Skincare can be confusing and downright frustrating at times. With the sheer number of products on the market, it can be hard to tell which ones will work, which ones are worth the money, and which ones will actually harm your skin. We understand that not everyone has the time to come into the office, so we wanted to hand down some at-home tips for oily and acne-prone skin.
Wash your face every day
This sounds really simple. Of course you should wash your face twice every day. However, if you have really oily skin or acne-prone skin, it’s even more important to wash your face twice a day to help remove any sweat, oils, dirt, and makeup. When you wash, use warm water and a gentle soap, and then rinse with cooler water. Don’t use a loofa or a rough washcloth to wash your face. The friction from the material can irritate the skin without improving your acne or oily skin. Moral of the story: be very gentle with your skin.
Choose the right product for oily and acne prone skin
Here is the part that can get a little tricky. It may take a little trial and error, but by following some simple guidelines, you can choose an effective product. For starters, you should avoid products with:
- Moisturizers
- Fragrances
- Chemicals that can overly dry out the skin since these can be harsh on the skin without necessarily removing oils
Consider a medicated product
If your skin is really oily or prone to acne, you may require a medicated product to keep it under control. These are products that include things like:
- Salicylic acid
- Benzoyl peroxide
- Glycolic acid
- Citric acid
These products will help unclog pores and reduce the inflammation that is caused by acne.
Before you commit to a new product, you should always try a little bit on a small portion of your skin to make sure you won’t have an adverse reaction to it.
Find a good toner
Or make your own! A toner can help remove oils as well. However, this astringent effect can also seriously dry out your skin, so you should find one that helps with oil control without overly drying or causing irritation.
If you feel your skin tingling or turning red, then it may be a sign that your skin is irritated. To avoid this, test the product before applying it to your whole face.
See your dermatologist
If what you’re trying isn’t working, then your best chance at success is visiting your board-certified dermatologist to get an at-home skin care routine that supports healthy skin. If you have oily skin, then, fortunately for you, your skin may not dry out so quickly as you age. And not having overly dry skin means less work to keep your skin looking good when you are older. However, when it’s still oily, it does require more care and a more tedious routine.
Finally get a routine that will work for you! Call Dr. Green at (301) 610-0663 or you can request your appointment!
The information contained in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute professional medical advice. Always speak with your healthcare provider about the best treatment for you.