For very oily, African American skin, what products would help?
Oil is tough because it’s to a large extent controlled by our hormones. The nice thing about oily skin is that it tends to wrinkle less. The frustrating thing about it is the shine and large pores that go with it. It’s hard to change hormone levels unless you’re on oral contraceptives. There are so many pros and cons to those that they need to be discussed with a gynecologist, in my opinion.
Other things though are easier. In my opinion, witch hazel isn’t helpful. A good moisturizer for oily skin are ones that have no oil at all and are just a hydrating (retains water) gel like the SkinCeuticals B5 Gel and acne cleansers in general, tend to be drying. Make sure all your makeup products are oil free or say noncomedogenic (won’t make acne worse) on them. Mineral powder makeup can be also wonderful – try the Jane Iredale mineral powder compacts. Also, great are the Shisheido rice paper blotting papers to carry in your purse (Nordstrom and other department stores).
Keeping pores really clean with the Clarisonic Mia, and a monthly microdermabrasion will help improve texture.
Hope this helps, Dr. I