People are often confused with what type of skin they have. It is very important to understand your skin, and to get a professional analysis of your skin. This way you can choose products and services that are ideal for your particular skin.
Oily skin can sometimes be hereditary- if your mom or dad had oily skin, you have a chance of getting oily skin as well. Hormones also play a part. Our skin has glands that produce oil. The production of this oil is stimulated by changes in your hormones, or by hormone production. This said anything that increases or decreases hormones can cause the skin to produce more oil. For men and women alike any physical or emotional stress can start this process. For women especially, hormone changes occur not only during puberty, but during our menstrual cycle, during pregnancy, and also per menopause. These hormone changes in women can lead to not only oily skin, but also hormonal acne.
The good news is that whatever the cause of your oily skin, there are protocols you can use to control the oil!
Proper cleansing is the first step to prep your skin. This leaves the skin free from excess oil, but also leaves a barrier of fatty acid called our acid mantel. Think of this barrier as a sealant to our pores that doesn’t let moisture leave, but also protects our skin from bacteria. Be careful when using cleansers with active ingredients such as glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or any scrubs. These products are meant to be used sparingly. Remember that oil production is a natural response to irritation, so if your cleanser is too strong, if you are washing too much, the more likely you will produce oil. This is especially true of soap meant for the body. This soap is designed to be harsher to get rid of oils and dirt from the body; however on the face it can strip your skin of this essential barrier.
Toners are also very helpful at controlling oil on the skin. They seal the skin by producing a PH that will not allow bacteria to grow, but also uses ingredients meant to control excess oils. Glycolic and salicylic acids are ingredients that can help in controlling this oil because they exfoliate dead skin cells, and eat away at build up in the pores. The combination of these two acids is usually very effective. Make sure you are using a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least 25 when applying products with acids on the skin.
Retinols are also a great way to exfoliate dead layers of the skin. How does retinol work? Retinol has a small enough molecule to penetrate into the skin. Once in the skin, it repairs and stimulates collagen and elastin to create a firmer, smoother skin. Retinol also works to speed cell turnover and exfoliation by stimulating healthy cell production. Getting rid of this dead skin allows healthier skin to appear. The result is softer skin, smaller pores and even skin tone, and most importantly helps control oil and blemishes. You would use a retinol product at night, after cleansing.
Masques made with clay or mud can also be helpful at pulling oil out of the skin. However; these mask treatments should only be used no more than once a week. Some masks have ingredients that can be used as a spot treatment. If using a mask with active ingredients, use sparingly to the affected areas, and use as often as necessary only to the affected areas.
If you have any questions about any of the steps described above, or are not sure of your skin type, please feel free to call us at DKM Skincare (305) 557-0414.
