Oily or problematic skin can have a major impact on confidence. Acne is one of the biggest culprits that affects people of all ages, including adults who have long said goodbye to the chaotic hormones of puberty. 

Some people are more prone to developing troublesome skin due to genetics, while others have developed oily or problematic skin from poor dietary choices or a lack of skin hygiene. 

If you’re struggling with blackheads, whiteheads, or painful pimples, a change in skin routine can make a significant difference in the look and health of your skin.

Understanding the Causes of Problematic Skin

Acne develops when hair follicles or pores get clogged with sebum or dead skin cells. When bacteria that lives in the skin enters the clogged pores, inflammation can occur. 

There are several different types of inflammatory acne, such as cysts, nodules, pustules, and papules. There are also some non-inflammatory varieties, including whiteheads and blackheads.

While some people are more susceptible to developing acne than others, there are usually some contributing factors involved. Hormones, stress, diet, medications, sleep patterns, smoking, and sun exposure can all cause acne to develop or worsen. 

The incorrect use of skincare products or the stripping of the skin’s natural oil barrier can also cause skin to become inflamed. In severe cases, acne scarring can develop in the form of boxcar scars, ice pick scars, rolling scars, or thickened hypertrophic scars.

Treating Oily or Problematic Skin

To tame breakouts, you need to keep your face clean. However, washing more than twice a day is not recommended to avoid scrubbing away the skin’s natural oil barrier. 

The use of a quality facial cleanser and warm water can help calm irritated skin and remove impurities. Follow up with a moisturizer that minimizes dryness and peeling. If you have oily skin, find products that target your unique skin type.

Our recommendations for facial cleansers include:

• Deep Cleanser with AHA – Designed specifically for people with oily or problematic skin, the Deep Cleanser with AHA from Sylvia Skin Care removes dead skin cells, excess oil, makeup, and other impurities. The Deep Cleanser also contains 10% Glycolic Acid (AHA) which helps prevent clogged pores.

• Perfecting Cleanser with Rose Hip Seed – Ideal for all skin types, the Perfecting Cleanser with Rose Hip Seed from the Dr. Sylvia Skin Care line helps balance skin’s natural pH balance, delivers essential nutrients, and provides a deep cleansing without stripping the skin of its natural oils.

Importance of Toner for Oily Skin

Using a toner may seem unnecessary but it’s an important step for oily and problematic skin types. The right toner helps to constrict skin pores, reducing the amount of oils and buildup that may occur throughout the day. 

Once a pore is constricted, it is prevented from expanding and opening to receive dirt and excess oil, which can lead to clogged pores, pimples and blackheads.

Try looking for a toner with Witch Hazel extract, a natural astringent that comes from leaves and bark of a Witch Hazel plant. This plant has been used for many years because of its healing properties and anti-inflammatory benefits. When used in skin care, this ingredient helps to shrink pores while relieving your skin from redness and inflammation.

Witch Hazel is the main active ingredient of our Refreshing Toner with Herbal Extracts. Refreshing Toner has a pore reducing benefits and is professionally formulated with Witch Hazel along with a blend of herbal extracts such as Yarrow, Sage, Licorice Root, Lavender and many others to nourish your skin.

This makes Refreshing Toner an essential daily routine for oily and problematic skin. 

Consider Aesthetic Treatments

If you feel that your breakout is not under control, it is still best to consult a skin specialist. Find an aesthetic doctor that you can trust who can create a customized treatment plan based on your skin. 

In Cutis Laser Clinics, we offer Clarifying Facial with Sapphire Blue Light LED to kill acne-causing bacteria and to heal the skin from inflammation. This facial also includes professional extraction to get rid of pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads. 

You can also consider Laser Genesis, a FDA-cleared laser treatment that safely and effectively reduces large pores, uneven skin texture, diffuse redness, and scars. Laser Genesis helps to heal the skin which reduces breakouts and inflammation.

Preventing the Return of Oily or Problematic Skin

In addition to using the right skin care products for your skin type, there are other important steps you can take to manage your oily or problematic skin. 

Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration which can give skin a dull appearance and promote redness and inflammation. Limit the use of heavy makeup which can clog pores and trigger breakouts. Also avoid touching your face with your hands throughout the day as this can transmit bacteria to your pores.

If you want to find out more on how to treat problematic skin, consult our Harvard-trained aesthetic doctor, Dr. Sylvia Ramirez, to determine which treatment works for you.

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