The Oily Skin Dilemma: What Can You Do

Hormonal imbalance and increased production in the oil producing glands in skin result in oily skin. Puberty triggers a sudden influx of hormones which often trigger oily skin, making it harder on teenage students. During this time period, young adults are already plagued with various issues: peers, studies, family, and determining just who they are. When oily skin acts up, its obvious rough, shiny appearance and resulting blemishes (sometimes acne) give teens even more stress.

The stress that results from oily skin appearance, combined with the normal stress in the lives of teens can contribute to falling grades and other behavioral issues such as: explosive outbursts, unexpected and unlawful behaviors. No, this is not to say that oily skin causes all of this, just that the stress it causes contributes to it. By keeping a watch on your teen, you can help keep their confidence and self esteem high. Part of this is to help them look and feel their best. Please realize that this is only a tiny part of helping teens and that serious problems may need help from outside sources; these sources may include therapists, psychologists, and/or psychologists.

Cleansing 3 to 4 times a day (especially before bed and upon waking) withrm water and a very mild, antibacterial cleanser (like organic honey) will help remove excess oil without stripping and drying the skin. When cleansing, you should massage your face with tiny circles all over the face, concentrating on the oiliest areas. Follow this with a mild toner like witch hazel (chamomile toner is even better, see our article, Oily Skin Tips, Part II). Then use a good moisturizer. This is an important step because skin that is too dry will try to compensate for the lack of moisture by producing more oil. Many of the skin care products designed for oily skin cause a vicious cycle because they strip the skin, drying it too much.

Alpha hydroxy acids in the form of fruit acids or milk (which contains glycolic acid and has moisturizing properties) do very well with oily skin as a general rule (see our article, Alpha Hydroxy Acids). Removal of old, excess oil and dead skin cells helps open pores and let them breathe. This results in oil glands that regulate themselves better. The acids break down the debris and oil clogging them, removing their dark, more obvious appearance resulting in pores that look smaller. Those who wear makeup might use juice from an organic cucumber as a toner over oily areas because makeup will go on smoother over this. If you are having serious breakouts, applying pure aloe vera gel (directly from the plant) will help fight the bacterial infections, too. Pimples are a result of these bacterial infections, with the pus being your skins way of trying to isolate the bacteria and push it out of the pores and hair follicles. Other natural substances which have positive results on oily skin include:

Aloe Vera
Apple Juice (freshly juiced)
Buttermilk
Chamomile
Lavender Essential Oil
Lemon Essential Oil
Lemon Grass Essential Oil
Lime Juice (freshly juiced)
Licorice Root
Tomato (freshly juiced or mashed)
Pure lemon juice (freshly juiced; this should not be left on the face, see our article, Oily Skin Tips, Part I)
Peppermint Essential Oil
Rose Essential Oil
Sage Oil

Using organic ingredients in any home treatment system as well as ready to use skin care systems is recommended, especially with oily skin because it requires more treatment than normal skin and dry skin require. Non organic ingredients contain pesticides and other man made chemicals which have been proven to be associated with behavioral disorders and can be carcinogenic. By using organic ingredients and/or buying certified organic skin care, you are avoiding these possibilities.