How do you control your oily skin?

Skincare for Men

In short, oily skin is the result of excessive production of sebum (an oily substance produced naturally by the skin). Excess sebum clogs your pores, leading to the accumulation of dead cells, which can then lead to acne. The basic aim of oily skin care is the removal of excessive sebum from the skin. Here are some steps to follow to control excess sebum and avoid oily skin.


• Salicylic Acid cleanser
Washing your face is a given but using face washes that contain salicylic acid is critical. Salicylic acid is a member of a class of medications known as keratolytic. Keratolytics work by softening the top layer of the skin, making it easier to remove dead and shedding skin cells. Salicylic acid also helps normalize the shedding of the skin cells inside the pores and helps prevent the clogging that, along with oil and bacteria, can produce pimples.


• Toners and chemical exfoliators
A toner is a great way to control oily skin on a daily basis. Toners are applied after you wash your face, most commonly with a cotton ball. Choose one with an ingredient such as witch hazel, known for its oil controlling properties. Chemical exfoliators are different from toners- they should not be used everyday and most often contain salicylic acid as an active ingredient. Use these 1-3x per week and be sure to follow the directions closely on the product label.


• Oil-free Sunscreen
Traditional sunscreens may be troublesome for those with oily skin because they tend to go on thick and can clog pores. However, protecting the skin from UV rays is essential. Sunscreen sprays are less likely to make your skin seem oily than creams and lotions, and there are a number of new oil-free products for oily skin.


• Clays and masks
Applying masks and clays to the skin helps pull out oils and cleanse pores. We recommend using these 1-3x per week- but be careful not to over dry your skin.

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