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Writer's pictureChloe Punch

The Ins and Outs of living with oily prone skin

Updated: Mar 26, 2021

I decided that my first post was going to be dedicated to oily blemish prone skin. I'm aware that its a massive insecurity for lots of people. Although its mostly teenagers, it can affect all ages.


The causes of acne
  1. Cosmetics. 5.Fringes 9.Phones 13.Genetics

  2. Hair Products 6.Stress 10.Pillows 14.Pollution

  3. Lifestyle 7.Hairbands 11.Towels 15.Testosterone

  4. Puberty 8.Dairy 12.Heat


Mistake people make

Toothpaste

I think we’re all in hope that there is something simple that we all have at home that will be our cure. Yes, toothpaste has antibacterial properties which prevents a spot from forming. But all the other ingredient are NOT suitable for your skin.


Diet

Diet plays a vital role in keeping your skin healthy. Eating greasy foods without nutrition is not going to help. It has been said that eating too much carbs can raise blood sugar levels. If your blood sugar levels rise, insulin levels rise which in turn makes your skin cells grow much faster leading to excess oil production, creating spots. 

Supplementation


I never understood the importance of taking supplements years ago. Every morning I take my Pharmaton multivitamin and my optibac probiotic. I love Pharmaton because there has been so many trials done to prove It works. It is the only multivitamin that has ginseng. This is brilliant for energy, fatigue and concentration. It has high amounts of all the vitamins and minerals you need for your skin and immune system.




I use ‘for everyday’ Opticbac Probiotics. This is sugar free with no artificial flavorings or coloring's. It contains 5 billion live microorganisms. This probiotic is proven to survive through stomach acidity and reach the gut alive. It contains 6 different strains of bacteria. Suitable for pregnancy, vegetarians, gluten free. There is a higher strength ‘extra strength’. I would advise using this if you feel like your skin is very bad. If you feel like you have severe concerns and need that bit more.  Zinc


Taking a zinc supplement is perfect for treating acne and psoriasis because of its an anti-inflammatory properties. It is also an antibacterial helping to heal blemishes. If you have any small white spots on your fingernails that is a sign of being deficient. The adult RDA (recommended daily allowance) is 6-15 mg a day. Make sure to have a look at the back to check if you are getting enough mg from the brand you choose. 

Vitamin A

Vitamin A can also be taken as a dietary supplement for people suffering from skin conditions such as acne and psosoris. This helps with the production of collagen, reduces oil production and is an antioxidant. Too much vitamin A can build up to toxic levels in the body so it's important to just take the RDA which Is 800mg. You can also use vitamin A (retinol) for your skin. The inky list is a good one to choose.

 

The pill

If your breaking out around the time of your period, your acne might be linked to hormones. Possibly causing your skin to make more oil. Birth control has oestrogen and progesterone which helps balance out your hormones


Tips and tricks that I wish I knew earlier

  1. Let your skin breath  

  2. Wear an SPF

  3. Add antioxidants into your diet

  4. No sunbeds

  5. No smoking

  6. Exfoliate - This takes away a layer of dead skin cells from the surface leaving way for clear smooth skin. Your dead skin cells are like a barrier they won't let your serums and moisturizers in. By getting rid of them they are able to get Deeper into the skin. 

  7. Drink plenty of water

  8. Don’t pick or touch your skin

  9. Reduce your caffeine and sugar intake. For every cup of tea you drink, you should drink 4 glasses of water

  10. Reduce dairy this causes excess oil production. try something like almond milk? 

  11. Be consistent. It's about EVERYTHING you can't just work on the one thing

  12. Be patient, everything takes time. It may take about 3 months to see results but it'll be worth it. You should see improvements in 4- 6 weeks.

  13. Wash your pillowcases dead skin cells, dirt and bacteria build up on them.

Makeup I recommend


Fuschia mineral foundation

Natural ingredients that Suit for all skin types

No chalks and talcs (no clogged pores) 

No harsh chemicals, preservatives alcohol or dyes.

Soothes and heals the skin while wearing it

Natural yet a buildable coverage with a glow and SPF 15

Vichy Dermablend 3D correction oil free foundation


This is another one of my go to’s. It is a mattifying full coverage foundation without oil but doesn’t dry out the skin. What I love most about this is that it contains active ingredients that fight acne. The salicylic acid heals your skin while you're wearing it. It has an SPF 15. It defiantly made me feel confident when I was wearing it. Using my fingertip, I apply it to my most problem areas. I then take my beauty blender and blend blend blend. It doesn’t require any layering. I apply a layer of Vichy's water resistant Dermablend powder.


Routine is key

La Roche Posay Cleanse

Efaclar purifying foaming gel - This is a gentle oil free cleansing wash that can be used both on the face and body. Enriched with Thermal spring water and zinc. It doesn’t over dry the skin but proven to control spots and blackheads leaving your skin feeling fresh and clean. 

Cleanse twice a day. If you cleanse your skin more than this then the skin might feel dry and in turn your skins sebaceous glands produce more oil.


Mask

Effaclar mask is a deep purifying mask, can be used for all skin types. This light clay texture has cellubeads to reduce blackheads, oxidation and unclog pores. It contains kaolin to absorb excess oils. Make sure to not have the mind set of ‘’ if I leave it on for long it will work better’’ NO.  the more oil that is absorbed the drier your skin will become. This will trick your skin and then it will produce more oil in the morning. 


Target

Effaclar A.I breakout corrector.  Reduces the appearance of spots. Targets individual blemishes and helps to prevent scaring.

Tone


Tone using one or the other to close your pores.

Serozinc is pretty much like deodorant for the face. It is a mattifying facial mist that reduces shine which micro-exfoliating the skin. It's like sea water, reduces pore size as well as being an antiseptic.

Effaclar astringent lotion. This is used as a toner. Once a day and contains glycolic acid to tighten the pores and exfoliate the skin. 

Moisturise

Use a light moisturizer. When you cleanse your skin, you remove excess oil so now you want give your skin back with Effaclar mat. This moisturizer keeps the skin hydrated for 8 hours. It is oil free and helps to reduce the appearance of pores and shine while reducing excess sebum production. This gives your skin a matt finish to control shine.

Effaclar H

If you are taking any other medication that is already drying out your skin this would be suitable for you. This moisturizer intensely soothes the skin and restores the skins barrier.

Alternative options


If none of these worked for you. You can try using benzoyl peroxide. Start with the lowest strength (5%). Use this at night in order to allow your skin to slowly get used to the product. After a few days, if there is no significant irritation, increase the application to twice daily. It should be used every day regardless of how severe the acne is because it works to prevent the formation of new spots and not just to deal with those already present. The whole area needs to be treated. Since the treatment will dry out the skin moisturiser is key. Don’t use salicylic acid as this is too aggressive. Move onto 10% if there Is no improvement. Since the skin is tougher on your back you may need to move to 10% straight away. If this doesn’t work you can get creams and oral antibiotics from your GP. For severe acne Roaccutane may be considered but due to it serious side effects a dermatologist must get involved. Remember it isn't the first line treatment so try everything else first. 


I hope you enjoyed reading this blog post. If you have any questions at all please don't hesitate to contact me at @glowbychlo_ on Instagram. Thank you for taking the time to read this.


Chloe x

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