Nothing is more embarrassing than a face full of grease. The hotter temperatures only make matters worse for oily skin, adding sweat and melting makeup to the mix. There’s a fine line between sporting a healthy glow and an overly-shiny complexion.

Oily skin is caused by excess sebum production. Hormones and genetics are often the culprit, which is why teenagers tend to suffer from grease and breakouts more often. But, like adult acne, a shiny complexion can stick (or slip) with you through adulthood.

Try the following tips to rid your face of unwanted shine, clogged pores and breakouts.

Lather Up

Wash your face at least twice per day with a mild cleanser. Harsh soaps and detergents tend to strip away too much oil, causing skin to overproduce oil as a protective reaction. Remember that some natural moisture is good for your skin – it helps prevent wrinkles and defends against harsh environmental elements. If you suffer from oily skin, stray away from any cleansers with added moisturizers or facial oils, as these may be too heavy and promote further skin congestion. If your fingers don’t do the trick, try a washcloth or facial cleansing brush. Although some think hot water helps to disinfect bacteria, it’s best to rinse with warm or cool temperatures that won’t dry you out. Pat, never rub, your skin dry. If you suffer from acne, 2 percent salicylic acid cleansers can help break down oils and eradicate blemishes.

Use Toner

Toning your skin helps to tighten pores, clean up residue and prevent excess sebum production. For an all-natural solution, apply witch hazel to your t-zone and chin with a cotton ball or pad. Alcohol-based astringents are too harsh for sensitive skin conditions like rosacea, so make sure to read your ingredients and talk to your dermatologist before trying new products. Let the toner dry on your face before applying a light facial moisturizer with SPF in outward circle motions. Don’t forget to moisturize your neck and décolleté to fight against the signs of aging and sun damage.

Deep Clean

Set aside a few minutes in your AM or PM skincare routine to apply a deep cleansing face mask. Look for a clay-based solution that effectively removes impurities and allows pores to breathe properly. Because they give a deeper clean, limit your face mask routine to once per week to prevent over drying. Depending on the mask, removal might take a little extra time, but you can use a cotton washcloth to facilitate the process. While you wait for your mask to dry (approximately 20 minutes), lay fresh and cold cucumber slices on your eyes to de-puff and minimize dark circles simultaneously.

Eat Right

Remember when your mother told you that eating chocolate would make your skin break out? There might be some truth to that, assuming she was strictly referring to milk chocolate. Foods high in sugar and fat trigger excess oil production, which causes added facial sheen. Pure (dark) chocolate, on the other hand, is good for your skin because of its free radical fighting qualities. Other antioxidant-laden foods like blueberries, whole grains, spinach and peppers improve complexion, along with omega-3s found in salmon, tuna or fish oil supplements. Don’t forget about Vitamin C to help your skin regenerate and stop cell damage. Unlike fried foods and sugar-heavy sodas, fresh fruits and vegetables are skin’s best friend.

Visiting a dermatologist to assess your oily skin condition and guide you through a tailored treatment plan is your best bet. In addition to medical-grade products that fight against facial grease, Dr. Mariano Busso offers services like Miami medical facials that improve acne and excess oils substantially. To schedule an appointment with South Florida’s leading aesthetic dermatologist, contact us at 305-857-0144.