Guest Author - Carolyn Chambers Clark, ARNP, EdD

What causes oily skin?

Oily skin occurs when you sebaceous or oil-secreting glands produce more oil than your skin needs for normal lubrication.


What are the advantages and disadvantages of oily skin?

The advantages of oily skin are that it protects against age spots, discoloration, fine lines and wrinkles. It also tans easily.

The disadvantage of excess oil is that it can clog pores and cause blemishes. Oily skin is prone to breakouts well past adolescence and give you an oily or greasy feeling, enlarged pores and a chronically shiny-faced appearance.

What steps can you take to reduce oily skin?

* Sprinkle kelp or seaweed on your soups, salads and other foods; it supplies the balanced minerals needs for good skin tone.

* Take a B-complex capsule daily; B vitamins are important for healthy skin tones.

* Eat lots of foods high in vitamin A; this vitamin is necessary for healing and construction of new skin tissue. Carrots (steamed), cod liver oil, green and yellow fruits and vegetables,

* Eat foods high in zinc; it is important in tissue repair and is found in pumpkin and sunflower seeds, egg yolks, fish, kelp (seaweed), seafood, soy lecithin, soybeans, whole grain breads and cereals, lamb, lima beans, mushrooms, pecans, oysters, poultry, sardines

* Apply aloe vera on your skin; follow directions on the label.

* Mist your skin with lavender water 2-3 times a day.

* Drink at least 10 glasses of well-filtered water a day to flush out toxins.

* Reduce the amount of fat in your diet. Consume no fried foods, meats or animal fats, or heat-processed vegetables oils such as those sold in supermarkets. Use cold pressed extra virgin oil only.

* Avoid soft drinks, alcohol, sugar, chocolate and junk food.

* Wash your face 2-3 times a day using a pure soap with no additives. Pine tar soap may help (health food store). Never use cleansers or lotions that contain alcohol. Use an oil-free moisturizer.

* Use a facial loofah sponge (health food store) and warm water to boost circulation, remove dead skin cells, and remove impurities found in oily skin. Avoid using around your eyes or on open sores.

* Use a clay mask (health food store) follow directions 3x/week.

* Once or twice daily, mix equal parts of lemon juice and water. Pat mixture on your face and allow to dry, then rinse with warm water followed by a cool-water rinse.

* Avoid smoking and smoky places that promote enlargement of pores and impairs the overall health of the skin.