Do you have oily hair? If so, there are many ways that you can cope with your oily hair.  In fact, there are other methods besides washing your hair with shampoos and conditioners designed for your oily hair.

Oily hair is a condition that everyone has to deal with at some point.  The causes are numerous, but the main ones include: a hereditary condition (someone in your family has it too); hormone changes (puberty, menstruation, birth control pills, menopause, etc.); using body mass increasing drugs (androgenic hormones); and more oil glands on the scalp than hair (fine hair is usually more oily than thick hair).

You can manage and treat your oily hair at home.   Your first step is to find a good shampoo that has a pH level of 6.7 or above.  You must rinse your hair very well after shampooing as shampoo residue helps collect oil and dirt very quickly.  You must avoid hair conditioners as these are designed to moisturize your hair and will just add to your problem.  However, if your hair has dry ends, get your hair trimmed every four weeks and apply a gentle conditioner at the hair ends only.

You may have been told by your mother, if you are a female, to brush your hair at least one hundred times.  However, if you have oily hair, the oil is dragged from your scalp and throughout your hair, just moving more oil into your already oily hair.

Home remedies can sometimes work as well as, if not better than shampoos for oily hair.  The old-fashioned treatments for oily hair do work very well.  You can try these:

• Acid Rinse – You can cheaply apply lemon juice (1 cup water to juice of 1 lemon) or watered down white or cider vinegar (1 cup water to 2 tablespoons vinegar) to your hair.  Let it sit for a few minutes and use warm, clean water to rinse well.
• Black Tea Astringent – You can use your regular black tea, steeped in hot water, allowed to cool and then massaged into your hair.  Rinse well with warm, clean water.
• Beer Rinse – If you have old beer lying around, massaging beer into your hair and scalp, leaving it for a few minutes and then rinsing with warm, clean water is highly effective.  In fact, the beer will not only get rid of the excess oil, but leave your hair shiny and healthy. Beer can have a drying effect, and it cleans right down to your scalp, leaving your hair with a healthy shine.

Oily hair is never pleasant and it is not due to the food that you eat.  In many cases, it is either something that you inherited or because of hormonal issues.  However, you can treat your oily hair at home with or without store bought hair products.  In fact, home remedies for oil hair have been successfully treating oily hair for thousands of years, well before shampoos and conditioners were invented.

If you have no time to wash your hair a dry shampoo could be the answer. They can be sprayed into the hair where they absorb the oil and then brushing the hair removes any trace of the shampoo. Great for a quick fix.

Essentially the oil glands over produce sebum to such a degree that the gland itself becomes engorged and swollen and feels hard when you touch it.

Normally the skin is able to push any excess oil through the hair follicle and out through the pores to the skin’s surface. The inability to push the excess oil out cause the gland to swell and eventually to burst. The resulting inflammation during and after this process can turn the skin an angry res and be just as sore as it looks.

The effect of the gland bursting this far below the surface often results in the typically sunken pitted scarring.

Usually the outbreaks are caused by a surge of hormones during adolescence and we typically see teenagers suffering from cystic acne. It  can also be related to surges during the menstrual cycle in women when there is a surge of hormones. Here we would typically see an outbreak at this time which clears and then another outbreak occurs at the next cycle.

Adult acne can also occur, typically in the thirties where acne may have not been a problem in the teenage years.

Treatment options include drugs such as hormone modulating drugs, accutane and some types of antibiotic. These treatment regimes should be carefully discussed with your doctor or dermatologist and the side effects clearly understood.  In some instances the upside of clear skin must be weighed against the downside of some unpleasant side effects.

Gentle cleansing with a cleanser that cleans effectively but doesn’t leave a greasy residue and rinses away cleanly is important. Use lukewarm water and pat dry gently. A fine clay mask such as Skinsaviour rejuvenator will help draw impurities from the skin and keep the pores clear. Above all treat the skin gently – over cleansing will irritate and inflame the skin making the condition look worse. Cleansers or toners that strip the natural oils from the skin will only encourage the skin to produce more oil.

1. Pores of the skin are larger in size than normal skin and clearly visible.

2. The skin appears to be thicker and firmer than normal skin.

3. Skin, especially on the forehead, nose and chin has a shiny, oily sheen to it.

4. Blemishes including blackheads, whiteheads and acne occur frequently.

5. If you cleanse the skin and leave it bare for an hour then blot the skin with a tissue you will seee an oily residue left on the tissue.

