How Can You Get Rid of Oil Deposits That Are Under the Skin Like Pimples?
Pimples are inflammation on the surface of the skin typically caused by pores that have been clogged with oil and dead skin cells 2. By reducing the amount of oil on the skin, you can prevent and treat blemishes. A good skin routine can help unclog pores and control oil production.
Cleanse your face with an oil-free wash. Use an oil-free cleanser designed for daily use. Wash the skin twice a day using lukewarm water to reduce oil buildup that can clog the pores.
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Exfoliate the surface of the skin. An exfoliating scrub can help slough off dead skin cells and oil on the skin’s surface. The CareFair.com website states that you should choose versions with almonds, rose petals or oats. Use an exfoliant on a weekly basis.
Apply an over-the-counter (OTC) acne-fighting topical solution to the skin. Choose a brand with salicylic acid as the active ingredient. The salicylic acid promotes peeling to get rid of oil deposits clogging the pores and causing breakouts. Apply the solution twice a day. For a stronger topical treatment, your doctor can provide you with a prescription for a topical retinoid to control oil on the skin.
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Give yourself a microdermabrasion treatment. Home kits are available to help the user slough off the cells and oil at the surface of the skin. Spas and dermatologist offices typically offer microdermabrasion treatments as well.
Read product labels. Choose non-comedogenic skin-care products and makeup. Non-comedogenic means the product has been tested and found to not clog the pores. All products should also be labeled as oil free.
Tips
Keep objects away from the face that can transfer oil to the skin. This includes hair, hands and cell phones. Contact a dermatologist for assistance if you are unable to get your acne breakouts under control.
Warnings
You should not attempt to remove the oil by popping the pimple since this can increase your chance of infection and scarring.
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References
- Medical News Today: Pimples
- CareFair.com: How to Handle Clogged Pores
- Wang S. Understudied skin characteristics awaiting genetic breakthroughs. J Investig Dermatol Symp Proc. 2018;19(2):S101-S102. doi:10.1016/j.jisp.2018.10.005
- American Academy of Dermatology Association. What can treat large pores?
- Draelos ZD. Cosmeceuticals for male skin. Dermatologic Clinics. 2018;36(1):17-20
- Milam EC, Rieder EA. An approach to cosmeceuticals. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. 2016;15(4):452-6.
- Sakuma TH, Maibach HI. Oily skin: an overview. Skin Pharmacology and Physiology. 2012;25(5):227-35.
- Yeh L, Bonati LM, Silverberg NB. Topical retinoids for acne. Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery. 2016;35(2):50-6.
- Zaenglein AL, Pathy AL, Schlosser BJ, et al. Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2016;74(5):945-73.
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Heather Topham Wood is a seasoned writer whose work has appeared in numerous publications, including USA Today, Gadgetell, Feel Rich and Step in Style. Heather is a published novelist with six Amazon bestsellers and a contract through Crescent Moon Press. She holds a bachelor's degree in English from TCNJ.