We do not often think about it, but our skin is the largest organ of the human body. Similar to other organs, such as the stomach or liver, it serves specific functions that are interconnected to other body parts. Also like other organs, the skin’s ability to perform these functions relies upon our general wellness [1]. One major problem is how to get rid of oily skin.
If we want our skin to provide optimal functionality, we need to provide it with optimal nutrition, lifestyle, and overall heath. When our skin is producing too much oil, it is a sign that something is out of whack, and it is time to consider how to get rid of oily skin. Not just by solving the symptom, but by treating the underlying cause of this excess oil.
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How to Get Rid of Oily Skin: The Real Cause of The Problem
From pimples and blackheads, to a shiny forehead in photos, we blame the oil on our facial skin, called sebum, for a number of daily annoyances and conditions [2]. In turn, we like to blame surplus sebum on factors beyond our control. However, many of the causes of oily skin are related to decisions and choices we make every day.
Sometimes we perfect our diet and improve our overall health without seeing the desired changes in oily skin. That is because some contributing factors are genetic and environmental. Genetics can greatly influence how much sebum a person produces. Other causes of oily skin are environmental factors and stress [1].
As well, many people (more than you would expect) suffer from oily skin on their neck, back, face, and chest because they are washing improperly [3]. Learn to care for your skin type and simultaneously learn how to get rid of oily skin.
The lack of knowledge when it comes to soaping up is partly due to changes in wants and needs of our skin as we age. When we are young, it is easy to wash and rinse with whatever is at hand, but as we age it is important to find a cleansing routine that fits our specific skin type [3].
Diet of a Problem
Certain foods are known causes of oily skin. Cutting these foods from your diet is a fast way to determine how to get rid of oily skin, healthier skin that is free from unwanted oil. Start by saying no some sweets. Too much sugar in our blood stream can cause the pores to produce more oil [1]. Therefore, the cookies, brownies, ice cream, and especially soda, is going directly to your hips and face.
Another set of food to eliminate is refined carbohydrates. White flour and white rice are high glycemic foods, which stimulate oil [1]. Therefore, substitute whole grain bread and brown rice to put a better face forward.
While a poor diet can result in oily skin, there are other foods that can help fight the unwanted oil. Most of these foods are rich in antioxidants and certain vitamins.
The foods that lead to a clearer complexion and a fresh face are orange and red vegetables. These particular foods contain a high amount of beta-carotene, which is also the source of their bright color [4]. Beta-carotene, when digested and absorbed by the body, increases the speed of cell production. Therefore, skin cells are naturally exfoliated and replaced faster for a better complexion. This is also a way for how to get rid of oily skin.
Increase Your Water Intake
It is difficult to express how important hydration is for healthy skin. There are many ways to obtain h20 and moisture that reaches the skin. Drinking, or otherwise consuming from food and beverages sources, the recommended amount of water every day is just one. Other options include moisturizing masks and a selection of the daily creams and moisturizers available in drug stores and makeup counters [3].
Many people mistakenly believe that oily skin is over moisturized, and that is the cause of excess oil. However, more likely than not, oily skin is dehydrated. The make up of skin is mostly water [4]. Therefore, it needs a lot of it. Add more water and foods high in water to your diet for how to get rid of oily skin, and obtain a dewy complexion [4].
Skin Care Products and Other Solutions
The common assumption is cleansers and similar skin care products are designed to reduce unwanted oil from the skin. However, this is not always the case, and in other instances, mixing your skin makeup with the wrong cleanser could result in bigger problems. Therefore, finding a good cleanser for your skin type is a massive part knowing how to get rid of oily skin [5].
It could be that your skin is producing excess oil because it is too clean. While this seems unlikely, it is a pretty common occurrence. By way of comparison consider you hair. The more frequently you shampoo, the faster the cells on your scalp produce natural oils. However, if you cut your showers to every other day or three times a week, the amount of oil will start to reduce as well.
Your skin is the same. When you use a cleanser it takes the natural oils off your face, and messes with a regimen for how to get rid of oily skin [2]. This is good for reducing shine, but bad for protecting the sensitive skin from environmental hazards such as grime and sunshine. For some people, tough cleansers lead to dry skin, but for others, the body simply pro
duces more and more oil to keep up with the cleanser. You can cut out this cycle, by switching to a softer, simple cleanser [2].
What to Do about Moisturizer
When you facial skin starts to overproduce oil, it is a natural reaction to cut back on products that could make things even slicker. It seems like common sense to tuck the moisturizer back in the bathroom cabinet until things calm down. However, this is not the right response because it is possible for skin to be oily and dehydrated [6]. When it comes to how to get rid of oily skin, you may need more moisture.
This harkens back to the conundrum of over washing your face, oil and hydration are not the same thing and depriving your skin of one will not lessen the other. Instead, look for a moisturizer that is not going to clog your pores and make matters worse [5]. A number of moisturizers are lightweight and non-greasy, which can feel better on oily skin.
References:
[2] http://www.marieclaire.com/beauty/news/a19571/things-that-cause-oily-skin/
[3] http://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/a49381/oily-skincare-tips/
[4] http://www.self.com/story/clear-skin-diet
[5] http://www.everydayhealth.com/beauty-pictures/the-6-most-effective-ways-to-manage-oily-skin.aspx#01
[6] http://www.shape.com/lifestyle/beauty-style/best-skin-care-routine-oily-skin
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