How To Control Oily Skin
I have dealt with oily skin since I was a teenager--I'm talking grease slick yucky uncomfortable problematic oily skin. My older sister works at a high-end spa, so I know all the standard tips: use a non-soap face cleanser, use toner, moisturize... It just didn't work for me, ladies. That conventional wisdom is for girls with normal skin who are having oil issues because of something they're doing wrong. Girls with normal skin don't understand what it's like to have truly oily skin. But I do. I didn't think it was possible that I could ever go out and never have to worry about being greasy. Finally, after all these years, I know what I wish someone had told me a long time ago. So, I am going to tell you.
If you struggle with oily skin, here are your options:
- Powder - Pressed, loose, whatever it is, it's WORTHLESS alone in controlling oily skin. Sure, after using it, your face will be matte... for about 5 minutes, and then you're left with skin-colored oil all over your face. Powder is only good for setting your foundation and for touch-ups in combination with any of the methods listed below. In short, powder is for minor oil problems--a shiny nose, not a greasy face!
- Blotting sheets/rice paper - These are terrific. You pat them on your face and they remove the oil without removing your make-up. The only problem is if you have truly oily skin, you end up going through several of them throughout the day and litter your purse with gross little wads of blue paper that pop out and fall on the counter when you're digging for your wallet to pay the gas station attendant. You know what I'm talking about? Then read on...
I don't have a problem with oily skin anymore. I stumbled onto the following two options fairly recently and now I know what it's like to have normal skin! I feel so free to not have that gross icky greasy feeling on my face anymore. Here's why:
- Sulfur/Resorcinal - This is a face cream meant for clearing acne (bonus pimple fighter!). It also controls oil. There are two brands that I have found, Clearisil and Acnomel. You can buy both for about $15 total and see which one you like better. I prefer Acnomel for oil control because it works better for that purpose. Both are tinted. Diversity training alert! The only color option is Caucasian. You put it on like a foundation, it gives you a matte face, it hides pores... and you stay matte for hours. I'm not kidding! If you need a little more coverage, use a concealer (I recommend Revlon Colorstay) where needed. When I do this all I need is a little powder on the nose once in a while. I don't even use the blotting sheets anymore... well maybe just one, as opposed to five front and back in one sitting (argh!). If you can't find Acnomel in your area, you can find it on eBay.
- Spironolactone - In America, this is prescription only. It's an androgen blocker that gets to the internal reason for excessively oily skin--hormones! If you tend to break out along your chin and jawline area, then chances are you have hormonal acne and this is a godsend for you. And so it was for me. Sometimes I touch my face (bad I know, but I can't help it!) just because I can't believe it's not oily anymore. When you don't have oily skin, you can forget about it and enjoy yourself out on the town or stay on focus at work. It is such a relief!
In case you clever scientific-thinking gals are wondering, I used Acnomel for about 5 glorious oil-free months before obtaining spironolactone. They are both terrific. Try one and let me know how it works for you!
14 Responses to “How To Control Oily Skin”
I haven’t tried those techniques, but I’ve noticed that getting more sleep definitely helps control the oil. I do have some blotting sheets though and they make me feel really dirty. If I do feel oily, then I put on one of those masks for about ten to twenty minutes. I have a Burt Bees pore refining mask and an Origins mask (I forget the name, but it’s made of charcoal) Both do a great job.
Hi, Maria. You sound like one of those lucky girls who have fairly normal skin.
Queen Helene’s Mint Julep Mask is a good one for clearing pores, if you haven’t tried it.
Wow, that’s great you finally found something that works for you! I have the exact opposite problem, extremely dry skin. And after all these years & money spent on lotions & creams (including prescription strength) I finally found something that works for me! Pure Aloe Vera gel. No kidding! Have you any friends w/chronic dry skin? Tell them to try it!
DivaShop – I LOVE pure aloe gel. I use it as moisturizer too. It’s great because it also cleans off oil at the same time. I can’t explain it but it somehow acts as an astringent and moisturizer simultaneously! It’s also great as a hair gel/defrizzer.
I’ve been using Acnomel (ordered off amazon.com) for about a month and it has worked WONDERS. My acne is FINALLY going away and I simply cannot thank you enough. I swear by this stuff – it works!
Mina – You just made my day! I’m so happy
Thank you so much for the feedback. It means a lot to me to know I’ve helped, and I’m so glad it’s working for you! ♥
I ordered this cream and put it on at niht before reading that you said to use it as a foundation. However, the fact that it smells so bad I can not wear it out in public. I’m kind of bummed for spending 10 bucks on something I can not return.
Erin – I’m sorry you’re not happy with the Acnomel. I don’t use it at night because there’s no real point in controlling oil before going to bed. That’s a better time for repair creams. I guess the smell does take some getting used to, but it doesn’t bother me and I promise no one else can smell it unless they kiss your face. When my husband kisses me on the cheek he sometimes says, “Did you use that hippie soap again?” Haha… To me, that’s worth the oil control. I’m sorry you’re bummed about spending $10, but that’s not a bad price for giving something a try. It does work.
Not that I’m totally impressed, but this is a lot more than I expected for when I stumpled upon a link on Delicious telling that the info is quite decent. Thanks.
After reading this article, I just feel that I really need more info. Could you suggest some more resources please?
If you ever want to see a reader’s feedback
, I rate this post for four from five. Detailed info, but I have to go to that damn google to find the missed bits. Thanks, anyway!
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Good evening .
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Has anyone tried Revlon Colorstay? Is it a good light foundation? I’m looking for something that won’t break me out. Any suggestions?