Healthy skin is possible, no matter your skin type. But in order to achieve the look you want, you first have to understand your skin type and know what works best for it. For those with oily skin, here are a few tips to keep your skin nourished, clean, and protected.

Some of the characteristics of oily skin include the following:

-Overall shine; sometimes a “slick” feeling, even when you’re wearing makeup
-Coarse texture
-Enlarged pores
-Resistance to fine lines and wrinkles
-Sallow complexion
-Acne spots and blackheads
-Tendency to repel makeup

What causes oily skin? Oily skin is caused by excessive secretions of sebum, the skin’s natural oil. Poor health, especially a diet high in sugar and saturated fats can exacerbate the problem. Other factors such as emotional upsets and stress are known to trigger increased sebum deposits. The answer to fighting oily skin is not to let it “dry out.” Dried-out skin caused by alcohol-based products and harsh soaps actually activate the oil glands to produce more sebum, making the situation even slicker.

To take care of your oily skin properly, use only non-comedogenic products (free of mineral oil and other petroleum-based derivatives) that keep your pores clean and prevent acne spots. Cleanse your skin regularly with a product designed to treat oil-prone skin to aid in removing bacteria and waxy oils from the pores. After cleansing, apply an alcohol-free toner and a lightweight moisturizer. Once a week, use a gentle exfoliant to loosen and remove blackheads.

As is the case with any skincare regiment, always apply sunscreen. Doing so significantly reduces the amount of sun damage to the skin and the risk of skin cancer. Choose one that is oil-free and created for faces and you won’t have to worry about breakouts.