We can't all be blessed with normal skin. Unfortunately, for many of us, oily skin is our struggle. On the positive side, those with oily skin have skin that doesn't show the signs of aging as quickly as other skin types. So, when life gives you lemons, create lemon juice and water to apply on oily skin. Rinse with warm water.

Oily skin can occur at different stages in your life; adolescence, pregnancy, and menopause. Hormones can play a role in oily skin. Oily skin is characterized by large pores, dullness, a grease-like appearance, and roughness. The sebaceous gland produces excess oil thus giving the skin the shine associated with oily skin. Washing the face several times a day can make the situation worse, causing the gland to produce even more oil. Choosing the right skin regimen and makeup for oily skin is not as difficult as it might seem.

Identifying Your Skin Type

It is important to know your skin type. Examine your face closely. Do you see large pores, flakes, or redness? Each can indicate a different skin type or be indicators of oily skin. Take a tissue to your face and blot. Did you absorb oil? If your self-examination reveals large pores and oil on the tissue, you could have oily skin. The redness can be from excessive washing or sensitive skin. I have combination skin. It is very oily with large pores in the t-zone and dry around my cheeks. If you are still unsure, consult a dermatologist or aesthetician.

Taking Care of Oily Skin

Caring for your skin now will provide benefits for the future. Your skin will thank you five years from now. Know how to take care of you skin, both inside and out. It is important to drink water so that the skin remains hydrated. Taking vitamins, especially vitamin B2 and B5 will also help your body. These vitamins can help the skin look more radiant and improve paleness.

Products for Preparing Oily Skin for Makeup

When cleansing, use an oil-based cleanser since it will help dissolve oil better. Do not use harsh cleaners that leave the skin feeling tight. This tightness will restrict oil flow and lead to clogged pores later. Also, massage the face when cleansing to avoid pushing dirt and oil into the pores. Scrubbing will clog the pores. Rinse with warm water to help dissolve oil. Use a mud or clay mask one or two times a week. Read labels. Look for products that are for oily skin. Avoid products that contain alcohol since alcohol dries the skin. Petroleum based products such as mineral oil contain too much oil and can further clog pores. Use astringents containing acetone. Acetone dissolves oil better. Moisturizers need to be oil-free. You may only need to moisturize certain areas such as around the eyes. Mature skin will need to moisturize the entire face.

I find that applying cucumber juice before applying makeup helps my skin's appearance. Witch-hazel will do the same. Both are excellent ways to create a more balanced ph for the skin. You may even want to spritz lavender water on your face several times a day. It is a good hydrator for oily skin as well as providing antiseptic properties.

Makeup for Oily Skin

Read labels. There are some items that should be avoided and some items that you should look for in makeup for oily skin. There are certain makeup companies that are known for their work in designing products for specific skin types. I recommend Clinique. It has a reputation for excellent care and products. I also like Jane Iredale Cosmetics. This is a mineral based line used by many dermatologists.

Avoid

1. Avoid products containing oil from petroleum. This includes mineral oil. Use oil-free makeup or makeup that is intended to benefit oily skin.

2. Avoid makeup that contains alcohol. Alcohol will strip the skin of oil, which may cause the body to produce even more.

3. Look for ingredients such as bismuth oxychloride and dimenthicone. Both can clog pores and may cause blemishes. These are commonly found in foundation or powder based products.

Beneficial

1. Find foundations that contain titanium dioxide, a naturally occurring sun protector.

2. Makeup for oily skin should contain serecite to reduce the appearance of pores and help absorb oil.

3. Kaolin clay added in foundation will help oil control.

4. Zinc oxide used in makeup will act as an anti-inflammatory.

A makeup artist will use products designed for a customer's skin type in order to promote healthy skin. It is equally important for the makeup artist to become familiar with products and ingredients for specific skin care. Knowing how to take care of a customer's skin will benefit the client and the makeup artist's reputation.

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