Get your skin oil-free this summer!

The summers bring extreme heat and bright sun with it, making our skin sweaty, greasy and uncomfortable. Luckily, there are solutions to this common skin issue. 

Here are dermatologist-recommended tips to get rid of oily skin! 

1. Don't Over Wash Your Face: 

The summer weather makes us want to wash our face 3 or 4 times a day. Unfortunately, this is detrimental to your skin. When you wash your face with soap more than twice a day, your skin starts to overproduce sebum or oil to compensate. This ultimately causes your skin to be even greasier than it was before. Wash your face no more than twice a day. And, if you are feeling especially greasy, get a sensitive cleansing wipe or use simple water to clean your skin instead. 

 

2. Stay Away From Soap:

Our skin has a pH of 5.5, but soap typically has a pH of above 8, ultimately destroying the natural acid balance of the epidermis. Our epidermis must maintain its pH, or bacteria, allergens and irritants can penetrate it, making it more sensitive. Look for pH-balanced cleansers that will keep your skin healthy! 

3. Look for Salicylic Acid: 

Salicylic acid is the miracle active for oily skin. It cuts through the grease and gets right down to the hair follicle, forcing obstructions to dissipate. It also acts to reduce sebum secretion, making skin ultimately less greasy and with fewer blackheads. Look for 1-2% salicylic acid in your facial cleanser and use it twice a day. Then see the difference in the clarity in your skin! 

4. Use Gels or Gel-Cream Emulsions! 

Your skin needs moisture, even when it feels greasy. This is because your epidermal barrier stays strong only when it has enough water in it. Gels or gel emulsions are extremely nice moisturizing vehicles that will provide needed nutrients without obstructing your already oily skin. Gels or gel emulsions are primarily made up of water, so you will not get that greasy feel!

 

5. Go to a Dermatologist! 

If your skin is still greasy, even after following all the above tips, then you may have another underlying skin condition. Go to your dermatologist who can diagnose and treat your skin problem so that you don't suffer any longer! 

Inputs courtesy: American Dermatologist Dr. Kiran Lohia - Medical Director of Lumiere Dermatology, New Delhi