6. Skin becomes oily only hours after it has been thoroughly cleansed.

7. Oil on the face after waking in the morning.

8. Can be olive in colour rather than fair and tan easily.

9. Makeup tends to ‘slide’  hours after it has been applied.

10. Fine lines and wrinkles are slow to show on the face.

Stress can cause oil production to be increased as hormones are also produced when we experience strong emotion. Although stress does not cause pimple outbreaks, people often find it makes existing outbreaks of pimples or acne worse. When we become extremely stressed or have high stress for long periods of time the adrenal glands produce a substance called cortisol which is released into the bloodstream. Part of this chemical chain reaction that is caused by the initial stress is an increase in sebum production.

Male hormones are responsible for the start of sebum production and are found in both males and females at puberty, but in differing quantities.

What we can do

• Oil production is one of nature’s responses to irritation – gentle cleansing will reduce irritation and therefore oil production.
• Avoid soap – squeaky clean is not what we want for oily skin.
• Stripping away natural oils will cause more to be produced.
• Don’t over wash – Morning and night is sufficient for even the oiliest skin.
• Clay masks may help soaking up excess oil. It can leave the skin looking fresher and less oily for some hours after.
• Use a moisturiser that is non-comodegenic.
• Reducing stress will reduce the production of hormones that signal oil production.

Acne – myths and misconceptions

#6 – Certain foods cause acne
Although there is little research to prove that certain foods cause acne, some people find that certain foods do cause their acne to become worse. Greasy and fries foods should be kept to a minimum in everyone’s diet no matter what their skin type is. Don’t avoid all fats though as the body needs some good fats such as flaxseed and olive oil keep healthy and these will not make our skin worse. If you suspect a food – stop eating it for 3-4 weeks and then reintroduce it to the diet and see the effect.

#7 – Acne is improved by sunlight
Sunlight may have some effect on drying out the pimples you already have but it does not specifically help acne nor does it prevent you from getting acne. The damage caused by sun exposure will only further damage your skin. Be aware too, that if you are using oral or topical medication from the doctor such as a cream with a retinoid in it , it may make your skin super sensitive to the sun.

#8 – Squeezing pimples makes them go more quickly
It is very tempting to squeeze pimples to get rid of the unsightly head but it really doesn’t help the acne to clear faster. If you absolutely have to do this, wait until the pimple is close to popping itself as possible and use sterilised instruments and putting pressure on either side of the pimple.. Trying to force them and can cause scarring

#9 – Stress makes acne worse
There is evidence to suggest that acne can be made worse or a flare up can happen at times of stress such as exams or relationship breakups. Stress does not cause acne to start though. Sometimes drugs can cause acne as a side effect – see your doctor if you suspect this.

#10- Acne is a skin problem
It is true acne affects the skin but it also has an effect on the person suffering from it as a whole. Bad skin and scarring can cause people to not feel so good about themselves resulting in depression and self esteem issues. Seek help from a professional if you are struggling with these issues – you don’t have to do it alone.

Here we explore some common misunderstandings about the causes and treatment of acne.

Acne – myths and the misconceptions

#1 – Acne is caused by dirty skin
Acne is not caused by dirty skin or people not washing their skin often enough. In ffcat the reverse can be true where acne is made worse and the inflammation worse by constant cleaning and scrubbing. Not only does this irritate the skin and make the inflammation worse, it can aggravate the acne. Our skins will only produce more oil if the natural oils are stripped away. We cannot affect the causes of acne that happen well below the surface of the skin in the oil glands.

#2 – Using makeup will make acne worse
Partly true – there are m any skin care products and cosmetics that have ingredients that can aggravate acne. Look for skin care products and cosmetics that are non-comodegenic. This means that they are formulated not to block the pores of the skin.

#3 – Acne comes from sexual activity
This myth probably came about as teenagers are the biggest age group to suffer from acne  at a time of puberty, sexual maturation and sexual exploration. The hormonal changes that you experience at the time of puberty can contribute to breakouts of acne – but have nothing to do with sexual activity.

#4 – Removing oil from the skin will reduce acne
Washing excessively or with soap and detergents can actually increase oil production. A gentle yet effective cleanser will remove dirt and oil from the skin but will not strip all the oils and thus cause the sebum glands to produce more. Try blotting excess oil during the day with a tissue instead of washing your face.

