:: Oily Skin ::

Aisha Imtinan Shahid

Oily skin occurs when the sebaceous (oil-secreting ) glands produce more oil than is needed for proper lubrication of the skin. This excess oil can clog pores and cause blemishes. Oily skin is probably largely a hereditary matter, but it is known to be affected by factors such as diet and hormone levels. Humidity and hot weather also stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce more oil. It is a common problem in teenagers but due to various reasons it can occur at any age. Many people have skin that is oily in certain areas and dry or normal in others, a condition known as combination skin. In general the forehead, chin, nose (known as the t-zone area) and upper back tend to be oilier than other areas of the body.

Oily skin has its positive effects. It is slow to develop age spots, discoloration, fine lines and wrinkles. It doesn’t freckle or turn red in the sun; on the contrary, it tans evenly. Oily skin on the negative side is prone to breakouts; it gives skin a greasy feeling and enlarged pores.



Nutrients and herbs

Nutrients and herbs effective for oily skin is:.

l Vitamin A (Necessary for healing and construction of new skin tissues)

Vitamin B12 (B vitamins are important for healthy skin tone)

l Vitamin E (Another important vitamin for beautiful healthy skin)

l Zinc (Is very important for tissue repair and healthy skin)

l Evening Primrose oil (A good healer for most skin problems. It can be used in the form of capsules or the oil can be pressed out from capsules and applied directly to skin)

l Aloe Vera (Has excellent healing properties for breakouts. Apply Aloe Vera gel extracted from its leaves directly to the skin and leave it for a while, thn rinse with water)

Dietary Recommendations

l Drink plenty of clean water to keep the skin hydrated and flush out toxins.

l Reduce the amount of fat in your diet. Consume no fried foods, animal fats. Do not cook with oil and do not eat any oil that has been subjected to heat, whether for processing or cooking. If a little oil is necessary use olive oil or canola oil.

l Do not drink soft drinks, avoid sugar, chocolate and junk food.

l Keep your skin very clean. Wash your face two or three times in a day, but do not use harsh soaps and cleansers. Do not use cleansers or lotions that contain alcohol.

l Alpha hydroxyl acids, are a group of naturally occurring acids found mostly in fruits, and help to stimulate cell renewal and the skin in retaining water and give it a smoother and less oily appearance. Products which contain alpha hydroxyl acids help in the removal of top layer of dead skin cells, stimulating healthy skin growth and diminish large pores. Glycolic acid is the best of alpha hydroxyl acid product for your skin. Start with a product containing just 5 percent alpha hydroxyl acid. Apply it at night only. Gradually when your skin gets accustomed you can use it in the morning too.

l Exfoliating oily skin is very important. You can do that by using a nice face scrub or exfoliate it with a loofan sponge at least twice a week. By exfoliating the skin, dead skin can be removed gradually, pores minimize in size, oil is reduced and the face looks brighter and fresh.

To clear away excess oil, use a clay mask; blend it with raw honey, make a paste, apply the mixture to your face, leave it on for fifteen minutes and rinse with lukewarm water. This mask can be applied at least three times a week.

l Once or twice daily, mix equal parts of lemon juice and water together. Pat the mixture on your face and allow it to dry, then rinse with water.

l Caring for your skin doesn’t mean trying to dry the skin out. Despite having excess oil, skin may still lack moisture. Moisture is a term that is used to refer to the amount of water inside the skin cells not the amount of oil on the surface of the skin.