Oily Skin..??

So I know a number of people suffer from really oily skin. Oil on the skin is a good thing as it helps  the skin retain moisture, acts as a protective barrier and aids with skin's elasticity making it less likely to wrinkle.

Excessive oil production, however, is not a good thing as this often causes black heads, breakouts, enlarged pores, acne, unwanted shine, etc.

Some causes of oily skin are varied eg. hormonal imbalance, hereditary, diet, certain cosmetics especially ones with fragrance, environmental factors etc..

One important factor to remember when trying to deal with oily skin is: the more you strip the skin of it's natural oils the more the skin will produce in order to compensate that oil that is necessary for it to protect itself. Long story short, harsh drying soaps, washing your face several times throughout the day is not the right thing to do.

What can be done:
Apart from product recommendations I could give you from a qualified somatologist point of view; I thought it would be interesting to approach this topic from a more "unconventional" angle... So here are a few interesting things I've heard (and unfortunately have not tried, but will be doing some case studies and coming back to you with feedback)... And do note, there are so many more ways, I just think you would be put off if the post go any longer!

Milk of magnesia: 

• after cleansing the skin with an oil-free cleanser, apply milk of magnesia, using a cotton ball straight onto your most oily part (more often being the T-panel & chin), allow it to dry completely approx. 5 - 10 minutes, to the rest of the face apply your moisturizer. The milk of magnesia will dry to a powder, and acts as a great primer for makeup which may then be applied directly over. The drying effect apparently lasts between 4 - 8 hours depending on your oil levels. Only negative is, if too much is applied it leaves a white film.

The oil cleansing method: 

• I remember when I studied skincare something that was so profound, in my first year, was that oil dissolves oil. That said I'm, more inclined to be a little more biased towards this method. So how it works: you need castor oil (this is a key ingredient) it  has potent anti-inflammatory properties, but is also healing and cleansing and a lighter natural, cold pressed oil to combine it with, because castor is thick and has potent cleansing properties, eg. olive oil, sunflower seed oil (make sure you read up on the properties of your oil before you buy as most oils are suitable for specific skin types. Combine the two oils together (you can combine more than two oils if you wish). The purpose of the oil is to penetrate the pores, dissolve the oil that has hardened with impurities and that is stuck in the pores. 

Oily Skin: Try a blend of 2/3 Castor Oil to 1/3 Natural Oil.

Balanced Skin: Try a blend of 1/2 Castor Oil to 1/2 Natural Oil.

Dry Skin: Try a blend of 1/3Castor Oil to 2/3 Natural Oil.

these measurements are approximate and can be varied according to your skin's needs

Believe it or not Castor oil can be very drying to the skin...

• Okay, so once you have your oil mix, put some in the palm of your hand, and firmly massage it into your skin focusing more on your problem areas. You do not have to have washed your face prior to this as it will dissolve the makeup very well. Massage it well and for a good few minutes until you feel you have worked the oil into your pores, then let it sit for about a minute or so. Using very warm water (not hot otherwise you will scald, but must be warm enough to dissolve the oil) and a wash cloth, place the wash cloth onto your face, let it sit until it cools down slightly then gently wipe off the oil, do not scrub - the steam will open up your pores and allow the oil with impurities to be released. Rinse of the wash cloth and repeat the wiping process 2-3 times. 
• Your skin will be left soft and supple. Should your skin feel tight use a couple of drops of your oil and massage it into your skin. This treatment should only be done in the evenings and about twice a week, you will know when you are doing it too often as your skin will be dry (start off my mixing small quantities of your oil until you have perfected your mix).

As with anything it is important to remember that all skins differ, what works for one might not work for the other, and also there are no quick fixes - being consistent and giving it time is important... this is an ideas blog and by no means prescriptive...