Q&A for How to Stop an Oily Face

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  • Question
    While cleansing my face, is it possible to use cold water?
    Community Answer
    Of course. Warm water is suggested because it opens up the pores, making moisturizing more effective, but there's nothing wrong with using cold water, it can be very refreshing.
  • Question
    My face is very oily and I have red acne. What do I do?
    Community Answer
    There are moisturizers that have a matte finish that can prevent you from becoming oily. Invest in a skincare product that is meant for oily skin, and use oil sheets during the day.
  • Question
    My skin is oily, and I have a lot of pimples. How should I care for my facial skin?
    Community Answer
    Wash your face twice a day: once int the morning and once at night. This will reduce bacteria which feed on the oil produced by skin at night and cause acne and clogged pores. Use a toner and noncomedogenic or nonacnegenic moisturizer after washing. You can also apply a clay mask.
  • Question
    What do I do in terms of makeup if my skin is too oily?
    Community Answer
    Use matte finish makeup. Also use sulfur soap twice a day.
  • Question
    Can I use African black soap for oily skin?
    Community Answer
    Yes. I use it every morning and night and it seems removes oil without drying out my skin.
  • Question
    I have very greasy skin. After washing for 10 minutes, I get greasy skin. What should I use?
    Community Answer
    Do you mean your skin gets greasy 10 minutes after washing, or that you actually wash your face for 10 minutes? Because you should never wash your face for that long. Washing your face should take no longer than a minute. Overwashing can dry out your skin, and your skin will then overcompensate by producing excess oil. Make sure you also use a good moisturizer after washing your face and applying any other products (if you use any). If your skin is not well moisturized, it will try to moisturize itself by producing too much oil.
  • Question
    What can I do to prevent an oily face with dark spots and pimples?
    Community Answer
    Wash your face every day (morning and afternoon), and minimize the amount of makeup you wear, if any.
  • Question
    What should I use for my skin if I am allergic to soap?
    Community Answer
    You should consult with your dermatologist for options that are right for you.
  • Question
    I have an oily face, I think because I have large pores. What can I do to make them smaller?
    Community Answer
    If your pores are large, rinse your face with cold water after a shower, since cold water helps close your pores.
  • Question
    What can I use if I don't have a toner?
    Community Answer
    Rose water can be used as a natural toner. Or you can buy a toner.
  • Question
    Which toner is the best for oily skin?
    Community Answer
    There are lots of good toners out there; what 'the best' is depends on the individual. Rose water is a good natural toner. A toner with BHA (salicylic acid) could also be good.
  • Question
    What should I do if I have oily skin and a lot of pores?
    Community Answer
    As the tips here suggest, you should use a good product with salicylic acid, which cleans out your pores and can help reduce their appearance and excess oiliness. Using a product with AHAs (such as glycolic acid) to exfoliate your skin can provide additional help. Make sure you also use a good moisturizer at the end of your skincare routine; if your skin is not well moisturized, it can produce excess oil to compensate for the dryness.
  • Question
    What is the best kind of soap to use for washing my face?
    Community Answer
    It's best to use a facial cleanser, not a soap, as described in Step 1. You can use a cleanser with one of the ingredients listed there, or you can just use a basic cleanser like Cetaphil. For a natural alternative, you could try washing with honey; manuka honey or raw organic honey are especially good for your skin. However, honey won't wash off makeup, so always use a makeup remover or normal cleanser first if you need to remove makeup.
  • Question
    I have been on Accutane for six months, but I'm experiencing the same problems all over again. What am I doing wrong?
    Community Answer
    Not every pill works for everyone. Talk to your doctor or dermatologist about switching you to another medication.
  • Question
    I have very oily skin around and on my nose and forehead. It makes my face look weird because it makes it oily in some places and not others. What can I do to stop getting oily?
    Community Answer
    You might want to start looking for facial cleansers that are specialized for extremes in skin, such as an extremely oily forehead and super dry cheeks.
  • Question
    I am 50 years old and still have really oily skin. What can I do, or is it too late to improve?
    Community Answer
    It is never too late. You are actually lucky because most people have pretty dry skin by your age, which is more prone to wrinkles and damage. The most important step for controlling oil is to use a good moisturizer morning and night, as your skin overproduces oil if it is not well moisturized. For a good drug-store moisturizer (in the US), you can try CeraVe or Olay; there are many great high-end products as well if you can afford them. Don't be afraid of oil-containing moisturizers, as the oils they contain are good for the skin and can curb the production of your skin's own, greasier oils. Exfoliating regularly is also helpful, both for helping your products absorb into your skin better and for reducing the size and oiliness of your pores. Products with salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or both are good for this purpose.
  • Question
    What face wash should I use for oily skin that is prone to breakouts?
    Community Answer
    Face washes that contains salicylic acid with glycolic acid is best for acne breakouts on oily skin.
  • Question
    I have so many breakouts, and most of them are from oily skin. I have tried everything and nothing seems to work. What do I do now?
    Community Answer
    I'd go to a dermatologist if it is serious. You might be producing more oil from a hormonal imbalance, or maybe over-washing your face and irritating your skin. Ask a professional to be sure.
  • Question
    Most of these products are expensive in my area of Africa. Is there no cheaper alternative?
    Community Answer
    You can make many homemade remedies. Rose water can be made for a toner. And tons of other ingredients such as honey, turmeric, yogurt and many many more can be used as remedies. Do some research to choose the right products. Also, remember that there is absolutely nothing wrong with using basic drugstore products from the supermarket, they can just as good as higher end alternatives!
  • Question
    What can I do if I don't have any moisturizers?
    Community Answer
    If you have oily or combination skin you can use oils high in linolenic acid (like sunflower oil) for moisturizing. Just massage after cleansing a small amount on your damp skin and let it dry.
  • Question
    How do I treat an oily face if moisturizer doesn't work?
    Community Answer
    Wash your face twice a day and moisturize afterwards, using products that are made specifically for oily skin. You can also carry oil-blotting wipes with you and use them throughout the day.
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