Myth 1: Caring for Oily Skin

One of the biggest misconceptions in skincare is that of Oily skin. From teen magazines, to commercials, or even browsing your local drugstore, the message is clear: use strong cleansers on oily skin. All the harshest products are marketed as being for oily skin. Wash off the oil; dry it up!

I tried that, for years I did, and I was always so discouraged when my skin became oily again by the afternoon. So you just keep adding more and more products to the mix. My prescription cleanser was so drying that my skin felt like crepe paper afterwards.

The Truth: Your skin is sending you a message, "I'm too dry!"

People with oily skin should use the same cleanser as a normal complected person. When your skin senses that it is too dry, it produces oil. The more you strip off the more it produces. You can see where that's going. You want to remove the surface oil without drying out your skin.

the routine: in 4 steps

1) Remember to wash your face no more than twice a day using a gentle cleanser.

2) Use a gentle toner. This will take off any residual cleanser and prep your skin for your topical/moisturizer.

3a) For acne-prone skin: Use a good topical. Tea tree oil, neem, and green tea are good ingredients to look for.

3b) Always use a moisturizer! Look for a moisturizer that is light and won't clog your pores.

the optional 4th

4a) Sunscreen: Regular use can help fade spots from blemishes. Natural moisturizers often use the physical sunscreens zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide.

4b) Night cream: A night cream is like a heavier moisturizer. Totally optional, but I like to give my skin a little something extra while it does the overnight repairing. Use at night in place of moisturizer.

PRN

Use masks and scrubs sparingly.

It can take some time and experimentation to find the right combination. Remember that cost is not always a good indicator of how well a product will work on your skin. No two people's skin is the same, so find what works for you!