How to Improve Oily Skin for Men
Oily skin can leave a not-so-sexy glow across your face, especially in men, who naturally have oilier skin than women. Not only does oily skin affect your appearance, it can lead to acne. Although you need some oil on your face to keep it hydrated, an overabundance can be problematic.
Oily skin can leave a not-so-sexy glow across your face, especially in men, who naturally have oilier skin than women. Not only does oily skin affect your appearance, it can lead to acne. Although you need some oil on your face to keep it hydrated, an overabundance can be problematic. There's no fix-all, magic potion for men to get rid of oily skin, but a few routine steps can help you keep the oil at bay.
Step 1
Wash your face every day – once in the morning and once in the evening -- with warm water and a facial cleanser containing alpha-hydroxy acids. Face wash with alpha-hydroxy acids helps to reduce oil in the pores. Don't be tempted to wash your face more frequently; doing so will strip away all of the natural oils, which actually causes your skin to produce more.
Step 2
Eat a diet high in fruits and vegetables, and cut back on fried and processed foods. Load up on kiwi and lemons; both fruits are acne-fighters and help to balance out your skin tone.
Step 3
Soak a cotton ball with witch hazel. Dab it onto your face twice a day for about three weeks, then once daily thereafter. The tannins in witch hazel tighten up the pores.
Step 4
Soak a cotton ball with buttermilk. Massage the buttermilk into your skin three to five times per week after washing your face. Leave the buttermilk on your skin for a few minutes before rinsing with cool water. The acids in the buttermilk cleanse the skin and tighten pores.
Step 5
Apply an egg white mask to your face every week. Put one egg white into a bowl. Add 1 teaspoon of honey and mix well with a fork. Add a pinch of flour and stir to make a paste. Use a cotton ball to apply the mixture to your face. Leave it on for 10 minutes, then rinse with warm water. This mask will soak up excess oil while tightening the skin.
Step 6
Keep your hands off your face, especially if you haven't washed your hands first. Touching your face with your hands adds extra oil to the skin. And don't use skin-care products or moisturizers that contain added oils. Look for products that are oil-free or non-comedogenic.
Step 7
Exfoliate your skin one to two times per week. This will get rid of the dead skin cells that clog the pores and cause acne. Use an oil-free exfoliating product and scrub in small, circular motions for a minute or two before rinsing with cool water.
Step 8
Keep oil-blotting rice papers on hand. These thin strips of paper will absorb the excess oil from the skin. Blot your skin with rice papers throughout the day as you notice oil building up.
Step 9
Apply a clay facial mask to your skin one to two times per week to help absorb the oils. If using a store-bought mask, choose one with glycolic acid to help control the grease. Or make your own clay mask at home by combining 1 tablespoon of witch hazel and 1 teaspoon of facial clay. Stir well with a spoon, then smooth the mask onto your skin. Leave the mask on for at least 10 minutes – or until the mask has dried – then rinse it off.