Why do some people experience oily skin while others seem to have the perfect complexion? Skin protects our bones and muscles, and sweats out toxins and heats our body and cools it down. But sometimes, we don’t appreciate the skin because of problems that arise from a poor complexion.

Oily skin has many causes, some of which is hormones and pregnancy. It can be hereditary, birth control pills, diet and hot weather with humidity. All of these contribute to oily skin. Many teenagers are bombarded by hormonal changes as they grow from a child into an adult.

Pimples and acne arise, and can disappear once the puberty has settled. Unfortunately, some people still suffer from oily skin even after puberty has ended.

Oily skin is caused when the sebaceous glands are overactive and produce more oil than necessary. It leaks through the enlarged pores and gives the skin a shiny look. While oily skin tends to be common in teenagers going through puberty, it can hit people at any age. Blackheads and enlarged pores and blemishes are a result of the excess oils, and can cause embarrassment for many people.

However, there is a way to control the oil. First one must determine the cause of the excess oil. Humidity and hot weather is something one cannot control, as well as pregnancy, hormonal changes and puberty are all part of life and cannot be controlled as well.

However, if diet or birth control pills are a factor, then one can look at alternatives, or look for other options, maybe trying a different form of birth control. As most women know, birth controls changes the internal environment of the body, and if oily skin is a result and it bothers, then consider using condoms or other methods that doesn’t involve altering your body chemistry.

The same advice applies if diet pills or shakes are being used to assist in weight loss.

While skin usually starts to become drier as it ages, oily skin ages more slowly than the other skin types. That’s probably one of the best advantages of having oily skin. However, one still needs to wash with hot water and soap to clear the pores of dirt, and prevent them from being clogged.

But limit the washings to two or three times a day, as any more than that, stimulates the skin to produce more oil.

There are natural ways to combat oily skin. Before taking a bath, apply to your face a half a teaspoon of lime juice and half a teaspoon of cucumber juice, mixed together. They act as a weak astringent and eliminate the oil.

Choosing a store bought astringent is tricky, as they tend to do more harm than good because they stimulate the overproduction of oil. If an astringent is necessary, choose one that contains acetone, which is excellent for dissolving oil. Stay away from the very strong astringents.

A clay or mud mask is also beneficial for oily skin, as it clears away excess oil. Rubbing oily skin with apple cider vinegar neutralizes oily patches. Smoking damages the overall skin. They promote the enlargement of pores, and give the skin a dull complexion.

Smokers also get an increase of blackheads surrounding the mouth area. Getting enough sleep improves all areas of the body, including the skin. By allow the body to rest; the skin has the opportunity to repair itself. Exercise also benefits the skin as it pumps up the blood and encourages great circulation.