesn't contain drying or irritating ingredients (sodium lauryl sulfate, alcohol, etc)
2. Exfoliate- This is essential for oily skin! This is the best way to remove the built up caused by clogged pores and make your skin feel smoother. (Check out these options.)
3. Tone- Find an alcohol-free toner that is made to balance the pH levels in your skin. These toners can help minimize pores and reduce inflammation. (Here are some great options.)
4. SPF in the A.M.- Wearing sun protection is important for oily people too. Find a weightless form that helps mattify your skin. (I love this one by Murad and it acts as a great primer.)
5. Hydrate in the P.M.- Choose a lightweight lotion or serum that contains antioxidants and helps fight pore size. (I am loving the new Proactiv+ products.)

So there you have it! A brief, Cliff notes version of oily skin and how to attack it. 

I hope this was helpful! Happy Tuesday!

image via 

How to Choose Skincare Products

These two steps are key. Knowing your skin type (which isn't too hard to figure out) and what concerns you want to focus on will make it easier to find products suitable for you. [Different products & treatments are typically made specific for target concerns and particular skin types, so buy them appropriately.]

Sephora is a great resource for narrowing down what products you should consider and maybe give a go. Everything is well organized, and they even offer a little Skin IQ quiz that will assist you in making choices. 

BUT you are not confined to only high end skincare! The drug store is filled with great products as well. Use the guide from Sephora to find out the active ingredients in items you think might work for you, and then hunt similar products down in the drug store! (I did this for acne spot treatments that contain salicylic acid.)

For a standard skincare regime, I would recommend these steps for morning & night, regardless of skin type:

1: Cleanse

2: Exfoliate (3 x weekly)*

3. Tone/ Treatments

4: Mask (at night 2 x weekly)

5: Moisturize (with SPF in the morning)

*Clarisonics can be used daily and don't have to fall under "exfoliate". If you use a Clairsonic daily, you can use a different scrub 3 x weekly following cleansing.

--Extra Info--

Just because a product works great for your friend or your favorite beauty guru, doesn't mean it will work for you. However, just because you don't see immediate results doesn't mean the product doesn't work. Give the products a couples weeks before discontinuing use. 

Be kind to your skin! First and foremost, wash your face before bed every night. Even if you are feeling lazy or you get home late and want to go right to bed, at least gently use a makeup remover wipe or a hot wash cloth. It takes 30 seconds of effort and is better than sleeping on a full face of makeup. Secondly, let your skin breathe! Don't be afraid to have at least one no-makeup day each week. And third, drink lots of H2O. Hydration nation, ladies! ;)

I hope this was helpful! Look for more skincare posts soon!

via Sephora