What type of skin (face) do I have? - Skin Problems Message Board

NJ guy · 01-15-2009, 01:15 PM

After washing my face any time of day, my skin tends to get really dry especially around the nose and cheeks. Before halfway throughout the day, my skin gets really oily all over (forehead, temples, cheeks, nose, chin).

I noticed this when I looked in the mirror mid-day and noticed shiny facial skin so I took one of those brown napkins and wiped my face in one-streak motions. The oil really showed up on the napkin and I also noticed that after naps (20 mins+) and sleep, my skin gets and feels really oily faster than when I am awake.

What type of skin do I have and what face wash should I use? Any particular recommendations?

AuntieLeela · 01-18-2009, 12:55 PM

Oily. I like Purpose soap in the morning, it's very drying and takes care of the overnight oil and a milder soap called Basis for the rest of the day. If you irritate your skin with too many harsh products you could make it worse. I wash my face 2 or 3 times a day. If you need to wash more than that, you might want to use a mild astringent instead, so your skin doesn't dry out too much and then rebound with even more oil.

There are little absorbing strips of paper you can buy at the pharmacy to blot the oil away during the day, I think they have talc in them. I've never used them (I just use regular tissue) but some people like them. (Clean and Clear, Neutrogena, all the big brand names make them - in the acne section)

A dermatologist can prescribe one of the topical medications called retinoids (vitamin A creams) that can shrink oil producing glands.