What’s The Best Acne Treatment For Oily Skin?

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    If you are suffering from recurring acne chances are you have an oily skin type. Controlling the sebum production of your skin is vital to treating acne and attaining blemish-free skin. Read this article to know more about popular treatments and preventive tips for people with oily skin that can help you with your acne-management.

    What Is An Oily Skin Type?

    Typical characteristics of an oily skin type include a shiny complexion, persistent pimples, clogged or enlarged pores, whiteheads, and blackheads.

    Overactive sebaceous glands may make the skin look greasy and shiny especially in the T-zone of the nose, cheeks, and forehead. Hormones, heredity, puberty, stress, pregnancy, dietary changes, and a hot and humid climate are all factors that increase sebum production and may make your skin look oily.

    Must Read: How Do Dermatologists Treat Acne? 

    Does Oily Skin Cause Acne?

    Yes. Individuals with oily skin are the most prone to acne — the excessive sebum combines with dead skin cells to clogs pores and causes comedones (whiteheads and blackheads) leading to grade one acne.

    What Is The Best Acne Treatment For Oily Skin?

    If you have oily skin and suffer from recurring acne, you can opt for the following methods of treatment:

    • Chemical Peels: Chemical peels based on AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) or BHA (beta hydroxy acid) have plant extracts. They exfoliate the dead cells from the upper layers of the skin in a controlled manner, revealing new, even-toned skin. Unlike ordinary peels, chemical peels penetrate deep inside the pores and control sebum production to prevent future breakouts. A chemical peel is one of the safest and most popular methods of treating acne for people with oily skin. Please note, only a dermatologist can prescribe an appropriate chemical peel for you.

    • Topical Medications: Dermatologists usually prescribe topical medication as the first line of treatment for oily skin pimples. Pregnant women and lactating mothers can also use them. There are certainly safer medications like topical benzoyl peroxide which can be used safely by pregnant women and lactating mothers. Your doctor may recommend the use of retinoids like tretinoin and adapalene or certain antibiotics to reduce your acne.
    • OTC Solutions: Many OTC medications are available in the market such as cleansers, soaps, gels and ointments containing salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, tea tree oil and more. However, they may have limited efficacy.

    Must Read: What Causes Of Dry Skin Acne & How To Treat It?

    Skin Care Tips For Oily Skin

    Here are a few pimple remedies for oily skin you can take to prevent breakouts:

    1. Wash your face twice a day to get rid of excess oil, dirt, and impurities.
    2. Use a toner to control oil secretion and minimize visible pores on the skin.
    3. Avoid unnecessary stress as it may trigger breakouts.
    4. Consume a balanced diet, follow a fitness plan regularly and get good 8 hours of sleep to enjoy healthy skin and body.
    5. Choose non-comedogenic and water-based makeup products instead of oil-based ones to prevent acne.

    Remember, if the above tips do not work, it is time to go ahead and book an appointment at Oliva to consult the best dermatologist in your city.

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    About The Author

    Dr. T N Rekha Singh

    Dr T N Rekha Singh is an MD in Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology from the esteemed Gandhi Medical College at Hyderabad. She has a rich experience of over 11 years in performing advanced laser treatments for hair reduction, skin resurfacing and skin lightening, scar and... Read More