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Fact Checked By Skin Formulations | Sep 25, 2020

Natural Treatment and Prevention: Beneath the Surface of Oily Skin

While skin problems are largely common among teenagers, clinical studies suggest that 40-55%[1] of adults, in the ages 20-40, have low-grade acne and oily skin. The causes of oily skin can be varied, but, fortunately, there are also a number of natural ways to treat and prevent this skin problem.

Introduction to Managing Oily Skin

According to the American Academy of Dermatology[2], oily skin can stem from a number of reasons including stress, hormonal changes, humidity, and genetics. This skin problem can affect anybody. Studies in patients with oily skin indicate that for many, the condition is moderate and persistent for roughly fifteen years[3] or more.

Caring for and treating oily skin has created a lucrative niche in the health and beauty industry. There are a variety of topical items to help people get rid of oily skin, as well as items that can be used to manage the problem without necessarily treating the skin, such as blotting pads. 

While these prescriptions, over the counter, and other methods may provide results, there are also natural treatments that could be beneficial for oily skin. Coupled with a good skincare routine and methods of oil prevention, balanced skin is affordable and attainable.

What are the Causes of Oily Skin?

The two biggest factors in oily skin are genetics and changes in hormones. Improvements in advanced imaging techniques can now study the biophysical causes[4] of oily skin such as the number and size of pores, the thickness of the epidermis, the number of sebaceous glands, and their production and more. This technique benefits the recommendations and products of cosmetics and dermatology and provides a more individualized treatment.

External factors are also among the known causes of oily skin that could worsen the condition. Stress, humidity, and skincare routine are daily external factors that can affect the skin. While we can’t change the environmental factors, we can change the ones related to our habits. Oily skin can be treated naturally before having to resort to expensive creams, treatments, prescriptions.

Natural Solutions for Oily Skin

The safest way to approach oily skin is through natural methods. One way to treat oily skin is the use of natural humectants. A humectant is something that provides moisture, and it tends to pull moisture from the deepest layers of skin to the surface. Some can be found in most products that you buy, but they are effective on their own without being chemically combined. A few natural humectants include beeswax, oatmeal, honey, and glycerine.

Sufferers can also treat or get rid of oily skin by exfoliating with natural ingredients to remove dead, dry skin cells. This unclogs pores and allows products to enter more deeply.

Strategies to Prevent Oily Skin

You need to establish the best skincare routine that will suit your needs better. We cannot change our hormones, genetic makeup, or aspects of our environment like humidity, but we can still make changes and create habits to see results.

When using skincare products, look for recognizable humectants and exfoliants. Reduce stress with lifestyle changes like meditation, as stress is considered as one of the most common causes of oily skin. Improving the skin from the inside out by maintaining a healthy diet and drinking enough fluids ensure healthy, glowing skin.

Frequently Asked Questions

1] Can I control oil production on my face?

The best thing you can do for oily skin is to develop a good skincare routine, beginning with washing the face twice daily with a gentle, foaming face wash. Make sure that additional products applied to the skin like moisturizers and makeup are oil-free and water-based. The best skincare routine would be to cleanse the face with a foaming facial wash twice daily and observe the ingredients in the facial products you use.

2] Is It good or bad to have oily skin?

While it is neither good nor bad, glands in our skin produce sebum, the waxy substance that makes our skin seem oily, to protect us from bacteria. Overproduction of sebum has long been revealed to be one of the leading causes of oily skin. It is important to note that it does have a high likelihood of creating other conditions, including acne.

3] What foods cause oily skin?

As previously mentioned, a healthy diet goes a long way in seeing improved skin. Removing fatty, fried foods, or limiting them within your diet will help improve the condition of the skin significantly. Other foods to avoid include high glycemic index foods and refined carbs.

4] Why is my face so oily in the morning?

For many, their skin is the oiliest when they first wake. Glands in our skin naturally create a substance called sebum for protection from dryness and infection. However, when the skin produces too much sebum or is not cleaned and cared for properly, it can lead to shiny skin, clogged pores, and even acne.

5] What hormones cause oily skin?

Oily skin is primarily caused by an overproduction of androgen hormones dihydrotestosterone (DHT). It is the substance that stimulates sebum production. Hormonal changes can also be a factor in sebum production.

Conclusion

Oily skin is a condition that can affect anyone, regardless of age or sex. It is a challenge caused by a range of factors but can be managed or treated with natural solutions. Some of the most common causes of oily skin are reversible and can be addressed by following a healthy lifestyle.

Among other hormone-related changes, an oily can be considered a minor condition. For most, it can be managed with an individually tailored skincare routine. Products made with water, natural humectants, and natural exfoliants are keys to getting glowing skin.

Additional modifications to combat and improve oily skin could include changes in diet, such as replacing oily fried foods and high glycemic index items with healthier options. Those suffering from oily skin can blot their skin when it is at its worst, twice or thrice a day. 

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