The oil is produced by oil (sebaceous) glands located in the skin. The purpose of this oil is to create a very thin film which protects the skin from environmental aggressions, such as dust, sun, wind, dry air, air-borne bacteria. This oil film has a slightly acidic ph., one more protection factor. Overproduction of oil will lead to oily skin, while underproduction of oil will result in dry skin.
Water is the second very important ingredient in the skin. Drinking the well-known 8 glasses a day will help maintain a useful level of water in the face skin, but outside factors can still interfere. Dry heated air, very dry air-conditioned air, are only two of the most common reasons for loosing water content from the skin. Loss of water can occur equally in oily and dry skin, in other words both oily and dry skin can be dehydrated.
Both oily and dry skin need to moisturize ( in other words replace lost water) in order to prevent early lines and wrinkles.
Dehydration signs in oily skin can be confusing, because it may appear as flakiness, which most people will associate with dry skin. So if you have flaky (but not red) patches on your oily skin, go for an oily skin moisturizer. Moisturizers for dry skin are generally oil based, while moisturizers for oily skin are water based.
You can find a variety of moisturizers of professional quality, well explained and well priced at www.theeuropeantouch.com
Many moisturizers are also called day creams and contain sun protection. Look for titanium dioxide on the ingredients list, as it's the best sun protection..
How do I know I have oily skin?
Most teen-agers have oily skin because this is the time when hormone production is in full swing. But if you've passed your teen years, there are other ways of determining whether or not you have oily skin. It's fairly easy to detect, so start by looking in the mirror. Do you notice a sheen on your skin, especially in your 'T-Zone?' The T-Zone starts at the point between your eyes and extends vertically down along your nose all the way to your chin. The zone also runs horizontally across the bridge of your nose, starting and ending at the center point below each eye.
You may or may not notice the sheen during the day, so check again first thing after waking. If there's a sheen, chances are good you have oily skin. While you're standing at the mirror, take a look at your hair. If it's oily, it's another indication you likely have oily skin. If you wear make-up, specifically foundation, and you find it fades or wears off after a couple of hours, that's yet another indication of oily skin. If you're constantly patting your face with powder or even a handkerchief it's probably because of oily skin.
The presence of blemishes is another good indication although stress, hormones and other factors can all cause outbreaks. And remember that oily skin isn't found only on the face. The back, neck, chest, shoulders and arms can all be oily.
How to care for oily skin?
If you do have oily skin, you probably feel that the best way to combat it is to strip away those pore-clogging, sheen-producing oils. Don't! Although they cause trouble for your complexion, oils produced by the sebaceous glands are important because they act as the skin's natural moisturizer. And oily skin is sometimes sensitive. Rather than completely remove oil, you need to keep it under control.
Another reason not to use harsh soaps that strip away oil is that doing so may cause the sebaceous glands to increase their oil production. They'll instinctively want to replenish the lost oils and you may end up with a bigger problem.
You've got to keep oily skin clean so that pores openings remain clear. Otherwise, dead cells, dirt and other bacteria will clog pores and cause pimples. Skin is delicate so always use a gentle cleanser and warm, not hot water. Exfoliate weekly with a non-abrasive product to help remove any pore-clogging material or use a toner that does not list alcohol as an ingredient.
Use products that moisturize in moderation and according to directions. Make sure the cosmetics and sun protection you use are oil-free. Look for skin care products with the words 'non-comedogenic' or 'non-acnegenic' on the labels.
Always remember to protect your skin from the sun UV radiation. Use sunscreens on visible skin, and wear sun protection clothing and UV swimsuits with sun protection hats where and when possible.
Both Nadia Danay & J Edmond Souaid are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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J Edmond Souaid has sinced written about articles on various topics from Skin Care, Wrinkles and Dry Skin. J Edmond have been working in the sun protection clothing industry for several years. The main aim is to raise awareness of the sun' UV radiation and it's effect on human skin. Find out more about. J Edmond Souaid's top article generates over 2900 views. to your Favourites.