#5 – Only teenagers get acne
Teenagers commonly get acne but in theory you can  get acne at any age, even some unlucky  babies. If you have acne you don’t suffer alone, about 25% of all people between the ages 25-45 are estimated to suffer from some form of acne at some time.  Adult acne is not uncommon and often experienced by women with fluctuating hormones.

Dehydration is just as common in oily skin as it is in other skin types. When the body becomes dehydrated it becomes evident on our skin.  The skin becomes dull and dry looking and may become flaky, tight and uncomfortable. As the body becomes dehydrated the skin cells lose their water content and therefore the plumpness of healthy skin cells and the glow we associate with healthy skin fades. If you have oilier skin you may not notice the dehydration on your skin  as readily as other types but the symptoms of dehydration and the dangers still exist.

Our bodies are losing water all the time –through evaporation, perspiration, organ function and cell processes and excretion. Add to this the water we lose through heating, cooling, flying, exercise, being in hot climatic conditions and air-conditioning and you have a large quantity of water that needs replacing on a daily basis. Heavy exertion and exercise vastly increase this loss. Some medications and illnesses cause us to lose more water than usual.

The drier our skin the more prone it is to fine line formation.

Signs of dehydration:

• Dry skin
• Fatigue
• Dry mouth
• Dry lips
• Decreased urination
• Dark coloured urine
• Loss of appetite

Seek medical help immediately if you suspect someone has severe dehydration – it can be a life threatening condition but is quickly treatable.

What to avoid:

• Exposure to the sun without adequate protection such as hats and long sleeved shirts.
• Not re hydrating adequately after exercise or exertion.
• Alcohol and caffeine are diuretic – meaning they cause us to lose water. Compensate if you drink either of these with a glass of water.
• Prolonged exposure to central heating, sitting too close to a radiator or heater.
• Air conditioning robs the air and therefore your skin of moisture.
• Windy conditions both hot and cold winds.
• Letting ourselves become thirsty – rehydrate frequently throughout the day.

What to do:

• Increase raw foods and fruit in the diet that have a high water content such as grapes, tomatoes, oranges and on.
• Increase your water intake – little and often is a good way to start if you are not used or do not like to drink large quantities of water.
• Water can be made more palatable for those people not to keen on drinking it by adding a squeeze of lemon, lime or mint. Use a small amount of fruit juice to flavour if needed.
• Change the temperature – some people find it easier to drink warm water rather than cold.
• Carry a water bottle to remind you to increase your daily intake.
• Drink frequently to avoid becoming dehydrated – especially if you are not a ‘thirsty’ person.
• Compensate water intake with water loss when doing manual labour or exercising that causes you to sweat.
• Use a humidifier or a water spritzer to keep moisture levels high in heating and air –conditioned places.
• Ensure the diet has adequate good fats such as avocado, flax seed and olive oil. Water is not the only answer to keeping our skin cells hydrated. We must have adequate good fat intake in order for our bodies to produce water for our skin cells.
• Use a moisturiser that provides the skin with long lasting hydration in order to reduce the water lost through the skin and keep the skin cells from drying out.

Rosacea (which can be pronounced as ro-zay-sha)  is a skin disease that causes redness and pimples on your nose, cheeks, chin, and forehead. Rosacea can come and go with people suffering from flare-ups. Tiny red veins can form on the face that look like a cobweb of red veins – these are permanent. People sometimes call rosacea “adult acne” because it can cause outbreaks that look like acne and often happens to us as we get older. Sometimes there can be an associated soreness of the eyes and the eyelids. Although rosacea should not affect your vision, it can cause eye problems and a doctor should be consulted if you experience any symptoms. Rosacea can cause a lot of embarrassment and discomfort for sufferers but there are things we can do to minimise flare-ups.

What causes rosacea?

There is some evidence that people with fair skin and who have a tendency to blush are more prone and that a family history can also predispose you to developing rosacea. In an attack of rosacea the blood vessels in the face expand, filling with blood and causing the face to redden. While there is no one cause for all people there are certain common triggers it would be best to avoid.  Some attacks may last minutes or in severe cases can last for days. If you can work out your own personal triggers it will help you manage your rosacea and some people find keeping a trigger diary helpful.

