Greasy Skin?
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Thu Jun 07, 2012 8:59 am

What are your best tips for controlling greasy skin?

I'm a guy and have a greasy T zone, but after a few hours my whole face shines and looks awful, the shine seems to show the skin imperfections more too!

My cheeks are on the dry side after washing but even they get greasy if I'm hot etc.

I don't have a grey diet really and drink loads of water daily, no soda etc

Any tips? Supplements, face washes, moisturisers etc Smile

Thank you.

free skin care · Thu Jun 07, 2012 9:38 am

Firstly makeover your lifestyle to be as anti-inflammatory, anti-stress as possible: not just mental stress but any unhealthy habits or nutrient deficiencies can put the body into a state of stress. Diet-wise oily fish, other healthy fats, nine portions of fruit and veg a day, refined carbs or whether your meals are high or low glycaemic index are all important. Maintain a healthy weight, consistent restful sleep, at least 10000 steps each day and so on.

Secondly ensure your cleanser, shaving products and exfoliants are not stripping or irriating the skin. Avoid sulphate surfactants, traditional soaps, anything alkaline and most acne-fighting or oil-control ingredients. Many have had success with the Oil Cleansing Method - you can add an emulsifier to ensure it rinses clean with water. CeraVe cleansers are also well thought of.
http://www.theoilcleansingmethod.com/

Thirdly be sure to keep your skin hydrated: do you spend much time around air conditioning or central heating? These can be very drying and cause the skin to produce more oil to protect itself. Use a moisturiser which supplies the skin with the lipids/ humectants it needs such as CeraVe cream, or a combined physical sunscreen/ moisturiser like Devita Rx Ultrasolar 50. If you are already doing all that many rave about DragoN's KinNiaNag serum for balancing oil production
http://www.skincaretalk.com/a/kinnianag-kinetin-b3-nag-antiaging-anti-acne-serum

Generally you need to address skin issues from both the inside and outside simultaneously, changing one aspect of your diet or skincare routine may not be successful. Confused

ETA: you've asked the same question before, Myself, and had pretty much the same answer! What have you already changed?
http://www.essentialdayspa.com/forum/viewthread.php?tid=44949
http://www.essentialdayspa.com/forum/viewthread.php?tid=45881

Thu Jun 07, 2012 10:56 am

Hi Firefox,

You are right I have asked before, sorry Sad

I am in the process of refining my diet and and going to get back into regular exercise.

The sulfate thing is very interesting, my face wash contains this, I tried one without and broke out in spots for some reason.

The face wash has always been the problem area as I have tried loads and they either dry me out or give me spots and not clean my face properly. I have been tempted to use just water but I would be like an oil slick in no time I think.

I am going to have to order some CeraVe from the US I think, doesn't seem obtainable in Europe.

I appreciate your responses Smile

free skin care · Thu Jun 07, 2012 11:11 am

What do you mean by not clean your skin properly? Leave oil behind or not be squeaky and tight?

One possibility is the different cleanser contains another ingredient that is irritating your skin. Another is that your skin needs time for the stratus corneum/ beneficial skin flora to recover. The skin's naturally acidic pH and some of the microbes that live on healthy skin actually help keep the acne bacteria under control. A harsh cleanser will destroy this protection but also kills the acne bacteria; unfortunately sometimes when you stop a harsh cleanser the 'bad guys' get a foothold first. Sad

Are you now using a zinc oxide sunscreen daily? This has a natural bacteriostatic action, so keeps the 'bad guys' under control without irritating the skin. You can use a gentle one twice a day on areas prone to breakouts initially if you wish. Also check that your cleanser, shaving and exfoliating products are all pH ~5.5 or even a little lower. Keeping your skin at this level all the time will discourage your sebaceous glands from over-producing sebum to repair the acid mantle. It will help ensure the 'bad guys' don't get chance to grow: given ideal conditions bacteria can double every twenty minutes! Shock

'pH balanced' often means pH neutral (~7) and many shaving products are alkaline (7+) because this softens hair, but this is not what you want for healthy skin. If you don't know the pH either e-mail the manufacturer or purchase some litmus paper/ pH test strips from eBay or a pharmacy.

HTH illustrate why I believe it is the sum total of your routine that is important in healthy skin, not just individual elements.

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