Oily Skin: The Greasy Details
March 12, 2012 11:28 pmOily skin is just as common in men as it is in women. In fact, because men’s skin is usually thicker than women’s skin, it contains more glands that produce sebum, increasing the likelihood of developing oily skin problems. Most of the time the glands make the right amount of sebum and the pores are fine. But sometimes a pore produces too much sebum and gets clogged with dead skin cells and bacteria. This can cause acne.
If a pore gets clogged up, closes (due to dead skin cells), and bulges out from the skin, that’s a whitehead. If a pore clogs up but stays open, the top surface can get dark with dirt and you’re left with a blackhead. Sometimes the walls of the pore break, allowing sebum, bacteria, and dead skin cells to get underneath the skin. This causes a small, red infection called a pimple.
The fact that we guys produce way more testosterone than the ladies additionally ratchets up the sebum production. Luckily, there are several oily skin products at your disposal. Here are my picks for oily skin:
1. A Good Moisturizer: Perfecting Day Cream SPF 30
While it may seem like moisturizer is the last thing you want to be putting on oily skin, it’s actually pretty important for this skin type. Don’t just use any moisturizer, though – use a premium men’s lotion like Perfecting Day Cream SPF 30 which contains salicylic acid which is super potent at fighting oily skin. The best time to apply moisturizer is after showering; this is when your face is most receptive to the ingredients in your lotion.
2. Men’s Body Lotion: Episilk Hand and Body Lotion
Oily skin can also affect your body. The solution? A men’s body moisturizer. Again, the lotion should be oil free and should contain advanced ingredients like hyaluronic acid that help balance moisture levels. Episilk’s Body Lotion contains hyaluronic acid and other ingredients that can help manage your skin’s shine. Great stuff.
3. Daily Face Wash: Murad’s Essential C Cleanser
Bar soap can help control oil levels, but it can actually dry out your skin and make matters worse. Instead, invest in a face wash like Murad’s Essential C Cleanser, which contains ascorbic acid and other oil-controlling ingredients that can help manage sebum production and prevent acne breakouts.
4. Exfoliating Skin Cleanser: Murad’s AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser
Exfoliating cleansers like Murad’s AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser should be used at least two times a week no more than four times a week to control oil levels. These products contain ingredients that are slightly abrasive to help clear oily pores, exfoliate dead skin cells, and deep clean your skin. The cleanser should be applied in a non-vigorous manner…don’t scrub, just massage gently and rinse.
5. Men’s Shaving Gel: Neutrogena’s Razor Defense, Shave Gel for Sensitive Skin
Some men find that the oiliness of the skin increases after shaving. Using a shaving gel with gentle ingredients – such as Neutrogena’s Razor Defense, Shave Gel for Sensitive Skin — can help manage oil and reduce the risk of common shaving problems like razor burn and ingrown hairs. Don’t forget to follow up with an aftershave balm to decrease irritation.
Here at 360 Skin we can help you set up a daily skincare regiment and provide you the products you need to make sure your face looks its absolute best.