Oil Can Skin--Ugh!!

Updated on April 14, 2011
M.L. asks from Ellicott City, MD
10 answers

Please help me! I'm turning 40 soon and I'm still getting acne. It's gross and embarrassing. And it seems as I get older my skin is getting oilier. Are my hormones doing this to me? And now my makeup is constantly sliding off. Yuck! The liquid makeups don't stay on. Now I'm trying a "mousse" makeup and that seems to be a little better but isn't staying on perfectly either. I used to use the powder makeup but didn't feel like it covered my pores well or gave me good looking skin.

Any advice for me on how to control oily skin and what makeup will stay on?? I just began using the Smashbox Primer and I think it helps--a little. I would really like to have clear skin and not have to retouch my makeup every 2 hours.

Thanks!

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J.S.

answers from Washington DC on

I know how you feel. ProActive aggrivated my face and made everything soooo much worse. I have given up soda and bad foods and my skin was still not clear. I went all summer makeup free, only sunscreen and it was a little better but still not clear. I have found using warm water on a clean towel in the morning has helped a lot but I'm not 100% clear. I think the chemicals in everything my Dr. prescribed irritates my skin too and so it's a constant cyle being irritated by something.

I want to thank the person who mentioned the prescription. I think I will go ahead and ask my dermatologist about that.

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M.S.

answers from Washington DC on

I know how you feel! I am 38 and suffer from adult acne. Teenage acne was nothing compared to adult acne. It is caused by hormones - not by not using the right products or not washing my face enough. I would suggest going to a dermatologist, I was put on minocyclin (an antibiotic) which has made a huge difference. If I try to go off of it within a week or so the acne returns so I just have to stay on it.

As far as make-up goes I use mary kay creme to powder foundation (it helps to dull down the shininess and conceal some acne scarring and sun damage. Next I use a mineral powder foundation over the creme to powder. I am currently using the mary kay one but have also used bare minerals (I think that is what it is called - the one from the infomercials) they are both good quality powders.

Good Luck!

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K.H.

answers from Richmond on

answer, dont wear make up, simple. make up ages your skin prematurely. even seen the skin of a woman who never wears make up ?? its smoother then a babys bottom.
K. h.

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K.H.

answers from Norfolk on

I'm 30 and have the worst acne now then I ever had as a teenager. I finally went to a dermatologist and she put me on an oral medication called minocyclin and Differin( a topical lotion) to use. She told me my problem was caused by the changes in my hormones. I was also told to that it would take 6-8 wks before I might start seeing the results that I wanted but that is about how long it takes to get in your system and to start doing the job it was meant to do. So just remember that what every you try you need to give it at least this amount of time to decide if it is working for you. Good Luck on finding something. I also use Mary Kay makeup and don't have a problem with it. I use the med. coverage foundation and then put the mineral powder foundation over it.

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N.B.

answers from Washington DC on

Zap It! for acne is really great and very affordable. Sei Bella makeup and skin care products work well with all skin types. 100% money back guarantee. Happy to provide more info. Good luck!

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J.C.

answers from New York on

What do you apply your make up with - be sure it's clean. I used to apply foundation with a sponge. Now I use a brush that cleans easily and I found my face likes it much better.

Do you use oil free products? I use the Lancome Oil free foundation and it's sheer but have coverage. Not greasy at all.

Also, try blotting papers. I use astringent on my forehead all day. It helps me feel fresher.

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J.B.

answers from Washington DC on

Mary Kay has some great options for oily skin. Try the oil mattifier, but start with a cleanser and moisturizer intended for oily skin. Regardless of your age, a beauty routine needs to be based on your current skin needs, which are likely to change over time/as we age. The acne treatment gel works wonders on flare ups. Please contact your consultant... or if you need one, check out my website at www.marykay.com/jblack2012. Also... I understand you can get MK on ebay, but for acne treatments, please find a consultant to make sure it's not expired product.

Cheers!
~J.

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S.H.

answers from Honolulu on

Maybe Bare Minerals?

But do you really 'need' a foundation make-up?
If not, then don't use it.
Or use oil absorbing powders.

Or go to a make-up counter, and ask them about skin care and make-up for oily skin.

What about Proactive?
Ya know, like the infomercials on tv?

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R.D.

answers from Washington DC on

I'm in the same boat as you and I'm over 40! Dealt w/it since I was a teenage and still do. I use Mary Kay Velocity to cleanse my face and then the Velocity moisturizer. I love their acne gel and use it twice a day. I have a rep I order from but have also ordered on ebay which can be cheaper sometimes. I don't use their make-up though. I use Bare Escentuals. First the original foundation powder and then the mineral veil on top. The mineral veil is suppose to absorb the oil. When I forget to use it (mineral veil) I notice my face is shiner more quickly and throughout the day.

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C.S.

answers from Washington DC on

What worked for me was Proactiv. It was an amazing help to my skin, but I know it can be irritating to some. When I was in my 20's I was given a prescription for Accutane, and that took care of all acne and oiliness. My skin looked perfect and it changed from oily to always smooth and shine-free. But Accutane is a prescription drug with some potentially scary side effects, so you have to really decide if that's the route you want to take and talk seriously to a dermatologist. I only took it for a short while, but it sure made a difference. Alternatively, a great drugstore product I just found is the Biore Ice Cleanser for Blemish Control. It feels great to use and seems to really help with oil control.

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