How to Keep the Oil at Bay

Striking oil is like striking gold, but when it comes to our skin, oil is far from a desired discovery. Most of us have experienced it (some maybe on a daily basis), that unsightly oil slick on the forehead and nose, blinding onlookers when they glance our direction. Well, maybe it’s not quite that extreme, but nonetheless it’s a problem many people deal with.

Unfortunately men typically have to grapple with oil more than women. Why? Testosterone. Yes, that testosterone, while we can thank it for our burly exteriors it’s also to blame for the production of sebum (oil).

Where does the oil come from?

It starts in the sebaceous (oil) glands and testosterone stimulates the production of the oil. We have sebaceous glands all over our bodies, but they are often larger and more numerous on the forehead, chin and mid-back.

Since oil production is largely regulated by testosterone, it makes sense that when testosterone spikes, oil does too. This is why we often suffer from breakouts in our teenage years. To boot, men have smaller oil glands and higher secretion levels of sebum, which means we become more prone to acne and blemishes.

Say sayonara to the oil

Common sense would tell us in order to zap the oil we need to dry the skin out. While that’s partially true, it’s more about maintaining a balance – some oil is essential. If you deplete the skin of all hydration and oil, the sebaceous glands will actually kick into high gear and produce more oil than you know what to do with. So how do you combat the oil slick without dehydrating the skin?

• Cleanse daily– use a cleanser with salicylic acid to deeply cleanse pores.
• Dissolve the oil regularly – use cleansing pads after workouts or midday to clear away excess oil. Look for ingredients like salicylic acid, green tea extracts and eucalyptus oil.
• Rebuild and hydrate – use a skin-building toner with peptides, sodium hyaluronate and stone extract to strengthen and hydrate the skin. And last, but not least finish with a hydrating SPF with zinc as a natural UV blocker.

As long as you cleanse daily and replenish the skin, particularly after workouts, oil won’t be the main focal point on your face.

For more see the CTRL.HALT.DEL., Stone Power and Blue Agave Wash.