Caring for an oily skin

Caring for oily skin tends to be challenging for some people but it should not as oil production by the skin is a natural process carried out by a series of glands located in the dermis or middle layer of the skin of mammals called sebaceous glands. These glands are distributed over the entire body with the exception of the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet and are most abundant on the scalp and face. The sebaceous glands are attached to hair follicles and release an oily substance called sebum into the follicular duct and hence to the surface of the skin. Sebum helps keep the skin moist and is protective to the skin. But for some people, the glands produce too much of these oils (sebum), leading to a much dreaded skin type. This skin type is most common with teenagers due to high hormone production. But some adults also have this type of skin. To know if you have this skin type, refer to our previous post ‘Know your skin type’.  

Most people with oily skin react by stripping away the excess oil with harsh soaps and facial washes as they feel they clog the pores leading to break outs and giving the skin a sheen and that greasy look. It is important to note that these oils, although they cause complexion problems, they act as the skin's natural moisturizer. They therefore, only need to be controlled. By stripping them away, the sebaceous glands instinctively replenish the lost oils and one ends up creating a bigger problem as the skin becomes very sensitive. Caring for this skin means keeping the pores open to avoid build up of dead cells, dirt and bacteria that will clog and infect the pores causing acne.

Cleanse twice daily with warm water (not hot water) and a gentle facial cleanser. Look for a cleanser meant for oily skin to help keep the pores clear and lift impurities without irritating and drying out the skin. Follow with a water based toner that does not list alcohol based ingredients. Alcohol tends to be astringent and strips off moisture from the skin.

Exfoliate the skin one to two times a week with a non abrasive facial scrub. This depends on the condition of your skin. Avoid scrubbing when you have a break out not to spread it. Using a facial mask is also recommended one to two times a week to cleanse deep down into your pores. This again depends on the sensitivity of your skin. A clay mask is most suitable as it is oil free.

Use oil free, water based, non greasy and non comedogenic moisturizers meant for oily skin to hydrate your skin without clogging the pores. Sun protection lotions and make ups should also be oil free.  Always remember you are what you eat; watch a healthy and balanced diet. Eat foods rich in antioxidants, essential oils, minerals, fibre and vitamins and maintain a high consumption of water to keep your skin healthy and hydrated. 

Your efforts to keep your oily skin clear can only go so far and you may experience sporadic acne breakouts. You should consult a dermatologist to prescribe an acne treatment lotion or salicylic solution to control it.  

SliceofNature

What is Tamanu oil?

Tamanu oil, also known as Foraha oil, is a product of the Tamanu tree (Calophyllum Inophyllum) which is native to the islands of Tahiti and Madagascar but also found in other tropical areas. It has been used by indigenous communities for centuries and elicited a lot of interest from scientists as early as 1918 for its unique benefits to the skin. The Tamanu tree grows wild and upto between 8 to 20 metres high and blooms twice annually with fragrant, small white flowers. These flowers eventually yield to clusters of about 4 to 5 yellow, round, edible fruits about the size of apricots. Harvesting of the fruits involves collecting mature fruits after they drop to the ground and cracking them open mechanically. Within the fruit’s thin pulp lies a large nut that contain kernel. The kernels contain no visible oil and have to be dried in the sun for at least a month until they turn chocolate brown and become sticky with dark, thick, pleasant smelling oil. The longer they are dried, the better as they tend to give more oil usually upto around two months. The kernels are then cold-pressed to produce a dark green oil with a rich, deep scent called tamanu oil. It takes large amounts of tamanu fruit to yield just a few litres of tamanu oil which makes it rare and expensive.

Tamanu oil is a remarkable topical healing agent with scar healing, antibiotic, antioxidant, anti-neuralgic, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Due to its anti-oxidant, antimicrobial and anti-bacterial quality, it provides a solution to many skin problems from aging, blemishes, acne, shingles, eczema, herpes, rosacea to rashes with no side effects as it is 100% raw and organic. Applied to wounds, cuts, burns, insect bites and stings, it accelerates healing by promoting formation of new tissue and growth of blemish-free healthy skin. It is known to improve skin appearance by reducing visible scars, improving skin elasticity, firmness and smoothness hence works well on scars and stretch marks. Its anti-inflammatory and analgesic qualities helps rid the body of pain extremely fast and is hence beneficial in cases of neuralgia, sciatica, shingles, rheumatism, sprains, pulled muscles and ligament damage.

Tamanu oil is easily absorbed by the skin, it is non greasy and will not clog your pores. It can be used directly on the skin or diluted with a carrier oil. Its pleasant aroma and silky texture makes it ideal for use in creams, lotions, ointments, and other cosmetic products. SliceofNature stocks Tamanu oil from Madagascar which is rare and favored by aroma therapists because it is typically purer and more aromatic.