by Maria Papadopoulou

Created on: July 22, 2009   Last Updated: July 23, 2009

People with oily skin have a shiny, thick, dark colored skin often enough with coarse pores and pimples. That skin type requires special treatment. Even though there will always be some problems when dealing with oily skin, the following useful tips can make things a lot better:

Cleansing

Cleanse two -three times a day with oil-based products which dissolve sebum effectively, and use oil-free moisturisers in order to maintain shine-free complexion. Avoid using regular cleansers or soaps, as they are not appropriate. Use hot water which helps skin oil dissolve better and faster than cold or lukewarm water do. Massage gently with your fingertips using an upward-outward motion. If your skin is too oily, it would be better to cleanse it three-four times a day. Before applying makeup, you should always remember to use an antiseptic day cream with active ingredients which can diminish sebaceous secretions. Use an antiseptic night cream two times a week and also a clay based mask once a week which has a blotting effect and helps in the controlling of oil. You can also give your oily skin a herbal facial steam treatment,( aloe vera, and lavender are highly recommended), which helps your pores getting deeply cleaned. Blotting papers can also help in the removal of the oil, as long as they are used gently.

Makeup

It is important to use an oil free, non comedogenic, light make up. You can apply a layer of talcum powder over your base. In order to prevent your entire face from turning patchy after applying makeup, you should apply equal parts of lime juice and witch-hazel and let it dry well before applying make up. To prevent your nose, forehead or chin from turning patchy after applying makeup due to excessive oiliness in these particular areas, what you can do is apply some cucumber juice in these areas, let it dry well and then apply makeup.

Sun protection

Excessive sun exposure can have detrimental effects on oily skin since it stimulates the production of more oil, therefore it should be avoided. it is important to choose a non comedogenic sunscreen.

Diet

You should drink over 8 glasses of water per day to keep your oily skin hydrated and flush out toxins. It is also crucial that you substantially reduce your intake of animal fat, heat-processed vegetable oils, chocolate, junk foods, sugar, salt and alcohol, while at the same time you should substantially increase your intake of leafy green vegetables, fresh fruits, whole grains, beans, nuts,buckwheat, black beans and white rice.

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