Struggling with Oily Skin not only affects your looks, it affects your self-esteem as well. Many people search for the right advice and products for oily skin to reduce their issues. But in a situation like this, when you aren’t sure where to turn, you can also seek the counsel of a dermatologist. They are trained to tell you the best, and worst, things you can do to treat your oily skin. The proper daily routine will be their first suggestion. But if needed, they may resort to topical, oral, or even surgical remedies. These treatments will help you gain control over those overactive sebaceous glands. And soon enough, you’ll want to show off your fantastic skin instead of hiding it away. If you’re interested in the typical dermatologist treatment for oily skin, keep reading!

Dermatologist Recommended Treatment Options

You can spend your time scanning the internet for oily skin treatments, or you can go to the source. A dermatologist will always start you off with the basics. If that doesn’t work, they’ll lead you down the right path to the next best option. They’ll only bring out the big guns when all else has failed.

Daily Routine

The first suggestion a dermatologist will recommend is a good oily skin care routine. First, you must use a cleanser twice a day, in the morning and at night. This should be a gentle foaming or gel product, so it won’t cause irritation. If a basic facial cleanser doesn’t cut through the excess oil, you can raise the stakes a bit. Find one that contains salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic acid, or beta-hydroxy acid. These ones are mainly aimed at those with acne, but they can help with oily skin as well. Be sure not to overuse any cleansers. They can strip away all your oils and dry out your skin, kicking your sebaceous glands into overdrive.

Toning your skin is also great, but don’t choose an astringent toner. A harsh toner will cause irritation that will also lead to more oil. You should also only use toners on your oiliest areas, like your T-zone and chin. Even though it may seem strange to add moisturizer to an already moist face, don’t skip this step. Lightweight, oil-free moisturizers will hydrate your skin, soothing it. This will help to slow your oil production. Sunscreen is also a must since the sun can dry out and damage your skin. Sebum is produced as a protective measure, so if the sun is beating down on you, your oily skin will only get worse. An oil-free gel is the best option for oily skin, for protection that won’t leave you with a greasy feel.

Limit your use of scrubs and masks. Though exfoliating is important, if you scrub your skin daily, the oil will be out of control trying to soothe it. Masks and clays can also lead to dryness, adding to the problem. Once every couple of weeks is best for all these types of products. Since washing your face twice a day is the limit, you may be wondering how to control the oil between washes. Medicated pads that include oil-cutting ingredients can be carried with you. The same goes for blotting papers. Use either throughout the day to remove oil and save your makeup. Another important daily reminder is to drink lots of water to keep your skin hydrated. Eating healthy is also important. The worse the things you put in your body are, the more oil will show up on the outside. Fruits and veggies are best, along with healthy proteins like nuts and lean meats.

Topical Remedies

Technically speaking, moisturizers and sunscreens are topical products to use on oily skin. But they are not used strictly to control it. When a normal daily routine is not enough, you can try some other topical solutions. The most common type of cream recommended is a Retinoid. These are Vitamin A based formulas. The reason these are so popular is that this ingredient helps control excess oil. There are many over-the-counter Vitamin A creams for you to use. Or, you can speak with a medical professional to obtain a prescription for one. They will be able to help you choose the right one for your specific skin type. 

Creams containing 2% Niacinamide, or Vitamin B3, may also help reduce shine in those with oily skin. Polyphenol is another ingredient to watch for. This is an extract that comes from saw palmetto, argan oil, and sesame seeds. It promotes blood flow, bringing oxygen to your skin. The benefits are better elasticity, smoothness, and of course, decreased oil. You can also eat foods rich in Polyphenol as well, with similar results.

Oral Treatment

One of the most effective oral treatments for excess oil is Isotretinoin. It reduces the amount of sebum produced. More importantly, it can shrink the sebaceous gland itself. This means these glands won’t be able to produce as much oil in the future, as long as you keep taking the medication. But this may be a strong measure since this product is aimed at those with severe cystic acne. You may have trouble convincing a dermatologist to give it to you for oily skin alone. The main side effect of this is the danger to an unborn child, so if you’re pregnant or plan to become so, this one is a no-no. That’s why this form of treatment is used along with oral contraceptives. Regular blood tests are also necessary for this reason.

Antiandrogens, like Spironolactone, are also great options for decreasing your oil production. It also treats any acne you may be experiencing as a result of the excess. But again, it is usually prescribed as an acne treatment rather than an oil reducer. Though men won’t have this as an option, oral contraceptives are one of the best measures for women. Regulating your cycle and reducing the chances of pregnancy are the main benefits. But for many women, birth control can also help with oily skin and acne.

Other Treatment Options

Though a chemical peel isn’t a long-term solution, it may help to temporarily relieve you of excess oil. You can do a chemical peel at home or have it done by a professional. There are also different types to choose from. Some just refresh your appearance, while others make you look years younger. These treatments can help with sun damage, mild scarring, lines and wrinkles, and acne. A clear complexion will be the result. Laser treatments for acne can also help when your oily skin is out of control. This is because the main function of these treatments is a decrease in sebum production. Secondary benefits are shrunken pores and fewer breakouts for a clear complexion. Laser treatments are non-invasive, so there is little to no recovery time needed.

Typical Dermatologist Treatment for Oily Skin Final Thoughts

If you have oily skin, hiding seems like a better option than walking around with shiny, greasy skin. But you don’t need to be ashamed of your skin. All skin types have their issues. Those with sensitive skin, combination skin, or just plain oiliness can fight back. All you need to do is find the best daily routine, eat a healthy diet, and seek medical advice when needed. There are so many different types of treatments offered by your dermatologist. They can help you find the best one for you, even if you are in need of extreme measures. If you have a favorite treatment that works great for your oily skin, tell us about it in our comments section. And don’t forget to share this article with anyone you know in need of some oily skin help. If you are looking for more hair care articles check out our hair care buyer’s guides.

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