Oily Skin
Q: I have the world's most oily skin. Even after I clean my face, it looks
oily. It puddles on my skin by morning. My face is so oily that
there is a glare on pictures. I clean my face several times a day.
I have been using the same products since I was fifteen, which is Sea Breeze
and Clearisil. While I am prone to get a zit now and again, my complexion
is basically clear, just incredibly oily skin. I suppose it's kind of a blessing
in disguise because it's probably one of the reasons I look a little younger
than I am (getting close to 36). Is there a medication available that
will slow down my hyperactive sebaceous glands?
Dr. Donnica: There is no medication per se that will slow down or reduce
the oil production in your skin, but some behavior changes might help. Ironically,
the fact that you're washing your face "several" times per day might
be hurting more than helping! When you wash your face, you're signaling
to your body to increase oil production, especially when you use a drying agent
like Sea Breeze. For the next week, skip the Sea Breeze and try cleansing
your face only in the morning and the evening with an oil-control cleanser.
If this doesn't help, it is time to visit your dermatologist for specific suggestions.
Created: 1/3/2003 - Donnica Moore, M.D.
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