How to Polish Up and Refine Oily Shiny Skin With Open Pores

 If you have shiny, oily skin with open pores, this is due to the high activity of the oil glands in your skin. Shiny open pored skin is a genetic skin type, and it is likely that other members in your family may also have a shiny open pored skin. 

The body does not like to loose excessive amounts of moisture or allow the skin to dry and crack, because this will leave it more 'open' or susceptible to bacterial invasion. So it secrets sebum (oil), which not only coats and protects the skin from drying and cracking (and wrinkling), but as it contains natural bactericidal and anti-fungal chemicals. The sebum aids in the protection of the skin, and therefore, the body from infection. 

Some of the benefits of an oily skin type are that this skin is well preserved by its natural oils, so  this skin type tends to age well, or slower than a dry skin. It rarely becomes sensitive, and has a good resistance to infections and environmental changes. Healthy natural oils resist bacteria growing and preserve the skin, a kind of a natural anti-ageing moisturizer. However, if not cared for and balanced correctly, if you try to strip the skin it can cause a disruption in the natural balance of the skin's flora which could result in bacterial growth and infection.

Open pores can also be the result of environmental stresses on the skin which can result in what we call, reactive sebborhea. This is a skin condition, where the skin has been stripped by harsh products, aggressive treatments or environmental factors. As a result, the body attempts to protect the skin from over-drying by 'pumping' or secreting more oil to lubricate and protect the skin from drying out. 

Oily skin is not usually a problem, unless it has been stripped, and has resulted in reactive sebborhea, or the pores become infected or clogged, which can result in blackheads and acne. Some of the problems that can occur on a shiny, oily, open pored skin when the skin is neglected, is that the oil and dead skin cells are allowed to accumulate, clogging the pores and causing blackheads and acne. To manage the shine, reduce the size of the open pores, prevent clogging of open pores and balance the oil, choose skin care particularly designed for oily and sensitive skin. 

The objective to manage oily, open pored skin is to balance the oil flow, hydrate, protect, reduce shine and exfoliate regularly. As you re-balance the oil flow, the pores will reduce in size. Choose gentle cleansers without detergents, with vitamins, natural botanicals and antioxidants to soothe, calm and reduce the activity of the oil glands. Cleansers with a low percentage BHAs (salicylic acid), give the added benefit of exfoliating and unclogging, however these are only good for a short periods or used occasionally and sparingly. Long term use of AHAs (glycolic acid, lactic acid etc.) or BHAs (salicylic acid) can strip the skin causing excessive flaking, tightness, dehydration, and sensitising the skin. The skin will tell you when it has had enough, if it hurts, stings or reacts with a rash or breakouts, you may be overdoing it with the acids so slow down, give your skin a break. Use a milder and gentle cleanser designed to reduce inflammation and use the AHA or BHA cleanser only every other day instead of daily. 

To reduce open pores, choose a gentle exfoliant without AHAs or BHA and use it 2-3 times per week at home to refine the skin.

Toners do not close pores. In the old days  (or more recently in poorly or cheap formulated products) they used to use alcohols and other irritating ingredients to make the skin swell, thereby make the pores appear to close temporarily. These irritating agents strip the skin, aggravate it, and can cause reactive sebborhea and skin inflammation which accelerates ageing and leads to poor skin health. So look for toners/lotions/skin tonics that are based on antioxidants, soothing and calming ingredients to moisturise an oily skin. 

Look for moisturisers that contain hyaluronic acid, which will hydrate the skin without over nourishing. A good moisturiser for oily open pored skin will also contain antioxidants, cell communicating ingredients such an niacinamide, and BHA in a night cream only. Many moisturisers for oily skin also contain matifying ingredients, such as micro-sponges to absorb excess oil and reduce shine without stripping or aggravating the skin. 

Professional treatments that work well on an oily open pored skin are: balancing facial treatments, and peels that contain 2% BHA. For very large open pores, a course of microdermabrasion will help refine the pores and smooth the skin.

All AHAs and BHA overtime thin your skin and make it more sensitive to the sun, so you must protect your skin. If you're using AHAs or BHA in your skincare routine you must also use a broad spectrum sunscreen to protect your skin during the day. 

Here is some more information on BHA or salicylic acid.
http://thebeautybusinessau.blogspot.com.au/2014/02/bha-beta-hydroxy-acid.html

Discover professional advice and beauty tips to treat open pores in the following articles:

1. Oily shiny skin open pores
 
2. Clogged open pores

3. Scarred open pores 

4. Ageing saggy open pores

For more great tips join Skincare School Online!

Have a beautiful day! 

Jana x

http://janaelston.com/ 

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