Tips for keeping your skin shine-free this summer

Having trouble with oily skin? Here are some tips and solutions from “Pinoy MD’s” resident dermatologist. Share your own tips with us on Facebook!

Oily skin and the Philippines’ tropical climate are a bad mix – one that only gets worse during the hot and humid months between March and May.

“Hindi talaga ako nakakapag-retouch. Namamalayan ko na lang, sobrang oily na,” Gelle Soriano shared with GMA-7’s “Pinoy MD.” “Hindi ako ganoong ka-confident o comfortable na humarap sa mga tao.”

What most people know as oil is actually sebum, a substance naturally produced by our bodies that keeps our skin from drying out. It also protects the skin from dirt. According to Dr. Jean Marquez, resident dermatologist of “Pinoy MD,” there are several reasons why our bodies may produce too much sebum. “Tuwing tag-init, we produce more oil and sweat. Pwede rin itong namamana o genetic, at pwede ring dahil sa hormonal changes.”

Here are some remedies, from professional to homemade, to keep your skin shine-free.

Home remedies
Homemade facial mask
1 banana
Juice from 1 lemon or 5 calamansi
1 tablespoon honey

Crush the banana with a fork and add the lemon juice and honey. Mash it around until smooth. After washing your face, apply the mask and leave on for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse it off with water and mild soap if needed.

Professional beauty treaments
Facial with oil-controlling mask treatment. Dermatologists and skin centers offer this service for around P1,800 a session. This treatment can be repeated on a monthly basis.
Vitamin B6 tablets. Dr. Jean recommends these vitamins to help maintain shine-free skin. These are over-the-counter vitamins that don’t need a prescription. You can also get Vitamin B6 as part of Vitamin B Complex pills.



Makeup tricks for oily skin
Oil-controlling primer. For extra staying power, apply an oil-absorbent primer before applying any makeup.
Foundation. Stay away from makeup labeled “dewy finish” and “reflecting”. These contain small particles of glitter that will emphasize shiny skin. Go for matte finishes instead.
Powder. Finish your makeup by patting some oil-absorbent powder onto your T-Zone (forehead, nose, chin).
Oil blotting paper. These handy sheets take off oil without smudging your makeup.

Apart from using the right kind of makeup and getting beauty treatments, there are things you can do daily that will help prevent oily skin.

Drink more water. The more hydrated you are, the less your skin will work double-time to stay moist. Be sure to get in eight glasses a day and your skin will thank you.
Avoid carbs and sugar. Food that’s high in carbohydrates and sugar can lead to extra-oily skin. Eat clean – and your skin will be, too. — Cristina Tantengco/CM, GMA News

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