Review: Dealing with oily skin dilemmas
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 12 14, 2013
Margaret Ross offers information about the various skin types in her introductory remarks to this book, but quickly adds that this book is specifically for `those who are suffering from the bad side of acne, a result of having oily skin.' She offers a quick test (using an oil blotting sheet) that involves washing your face with water, then placing the blotting sheets over the various parts of your face for an hour, remove, and see if the paper shows oil (if it does you have oily skin) - simple but accurate.Ross then explains the physiology of oily skin, the origin of acne, the causes behind oily skin (genetic, increased hormone levels at puberty, and lifestyle - stress, oral contraceptives, etc). Because you cannot stop your skin from making oil, Ross then takes the rest of the book to explain how to cope with this condition: use simple hypoallergenic white soap, exfoliate once a week, for acne use salicylic acid or peroxide, drink 8 large glasses of water a day, take Vitamin C and Iron supplements, etc. Should you develop more severe skin problems she recommends consulting a Dermatologist and lists the various solutions and treatments you can expect to receive (including laser and light therapy).Keeping her daily maintenance routine basic and realistic, she takes the reader through the steps of cleansing and exfoliating (including which products are safe and best), moisturizing and protection from the sun, anti-acne maintenance, and altering lifestyle to support good skin health. A chapter is devoted to using makeup for oily skin including how to care for the face once makeup is on!This is a very sound, well-considered book that should serve as an adjunct to personal hygiene and better skin health. Grady Harp, December 13