How to Treat Oily Skin

When you see men working day jobs, where they have to be on the field for most hours of the workshift, it is common to encounter a dirt ridden face. They generally get dust and grime stuck to their skin which makes their skin look dull. It might be one of the reasons why they have a face tone that doesn’t match their torso or arms. The reason why this dust gets stuck to men’s faces is because they generally have more than usual oil on their skin.

Oily skin troubles most men because of totally different physiologies than women. The sebaceous glands of men are higher per square inch than women and they are much more active as well. Which is why most men that work field jobs have higher secretion of sebum, the natural skin oil. While many men might not have oily skin, there is a higher chance that they will get oily skin if they start going out in the sun more. The trouble with men is that they have a hard time differentiating oily skin products from regular skin care products. Hence, they have no dedicated oily skin care routine. There are, however, a range of things that a man can do to treat oily skin.

What causes more oily skin in men?

There are a number of factors that cause men to have oilier skin than women. For some it is the diet, while some get it because of higher level of skin exposure to sun or pollutants. The one common thing that causes this issue in all men is the male hormone- testosterone. Even in ladies oily skin is one of the side-effects of producing more testosterone as a female. Testosterone signals the brain to produce more sebum, given the high intensity activity that they take part in. It is evident that men with higher levels of testosterone take more interest in rigorous physical activity. Outdoor activities and strenuous work in turn produces more testosterone which again increases the issue of oily skin which calls for special products and skin care routine. There are a few other things that increase oil production in men’s skins-

Diet -  The food that you consume affects a lot of functions. With men, having a diet that consists more of carbohydrates, sugars, and dairy products, causes the sebaceous glands to function more. All men have different lifestyles but cutting down a little on the sugars, carbs and dairy products will certainly cause the sebaceous glands to slow down.

Stress - In men, physical or mental stress tends to create more testosterone and the stress hormone cortisol. Both of them have the tendency to increase sebum production. Men who have jobs that require physical activity- sports, physical training, or site management roles, generally have higher testosterone levels. Thus, it is essential to take deserved breaks and let the mind and body rest.

Inconsistent skin care - Most men have worries about their physical and financial stability which leaves them less time to give importance to the health of their skin. Which is why most men have inconsistent skincare routines where they go more than a day or two without using a face wash or cleansing their face. Having an improper oily skin care routine causes sebaceous glands to act without pause, trying to moisturise and protect the skin from pollution and sun.

A regular oily skin care routine with the right products and healthy practices can help bring down the level of sebum produced by the skin. Here’s what you need to do-

1. Use a men’s face wash

Even though it is oily and porous, men’s skin is tough and cannot be cleansed with just any soap. Many use the same old bath soap on their face which cannot pierce through to the inner layers of men’s skin. It is essential to use a face wash that can act on your pores and pull out all the dirt from your face. A face wash with activated charcoal can do the trick. Something like Qraamen Himalayan Charcoal Face wash can clear out excess oil from the pores while soothing the skin with the goodness of green tea.

2. Rehydrate after cleansing

Men miss this all the time because they tend to think that a face wash is the all-in-one solution for skin care. Washing your face pulls out all the natural oils from the skin leaving it dry. This signals the sebaceous glands to produce more oil to keep the skin moisturised. To prevent it from happening it is better to hydrate the skin externally. Using a moisturiser which is not oil or cream based is a good practice after cleansing. Using a gel based moisturiser can help keep the skin hydrated without the heaviness of lotions and creams.

3. Exfoliate

Scrubbing off layers of oil formed on the face is important to prevent the side-effects of oily skin. The most irritating of which is acne or pimple prone skin. It is essential to exfoliate for the same reason. The best part about exfoliation is that it clears out not just oil but dirt and dead skin cells clogged in the pores. Using an exfoliator twice a week is necessary for a good oily skin care routine. An exfoliator doesn’t necessarily have to be an oily skin product, so a regular charcoal based exfoliator works just fine. If you believe in the power of ayurveda instead, you can always use the Qraamen Haldi Chandan Scrub which cleans and nourishes the skin with the goodness of turmeric oil and sandalwood.

Cleansing daily, hydrating every morning, and exfoliating every fourth day makes up for an excellent oily skin care routine. It always helps to cleanse your face everytime you come inside from an outdoor activity. Keeping in mind the need for hydration, it is essential to drink water or other homemade drinks like lemonade or fruit juices multiple times. Since summers have arrived earlier, try to keep out of the sun. Nourish and cleanse your skin with Qraamen’s range of washes and scrubs.