Some triggers include:

Exercise or heavy exertion
Exposure to the sun and wind
Alcohol
Spicy foods
Hot food and drink
Stress or anxiety
Emotional changes such as embarrassment or laughing
Hot baths and showers
Menopause
Some medications – ask your doctor

Medical help should be sought and exposure to triggers reduced as rosacea can worsen and turn into advanced rosacea where bumps on the nose and cheek area can form, giving the area a swollen, lumpy look. While there is no cure medical treatment includes antibiotic creams and drugs. Laser treatment can also help to reduce the size and number of the veins.

Prevention by avoiding triggers is an important part of learning to manage and lessen rosacea attacks.

• Cut down on food and drink that causes symptoms
• Try shorter work outs more frequently when exercising
• Have lukewarm showers and baths and keep them short
• Drink plenty of water in hot conditions
• Cool the face with a damp, cold washcloth if you become overheated.
• Keep alcohol to a minimum – it doesn’t cause rosacea but it can make it worse.
• Always hear sunscreen and a hat when outdoors
• Use a skin care regime that has products with no perfumes, colourings or fragrances that will help soothe and not irritate the skin such as skinsaviour cleanser and moisturiser.
• Skinsaviour Cream and Cleanser are specially formulated for skin that is sensitive and easily irritated.

There is a lot we can do to help our skin look and feel its best. The good news is all we do to help our skin will also improve our general health as well, so we look and feel better in ourselves. Some changes can have an immediate effect. However, we may have not been supporting our skin for some time so the changes we make can take a while to show on our skins. If the problem you have with your skin is of a more serious nature such as acne, dry skin that has cracked or bled or eczema or psoriasis, even moles or skin discolouration you may be unsure about it is best to seek professional advice.

What to do to help?

By reading the guidelines below and working out a plan for how you could improve your health and therefore the health of your skin. If there are a number of changes to be made, start off slowly and make small steps towards changing your lifestyle. Making too big a promises to yourself and taking on too much change at once can set yourself up to fail. For example, if you think alcohol consumption is a problem –rather than saying you’ll never drink again – try having alcohol free days or having a glass of water for every glass of alcohol you drink. Choose mocktails over cocktails, experiment with drinks at the bar that look the part but have no alcohol. Enlist the support of a friend that wants to improve their skin too.

Every small step in the list below will help you on the way to having skin that is less of a problem.

• A well balanced diet with fresh, unrefined foods, plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Avoid greasy, fried and fatty foods.
• Avoid overly processed and refined foods including sugar.
• Choose water over fizzy drinks and keep well hydrated.
• Avoid excessive alcohol, smoking and drugs.
• Get plenty of sleep at night.
• Avoid sun tanning and use sunscreen to avoid skin damage.
• Avoid heavy makeup.
• Exercise regularly, walking is fine to increase blood circulation.
• Use  effective skin care products with a gentle but effective  cleanser both morning and night to remove daily grime build up that clogs pores.
• Use lukewarm water to rinse the skin and pat gently dry.
• Use an effective moisturiser that will help support skin function with no harmful ingredients.

Problem skin can have many causes but in general doesn’t have the look of healthy skin.  Healthy skin has clearness about it, a healthy glow with a smooth, unblemished look. Problem skin can look dull, tired and sallow either too greasy and possibly with blemishes or too dry and prematurely wrinkled. Pigmentation does not necessarily mean the skin is unhealthy but can be a problem in how the person feels about it. There is a lot we can do to improve the health and therefore look of our skin and need to look at some of the causes and see what we can identify what could be causing our own unhealthy skin.

What are some of the causes of unhealthy skin?

Although the causes are many, the main culprits are a diet that doesn’t support the heath of the skin, lifestyle factors and a skincare regime that we do not adhere to or the products are not effective.  The skin is the largest organ of our body and needs the same things our body needs to perform its best – adequate sleep, hydration and good nutrition. Excessive lifestyle habits such as overindulgence in alcohol, smoking, late nights and a poor diet will show up on our skin – sooner or later. The good news is our skin will respond to changes we make to support it and while specific skin problems will have specific solutions; these general suggestions below will help improve all skin problems to some degree.

Look at the list below and see how many of the causes of problem skin you can see in your own life:

• Late nights, lack of sleep in general
• Excessive alcohol
• Smoking
• Use of sun beds or tanning
• Lack of fresh fruit and vegetables in the diet
• Fried and greasy foods high in fat
• Dehydration, not drinking adequate water
• Excessive tea and coffee
• Heavy makeup
• Not cleansing the face morning and night
• Not using an effective moisturiser
• Use of harsh cleansers with soap or sulphates, not a gentle but effective cleanser