Raspberry Oily Skin Face Mask: Get Less Breakouts and Less Shine

Oils produced by your skin's sebaceous glands are necessary to keep your skin healthy and supple. We would all be scaly and more like alligators without these oils! But as often in life, too much of a good thing is not good either - like the over-production of sebum (skin oil), which may lead to acne. Additionally, being too shiny is also a beauty problem that affects the way we look and our confidence. And since we often use make-up to camoflage blemishes, having very oily skin can interfere with make-up application and coverage.

Dermatologists agree that the most effective way to manage oily skin is to cleanse your face both morning and night, and to use oil absorbing masks. You need to use a gentle cleanser since harsh soaps can trigger the skin's protective reaction, and can increase oil production further. For the same reason, stay away from rubbing and buffing your skin; use a pat and dry system to limit the possibility of stimulating more oil secretion.

If a basic facial non-comedogenic cleanser doesn't help with oil, take a look at products containing low grade beta-hydroxy acid. BHAs are lipid soluble, which means they're able to fully dissolve in oil (or fat). This makes BHAs better at penetrating pores while they are "over-stuffed" with sebum. The following mask will also help to dissolve more skin oil (helping with breakouts), and will keep your skin less shiny.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon of sugar
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
• 1 egg white
• 5 raspberries

Instructions

Blend until smooth.  Apply on a clean face with your fingers in circular motion.  Leave on for twenty minutes, and then rinse with lukewarm water. Do not use if you have open cysts.May use twice a week, especially right before any big events.

With a promise of clear skin,
Dr. A