Because most of my West Indian clients with oily skin, I’m often told how bad they feel about it, and the extreme measures they take to strip their skin of its natural oils, using harsh soaps, scrubs, and chemical peels.Oh honey, stop! You don’t need all that! Show a little more love, your oily skin isn’t that bad.
Good skin is one that’s well lubricated, full of moisture. Think of any mechanical engine, it runs better when its oils are clean and filled to capacity.
It’s always best to control excessive oil than to constantly be applying moisture to dry dead skin. Dryness can lead to cracking, flaking, and excessive dead skin that lead to those awful dark marks when exposed to sunlight.
Good news for the oily skin types: all stars shine, as an oily skin type you’re combating too much shine. That isn’t a bad problem to have.
According to Allure Magazine, dermatologist Doris Day recommends the Clarisonic Classic Sonic Skin Cleansing System, which uses sonic frequency to loosen dirt and oil in the pores.
You can also try products with light exfoliants, no more than once a week. Like Mary Kay’s Time Wise Microdermabrasion Plus Set.
“The set dramatically improves skin’s texture and visibly transforms the look of skin, creating a flawless-looking complexion. With just one use, fine lines instantly appear less noticeable, and pores appear smaller,” the cosmetic company says.
Because pores are more likely to expand in oily skin and with continuous heat, it’s best to use products to help fight against large pores which exposes it to more bacteria.
It’s not your fault…
Cosmopolitan Magazine’s Christine Stoddard writes, “Apart from genetics, other factors — such as your daily activity, hot environments, or your hormonal stage in life — can exacerbate oily skin. Latinas (and Tropical people in general) are also more susceptible to hyper-pigmentation, which can mean unwanted brown spots, especially when you spend time in the sun.”
It’s our ancestors who we’ve inherited these traits from, the DNA mixture, the culture, the environment are all major players in the world of shininess. You didn’t choose the good struggle.
All that’s needed is oil control…
The struggle is keeping that shininess under control. The skin needs moisture not oiliness. Use hydrating gels and oil-free moisturisers instead of creams.
Adding a mask to your skin care regime plays a pivotal role. Once a week, use a deep cleansing mask to eliminate bacteria and de-clog pores. A personal fave of mine is again a Mary Kay product. Why? Because Mary Kay’s skincare products were developed in a tropical environment.
The skin care company doesn’t get enough to credit on its development and progress as well as its budget friendly exchanges. It seems to work well especially in tropical regions.
I recommend the Botanical Effects Mask Formula 3, which is credited with removing impurities, revitalizing skin and helps leaving skin looking clarified and fresh.
Plus, Botanical Effects Skin Care has an antioxidant-rich complex featuring Silymarin (milk thistle) and Luo Han Guo (known as the “longevity” fruit) to help defend against environmental damage and help promote healthy skin.
As the company asserts, Botanical Effects Skin Care even has a sensitive side – those with sensitive skin also can share in the beauty of its botanical benefits and it is hypoallergenic and free of fragrance & synthetic dyes.
It’s highly recommended that these tips be used once a week for oily skin types, and should be an additive process to daily basic skin care. It’s not a replacement routine. Unless, otherwise directed by a dermatologist, keep up your routine of cleansing, moisturizing and protecting skin with SPF every day.