Oily Skin a Big Problem for Many Men

Oily skin is a big problem for many men. The skin's oil, which is called sebum, provides natural protection and lubrication. It may even have a slight antibacterial activity. But excessive oiliness is not desirable.

Excessive oils can harbor bacteria and allow the bacterial cultures to multiply. One type of bacteria naturally present on the skin's surface is called P Acnes bacterium. Overgrowth of the bacterium plays a role in acne.
Excessive oils can also attract dirt. The dirt particles can get stuck in the pores. Oil can become trapped beneath the clog, mixing with bacteria and dead skin cells.

 A minor infection, which most of us call pimples, can develop. Inflammation accompanies all infections.

Inflammation is a problem that you want to keep to a minimum. The inflammatory process damages and degrades the skin's elastic fibers. Chronic inflammation speeds skin aging, making you look older before your time.

The cause of excessive oil production may be hormonal changes, like those that accompany puberty. Other causes include using bad skincare products, including harsh cleansers.

Harsh cleansers strip the skin's natural oils and change the pH balance. The sebum-producing glands respond to the lack of oil by producing more sebum. So, it is something of a vicious cycle. You use a harsh cleanser or astringent to "dry up" the skin. Your body responds by producing more oil.

A state of dryness is not desirable because it leaves the skin unprotected. Excessive dryness can cause problems similar to those caused by inflammation. Dry skin looks older.

Harsh cleansers are not the only skincare products to avoid. Many health and beauty aids contain ingredients that are derived from petroleum-based oils. The same kind of oil you put in the engine of your car.

These petroleum based oils are not compatible with your skin. They change the pH balance. They can easily harbor dirt particles, harbor bacteria and clog the pores. Petrolatum and mineral oil are examples of petroleum-based ingredients. One or both could be in your shaving cream, your shampoo, your body wash or your aftershave lotion.

Because the oils are not absorbed by the skin, they cause a long-lasting greasy feeling and leave the skin looking shiny. It is best to read the labels of the skincare products you use and avoid petroleum-based ingredients whenever possible.

The short-term goal then is to dry up the excessive oils without stripping the skin or changing the pH balance. A good deep cleansing mask will take care of that for you. Don't worry. You don't have to put on some stinky funny colored mask and leave it on for hours. Today's best masks are lightweight and practically colorless.

The long term goal is to do what you can to balance sebum production. Specific ingredients that can be found in some of the better daily skincare products will take care of that.

The steps necessary to reach your short and long term goals are the subject of the next article in this series. Oily skin doesn't have to be a big problem for you, if you just follow a few easy steps.

Please click the Oily Skin Solution link below in the resource author box.

And now I would like to invite you to visit http://www.xtendskincare.com for FREE Instant Access to The Oily Skin Solution for Men.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Larry_L._Taylor

Share the article with your friends. Someone might need...!