Hormonal imbalance and increased production in the oil producing glands in skin result in oily skin. waPuberty triggers a sudden influx of hormones which often trigger oily skin, making it harder on teenage students. During this time period, young adults are already plagued with various issues: peers, studies, family, and determining just who they are. When oily skin acts up, its obvious rough, shiny appearance and resulting blemishes (sometimes acne) give teens even more stress.
The stress that results from oily skin appearance, combined with the normal stress in the lives of teens can contribute to falling grades and other behavioral issues such as: explosive outbursts, unexpected and unlawful behaviors. No, this is not to say that oily skin causes all of this, just that the stress it causes contributes to it. By keeping a watch on your teen, you can help keep their confidence and self esteem high. Part of this is to help them look and feel their best. Please realize that this is only a tiny part of helping teens and that serious problems may need help from outside sources; these sources may include therapists, psychologists, and/or psychologists.
Cleansing 3 to 4 times a day (especially before bed and upon waking) withrm water and a very mild, antibacterial cleanser (like organic honey) will help remove excess oil without stripping and drying the skin. When cleansing, you should massage your face with tiny circles all over the face, concentrating on the oiliest areas. Follow this with a mild toner like witch hazel (chamomile toner is even better, see our article, Oily Skin Tips, Part II). Then use a good moisturizer. This is an important step because skin that is too dry will try to compensate for the lack of moisture by producing more oil. Many of the skin care products designed for oily skin cause a vicious cycle because they strip the skin, drying it too much.
Alpha hydroxy acids in the form of fruit acids or milk (which contains glycolic acid and has moisturizing properties) do very well with oily skin as a general rule (see our article, Alpha Hydroxy Acids). Removal of old, excess oil and dead skin cells helps open pores and let them breathe. This results in oil glands that regulate themselves better. The acids break down the debris and oil clogging them, removing their dark, more obvious appearance resulting in pores that look smaller. Those who wear makeup might use juice from an organic cucumber as a toner over oily areas because makeup will go on smoother over this. If you are having serious breakouts, applying pure aloe vera gel (directly from the plant) will help fight the bacterial infections, too. Pimples are a result of these bacterial infections, with the pus being your skins way of trying to isolate the bacteria and push it out of the pores and hair follicles. Other natural substances which have positive results on oily skin include:
Aloe Vera Apple Juice (freshly juiced) Buttermilk Chamomile Lavender Essential Oil Lemon Essential Oil Lemon Grass Essential Oil Lime Juice (freshly juiced) Licorice Root Tomato (freshly juiced or mashed) Pure lemon juice (freshly juiced; this should not be left on the face, see our article, Oily Skin Tips, Part I) Peppermint Essential Oil Rose Essential Oil Sage Oil
Using organic ingredients in any home treatment system as well as ready to use skin care systems is recommended, especially with oily skin because it requires more treatment than normal skin and dry skin require. Non organic ingredients contain pesticides and other man made chemicals which have been proven to be associated with behavioral disorders and can be carcinogenic. By using organic ingredients and/or buying certified organic skin care, you are avoiding these possibilities.
Oily skin, the result of overactive sebaceous glands (thus producing too much oil, or sebum), will always vary from person to person. The causes behind it are all very different, and these causes may often be the answer to whether or not you will always be stuck with it.
Some people have chronically oily skin, and there is not much they can do about it. It is in their genetics to have sebaceous glands that continuously produce oil, thus leading them to have many, many years of dealing with the problems it can bring, such as acne, dull appearance, shiny skin, and skin thickness.
Your best bet, in the case that you do have chronically oily skin, is to see a dermatologist and get the best possible products to help tame it. If you are going to have it for an extremely long time, you might as well go all out in treating it, taking the best care of your skin as you can, and checking up with your dermatologist regularly to see about your progress.
Most people that have oily skin, however, do not have it chronically. Instead, oily skin crops up due to sudden hormonal changes. The most common reason for it falls on the shoulders of teenagers who are going through puberty. Dealing with oily skin can last several years, as well as the frustration of acne outbreaks, but you can at least live with the thought that it will not last forever, certainly not far into your adult life.
Because of the hormonal fluctuations people go through during puberty, the sebaceous glands act up and produce more sebum than is necessary, leading to the aforementioned problems. But with good care and a decent amount of patience (avoid stress whenever possible!), you can lessen the problems of oily skin and be able to relax once your hormones have gone back to a less rambunctious state and freed your skin from excess oil.
There are also much shorter terms in which you may find a sudden oily skin problem. Women who are pregnant, start taking birth control, or go through other areas in life that can affect their hormone levels may find resulting excess iiliness and possibly acne breakouts. But no worries; like with puberty, once your hormones have gone back to normal, your skin should clear up.
Issues such as stress, exercise, and eating right may contribute to temporary dealings with oily skin. Stress has been a major link in sebum production and the appearance of acne, so stressing less may lead you to a more oil free and acne free life. Exercise is good for you, both inside and out, and can help clear up skin. Sitting around doing nothing is unhealthy, and while it will not be the cause of oily skin, it will do nothing to aid it. The same can be said for a good diet.
Eating junk food such as sweets and salty snacks are not directly related to sebum overproduction, but an improved diet with healthy fruits, vegetables, and other foods may help, as it will help your body overall in terms of nutrition and necessary vitamins and minerals.
The best you can do for your skin is to continue to cleanse, exfoliate, use toner, and blot as necessary throughout the day, especially if you have already found a routine that works for you. If you have yet to find a good routine and your oily skin is still a nuisance to you, then you should probably begin looking into a different skin care routine or question the effectiveness of some of your products.
Ask questions of others with oily skin to compare information or ask your dermatologist for possible solutions. Even if you have oily skin for a short time, knowing how to care for it can help you tone it down and have more patience as you wait for it to go away.
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