Caring for Oily Skin ...

Having and caring for oily skin, of all the skin types, is often the most challenging.

Your body's oil production is completely natural and is the product of your sebaceous glands located in the dermis or middle layer of your skin.

These natural oils help keep your skin moist and supple. But for some, the sebaceous glands produce too much oil, leading to the most dreaded of the skin types – oily skin and the problems associated with caring for oily skin.

Oily skin can cause several skin problems, including blackheads, shiney skin, makeup that won't stay on the face and of course, acne. (What is Acne?)

While there are other causes, oily skin is the most likely causes of these conditions. Unfortunately, just washing your face regularly isn't going to prevent oily skin and over-washing can actually cause more problems than it prevents.

How do I know I have oily skin?

Most teenagers have oily skin because the teenage years are when hormone production is in full swing. But if you've passed your teenage years, there are other ways of determining whether or not you have oily skin and of caring for oily skin.

It's fairly easy to detect, simply by looking in the mirror. Do you notice a sheen on your skin, especially in your T-Zone. Your T-Zone starts at the point between your eyes and extends vertically down along your nose all the way to your chin. The zone also runs horizontally across the bridge of your nose, starting and ending at the center point below each eye

You may or may not notice this oily sheen during the day, so check again as soon as you wake. If there's a sheen, chances are good you have oily skin.

While you're standing at the mirror, take a look at your hair. If it's oily, it's another indication that you have oily skin. If you wear make-up, especially foundation, and you find it fades or wears off after a couple of hours, that's yet another indication of oily skin.

If you're constantly patting your face with powder or even a handkerchief it's probably because of oily skin.

The presence of acne is another good indicator, although stress, hormones and other factors can all cause outbreaks. And remember that oily skin isn't only found on your face; Your back, neck, chest, shoulders and arms can all be oily.

What to know about caring for oily skin

If you do have oily skin, you probably feel that the best way to combat it is to strip away those pore-clogging, sheen-producing oils... Don't.

Although they are troublesome and compromise your complexion, oils produced by the sebaceous glands are important because they act as your skins natural moisturizer.

Oily skin can be sensitive, so rather than completely removing the natural oils, try to keep them under control.

If you continually use harsh soaps to strip away natural oils it may cause the sebaceous glands to increase oil production. Your glands will instinctively try to replenish the lost oils and you could end up with a bigger problem.

You have to keep oily skin clean, so that pores remain open and clear. Otherwise, dead cells, dirt and other bacteria will clog pores and cause acne. Another important reason for caring for oily skin properly.

Your skin is delicate so always use a gentle cleanser and warm, not hot water. Exfoliate weekly with a non-abrasive product to help remove any pore-clogging material or use a toner that doesn't include alcohol as an ingredient.

Use products that moisturize in moderation and always use according to directions.

Make sure the cosmetics and sun protection you use are oil-free and look for skin care products with the words 'non-comedogenic' or 'non-acnegenic' on the labels.