Shine Control: Tips for Fighting Oily Summer Skin

Oily skin doesn't just strike young girls. In fact, it can be even more embarrassing for older women -- after all, teens can commiserate with their acne-stricken friends.

If you're prone to oily skin, it can only be made worse by hot and humid summer weather. Here's what you need to know about dealing with your oily skin during the summer months.

Daily regimens:

Cleansers

I have noticed in the past that many of my patients have fallen into the assumption that excessive cleansing with drying facial washes is what's needed to control oily skin, that the more the better, right? wrong! After I became a dermatologist I learned that the more you try to dry your oily skin the more your skin will try to compensate for it by increasing the sebum production (which gives the oily complexion and shine). Minimize cleansing your face to only twice daily routine, morning and night. It should be enough with a cleanser that is especially labeled for oily skin something with low-neutral pH. I prescribe a cleanser with very low concentrations of AHA, Glycolic acid, 1 percent Salicylic acid, or a non-oily and non-drying cleanser that is the ideal. Try to avoid soaps as much as possible, as most strip away the natural fat barrier that our skin needs.

Matting/Anti-shine lotions

I favor suggesting a matting lotion or fluid to patients more than toners and astringents that can be too drying. They are available in some of the over the counter cosmetic products. Some are tinted to act as a base for makeup or as a foundation. Tints range from green that help to reduce the facial redness if present, and others are tinted with different skin color tones.

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