Skin Sense: Managing oily, acne-prone skin

We live in a world that is very visually oriented. In fact, when people see us, most of them make their first impressions based on our looks. This may sound unfair, but it is the truth. Luckily we have control over how visually appealing we can present ourselves.

A shiny, mirror-ball-like and acne-marked face is very unattractive. Women, specifically teenagers and young adults, who have oily skin, are most prone to this dilemma. What’s a good girl to do, right? Well, the good news is oily skin can be controlled and prevented. The key is consistent skin care.

Care for Oily Skin

When choosing a cleanser, make sure that it is right for oily skin. Scrubs help exfoliate dead skin cells and leave your skin smooth and radiant. There is right way to wash your face: the number one rule is to be gentle. Just like what you see in commercials, splash water on your face. Then get a dollop of facial wash and, using your ring and middle finger, spread the facial wash on your skin with circular motions. After this, rinse thoroughly with water.Try Olay Sensitive Skin Gentle Foaming Face Wash with Aloe - 7.0 oz.

It’s also important to remember that everyone can benefit from moisturizers. It’s not true that if you have oily skin you won’t need moisturizers anymore. A moisturizer does not make your skin oily. It conditions it. Just make sure you pick an oil-free moisturizer. The lighter the better, of course. I love L'Oreal Paris Advanced RevitaLift Face and Neck Day Cream, 1.7 Ounce and St. Ives Timeless Skin Collagen Elastin Facial Moisturizer 10 oz (283 g).

And bear in mind that the sun is your skin’s number one enemy, so stay away from the sun and use products with SPF (sun protection factor) daily. You can also try Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock, SPF 85, 3 Ounces (Pack of 2) because it has sunblock and SPF 85 or as a beginner you first try Facial Natural Sunblock SPF 20 - 4.5 oz - Liquid or DML Daily Facial Moisturizer, SPF 25 - 1.5 oz.

Hardly anyone spared from having oily skin or occasional acne attacks. To address your skin dilemmas, complement the use of your skin care products with spot treatments. These formulations normally have salicylic acid or sulfur. To reduce swelling and to kill bacteria, use a spot treatment containing a high concentration (five to ten percent) of benzoyl peroxide. Vitamins C and E are also very beneficial to your skin. You can try Murad Acne Acne Spot Treatment .5 fl oz (15 ml).

Makeup Tricks

Powders will work well for you in controlling the appearance of oily skin. It is good in mattifying and minimizing appearance of large pores. Just remember that less is more. Minimum application of makeup is best, so oil production is lessened.

A lot of oily-skinned women think that applying concealer or thick foundation will disguise oily skin. Truth is, thick makeup can only aggravate it. Besides, you might look like you’re wearing a mask, which is not attractive at all.

Also, make sure your tools are always clean to avoid skin irritation. And never borrow brushes! These are very personal things. You certainly do not want to get bacteria from others.

We all want beautiful oil-free skin, and the best way to get this is through prevention and maintenance. It’s never too early to start. Keep your skin clean and beautiful so you always look and feel your best.

The best make-up line that I can recommend are Maybelline Mineral Power Blush - Gentle Pink, Avon Ideal Shade SMOOTH MINERAL FOUNDATION NATURAL/NUDE and L'Oreal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Powder, Nude Beige, 0.33 Ounce.