really greasy skin - what to do?

Question

I have really greasy skin on my face - to the point where after 4 hours or so, I can get grease marks on photocopy paper if I wipe a sheet across my face. What can I do about it? (because once its that greasy, it then starts getting uncomfy too, and I have broken nights because I have to get up and wash my face to be comfy enough to sleep. I dont wear any kind of make up or cosmetics.) I used to have bad acne. Not any more though.

Answer 1

Use any oil free moisturiser of your choice. Try and use the simple shine control one. I also have very greasy skin, but not since i used the simple moisturiser. Good Luck!!!

Answer 2

Unfortunately the condition of your skin is affected by two things only - your genes (what you're born with) and your hormones (ie. if you're a teenager or pregnant you are more prone to breakouts). No amount of healthy food, water or skincare product can really change it, although there are a few things that will help.

Try using Loreal Pure Zone range. Wash, tone and moisturise morning and night. The anti-regreasing moisturiser is good.

Keep some blotter sheets in your handbag - it's a little book of thin tear-out papers that you can use to blot away excess oil on your face.

Try also: Garnier Self-Heating Sauna Mud Musk. Take it into the shower with you, wash your fash, put the mask on and leave for three minutes and then wash off. Do it weekly.

Answer 3

Greasy skin is part of growing up for a teenager and also other ages. Here's something to read, I hope this will help you and your battle with grease.

To provide an effective waterproof barrier, the skin naturally produces oils to keep it in good condition. Sometimes though, the control for oil production can go awry and leave the skin excessively greasy, causing the skin to look shiny, often resulting in outbreaks of spots or blackheads, open pores and acne (the thing you used to have).

Having greasy skin is often associated with teenagers, the hormone rush during puberty stimulates the sebaceous glands which then produce more oil. But the problem isn't confined to that one age group - the hormone ups and downs of pregnancy can change a woman's skin type quite drastically, and some people simply are more inclined to have greasy skin no thanks to their genes.

It's not much consolation that oilier skins don't show their age nearly as badly. There isn't much that can be done to cure the problem, but its effects can be controlled and minimised (luckily).

Solving the problem for you:

The most important thing is to keep the skin clean and unclogged. A good diet will help the general condition of the skin, but chocolate and chips will not make it any worse (very important note, these foods do not change anything, be warned that some people might say it does but it doesn't). Drinking plenty of water will also help (at least 1 or 2 litres a day - i recommend).

Using a clay mask on a regular basis helps to draw the dirt from the pores. Be prepared for a period of more spots than usual for a few weeks, as the gunk rises to the surface.

Exfoliating removes some dead surface skin cells, which helps pores stay clear. There are physical exfoliaters - either ones with grains in them or rough sponges used with a cleanser (avoid the really rough ones, and don't try to sand your face off when you use them). There are also chemical exfoliaters - hydroxy, fruit acid, glycolic products - which loosen the dead skin cells. Stronger is not always better - a milder version that doesn't irritate the skin and can be applied daily should help more.

Don't fall into the trap of overdrying the skin. The skin can overreact to harsh cleansers and toners by producing even more oil to counteract the dryness...

There are many different brands of make-up on the market particularly suited to oily skin. Some will help control shine, some will help minimise the appearance of open pores, but the most important thing about any of them is that they should be removed completely at night2.

Tea tree oil-based products are very popular - the natural antiseptic properties help to kill the bacteria that causes spots. As one Researcher has found:

My don'ts!
Don't....
Regular soap and anything with alcohol in it should be avoided.
Only glamorous soap stars can pull off the trick of waking up with perfect makeup anyway, any other mere mortal will simply look like they've gone ten rounds with Frank Bruno.

My closing comments

I hope my guide helps but grease is natural for teenagers, it is just part of growing up, I'm sure a lot of people have grease on skin, just don't worry in a few years time they'll gone.

N.B. Just don't worry! Keep smiling!

Don't use alcohol
Fish and Chips does not worsen the amount of grease.
Don't use regular soap - it does not help.

Answer 4

I use Apple Cider Vinegar as a toner on my face after I wash. It is really good for cleaning up grease. It smells a bit at first, but it goes away after a minute or 2!!!! Just put some vinegar on a cotton wool ball and wipe over your face after washing.

During the day, if you feel greasy, blot your face with a paper towel or tissue. Don't wipe, just dab. It will take the grease off.

Answer 5

Hi!
You need to make sure you're using a cleanser that is formulated for your skin type. I recommend you try Mary Kay's 3-in-1 Cleanser for Combo/Oily skin. I would also suggest their Oil Mattifier. It is a wonder. There are Oil Blotters that you can get to use throughout the day as well, but I believe that once you start using the correct formula of skin care on your face, everything else will fall into place. You can check out these products at www.marykay.com/vickileftwich.

Answer 6

I used to have the same.

Do not use hardcore astringents as these will just dry out your face, causing your glands to produce more grease to make up for it (took me a long time to take that into account).

Use a very light moisturiser - the only time when I would recommend Clarins is their light (yellow) moisturiser.

Use a shampoo which will not leave a residue e.g. Neutrogena.

Over the years (I am now in my early 30's) my skin has sorted itself out. However, that won't help you now - so I would recommend MD Formulations. It's not cheap, but if you feel like I did when I had skin problems, you'll take the plunge.

Best of luck and chin up.

Answer 7

The best way I know of to cut grease on your face is to get a cotton ball and put some rubbing alcohol on it. Not enough where it's dripping cuz you don't want to get it in your eyes. Then wipe your face down with it. Then rinse your face with water. I used to do this all the time and my skin was oil free and I never had acne or a problem with oil again.

Answer 8

when was at college studying beauty we used to make up our own face packs the one for greasy skin was fullers earth and witch hazel you can buy these from any chemist if you make this up into a paste not to runny and use this once a week this may help the problem as the witch hazel acts as an astringent which can help control the grease also try blotting your face with tissue throughout the day hope this helps

Answer 9

Hi,

I am a Beauty Therapist. I understand that you want to use harsh products to remove the oil from your skin. These will only strip the skin of oil, and your skin will go into overdrive and produce a lot more oil. I recommend a gentle balancing routine. I have seen sucess with Liz Earl from QVC. Try the cleanse and polish. You rub it onto the skin and remove it with the cloth provided. Follow it with the skin repair light. They are both reasonably priced.

Answer 10

I use to have greasy skin too, until I discover Tea Tree oil. Its FAB!