How to Control Oily Skin

Why do people have oily skin?

A shiny face is something that lots of teens struggle with due to excess oil, however there is a silver lining - oil keeps the skin smooth and moist so it is less likely to wrinkle [Source: Poirot] so it may be a pain at the moment but you will be grateful when your older and you still look youthful! 

Many believe that you get oily skin because your eating oily foods but that is not the case, oily skin can be the result of several things:

• Oily skin can be hereditary -  If you have oily skin constantly then it is highly likely that you may have oily skin because your parents have oily skin. 
• If your oily skin comes and goes then it may be due to heightened hormone levels ( this is why teenagers often have acne )

• Stress - when you are stressed or tense your body releases a hormone called cortisol - this hormone can increase the skin's oil production [Source: Whitmore]

How is the oil produced?

It is produced by sebaceous glands and secreted through pores

Can you stop your skin from secreting excess oil?

Sadly, no you can't stop your skin from secreting the oil but there are things you can to to help control it. There are many products available to help tackle excess oil and on the go items to help control the shine

How can you control the oil?

If you have oily skin you may believe that you need to constantly wash your face and use harsh products that strip the oil from the skin. However, if you do this then your skin will dry out and your sebaceous glands will go into over drive! [Source: Jaret]

Use a mild oil-free cleanser and wash your face no more than twice a day. It is recommended you wash your face in the morning before school and before you go to bed. [Source Lehrer]

Products I Recommend...

I have oily skin and I have tried so many products and I have found some items that work really well for me to help control my shiny face:

1. Visibly Clear, Oil Free Moisturiser by Neutrogena

This moisturiser is fantastic as it is really affordable and hydrates and smooths the skin without making the skin oily. I apply this on my face morning and night after cleansing my skin

2. Stay Matte Pressed Powder by Rimmel London

I apply this over my makeup to help keep in tact for the day and to mattify my face so that it doesn't appear so oily. It says on the packaging: " Up to 5 hours natural shine control with natural minerals. Helps minimise the appearance of pores."

3. Shine Absorbing Sheets (powder free) by Kleenex

These of my MUST HAVE item for people with oily skin as they are great for on the go. I use these every day at school or when I'm out. You use them to dab away the excess oil (they sort of absorb the oil from your face) but they don't ruin your makeup. You get quite a lot in a pack and they are purple with a pretty pattern on the one side.

4. Beautifully Matte Foundation by No7

This is the foundation I'm using at the moment and I haven't had it very long but it's the best one I have had so far as it makes my skin appear so smooth and flawless whilst controlling the shine at the same time. It says on the packaging: "For an all day shine free look with a soft, even finish." What makes this foundation even better is that it has SPF 15 so it helps protect your skin from the everyday harmful sun rays which damage your skin (but obviously if you are going on holiday somewhere sunny then you will still need to use a sunscreen).