What causes oily skin?

At puberty, or during hormonal fluctuations that cause oily skin, the action of these androgens increases the size of the oil glands in the skin (sebaceous glands) as well as causing enlarged pores. This enlarged glands and pores result in more oil being produced as well as more oil being secreted onto the skin. It is often believed that oily skin is a result of external factors but long term oily skin is very much an internal process regulated by the body’s hormones.

What is a whitehead and blackhead?

Sebum or skin oil is a thick, fatty secretion which can easily block the pores, cause whiteheads or blackheads and result in a pimple or pustule due to secondary bacterial infection. The sebaceous gland has deep ducts with short hair-like filaments facilitating the flow of sebum to the external surface of the skin. Any obstruction to the flow of sebum will cause a build up of skin oil resulting in a white, waxy plug that is commonly referred to as a whitehead (closed comedone). Due to the action of oxidation caused by air, the oil plug becomes a blackhead (open comedone).

What is a pimple?

Inflammation due to a blocked pore will cause a slight raised conical elevation known as a papule or commonly referred to as a pimple. Bacteria on the skin, either naturally occurring skin bacteria or germs from other sources, can infect the inflamed skin and result in a pustule (pustular or ‘pus’ pimple).

Skin Care for Oily Skin

• A daily skin care regime is essential in reducing the oil build up on the skin. Cleansing should be regular and thorough and done at least twice a day, morning and night.
• Cleanse the skin with a gel cleanser to remove any surface dirt or grit.
• Exfoliate with a granular exfoliating application which is best suited for oily skin. The scrubbing action helps dislodge and oil build up, and deeper lying grit or dead skin cells that may be obstructing the pores.
• Toning with an antibacterial agent will disinfectant the skin. A toner has an astringent effect on the skin thereby causing a temporary reduction in pore size. Alcohol based toners should be avoided as they may cause excessive drying of the skin.
• A light moisturizer with a high water and low oil content is advisable to hydrate the skin rather than ‘oiling’ the skin with a cream.
• Spot creams can be applied on the problem area or directly on pimples to reduce inflammation and prevent any infection. The spot or blemish applications allows drying out of the pimple so that the area can heal faster.
• A sunscreen (non-greasy formula) should be applied daily to reduce blemishing, especially where there is sun sensitivity of the skin.
• Avoid pinching or squeezing a pimple. This may seem like a ‘quick fix’ solution but often causes scarring as well as causing new pimples to erupt in the area.
• If you have long hair, it is important to wear it in a manner that prevents the hair from touching the face. Hair is usually oily and traps dust and bacteria in the air.
• Smokers and nail biters should be cautious about touching their face with unwashed hands. The remnants of tobacco and bacteria from the mouth is easily transferred to the skin where it can aggravate inflammation and cause an infection.

1) Poor hygiene can cause acne

Acne is not caused by dirt or oily skin. You can actually make your acne worse by washing infected areas regularly and or scrubbing hard. Wash your skin gently twice daily as normal, using mild soap and patting dry the infected areas with soft clean towels.

2) Squeezing acne spots

Squeezing your acne spots, blackheads or pimples will not reduce or clear up your acne any quicker. Doing so could leave permanent scarring and cause further inflammation.

3) Stress & acne

Every day stress does not cause or inflame acne, however if you’re suffering from severe stress or depression and taking medication for that, the side effects of this medication can lead to acne or worsen your acne. Consult your physician for professional advice.

4) Acne will just go away

In many individuals mild cases of acne will fade or disappear with the passing of time however most forms of acne will not clear up without leaving blemishes or scarring naturally. Given the number of acne products available today and the various forms of treatment available to acne sufferers, different methods have proved effective in combating acne. Consult your physician or a qualified beautician for professional advice.

5) Acne & your diet

Scientific research has concluded that your diet does not cause or effect acne whatsoever so myths of eating chocolate, pizza and other fatty foods worsening acne are exactly that – myths. That said, it is always advisable to have a healthy, balanced diet.

6) Acne & depression

There is no scientific research that links acne to depression, however sufferers of acne can suffer with depression due to their condition. Consult your physician for professional advice.

7) Acne can be cured

There is no real cure for acne or prevention methods. However acne can be successfully combated or treated with various treatment products or methods. Don’t give up hope as different methods work for different people and scientists and medical research are trying to find a cure. Always consult your physician or a qualified beautician for professional advice. More on Acne Treatment…

8) Acne & makeup

There is no direct link that suggests wearing makeup can worsen your acne, indeed some cosmetics include anti-acne fighting agents such as benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid that can actually help your acne treatment.

9) The sun & acne

Sun bathing will not help to clear up your acne or make things better. Yes a suntanned face will help to camouflage the redness around spots for a short period but in time this can cause cracks in the spots and worsen the acne.

10) Acne is a skin infection

Acne is not a skin infection but a skin disorder caused by hormones, genetics and is also believed to be caused in part to hereditary factors.