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Suggest Treatment For Extremely Oily Skin

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Posted on Fri, 16 May 2014
Question: Hi,
I am having a problem with extremely oily skin. I was on the birth control pill marvelon but recently changed to mercilon although my skin was still oily on marvelon too. I am also taking vitamins b12 and b6 for tiredness and hormonal imbalance as marvelon was making me depressed and I suffer from excess hair on my face too.

Is there any vitamin or medication that you could suggest that will stop my oily skin as it is really affecting my confidence and appearance. I do not have many spots but it is the oil that is really getting me down so is there anything that my doctor could prescribe me which is safe or do you suggest a vitamin? Also do you think the B12 and B6 could be making my skin more oily. I am also suffering from bad night sweats too which I am not sure is linked to the vitamins too?

I would really appreciate your help.
Kindest regards
XXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Kalpana Pathak (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
details below

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for writing to us.
These measures may help you to maintain oily skin

Use a salicylic acid based face wash twice in a day. Salicylic acid dissolves sebum and also decreases oil production
Use an alcohol free toner twice in a day
Always use water based moisturiser. Even oily skin needs moisturiser.
Apply retinol or tretinoin based cream every night.

If these general steps do not help to regulate oil then meet a dermatologist to get a prescription of oral isotretinoin. Also taking salicylic acid peels would help.

Hope this helped.
Take care
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Kalpana Pathak (1 hour later)
Hi,
Thank you for your reply. I have followed all the steps explained and have used isotretinoin before but the oil still comes back. I'm also a bit worried about the health dangers of isotretinoin as I do not have acne anymore just oily skin so the doctor may not prescribe it just for that.

Which retinol cream or tretinoin cream would you advise (ie brand). I have been using Renova 0.25% but I was a bit worried that I'm too young to start using this cream due to the over drying effect. Would you recommend that I use Renova every night? Or would you recommend another Retin A instead as I know as I know Renova contains moisturisers which may clogg the skin.

I look forward to your reply.
Kindest regards
XXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Kalpana Pathak (24 hours later)
Brief Answer:
details below

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for writing back.
I agree that we cant continue isotretinoin for too long. So its better to use topical medicines.

If we compare renova with tretinoin, renova contains an emollient so has less drying action. If your skin is too oily, I would prefer tretinoin or retino A in small quantity . Retinoids are completely safe and can be given in children if required. These can be used for prolonged periods. These have added benefits of preventing fine lines, reducing acne and pigmentation. It also reduces visibility of open pores.
So you can use it safely. Also as I said, you may go with salicylic acid peels once in a while.
Hope this helped.
Take care
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Kalpana Pathak

Dermatologist

Practicing since :2006

Answered : 2014 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Extremely Oily Skin

Brief Answer: details below Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for writing to us. These measures may help you to maintain oily skin Use a salicylic acid based face wash twice in a day. Salicylic acid dissolves sebum and also decreases oil production Use an alcohol free toner twice in a day Always use water based moisturiser. Even oily skin needs moisturiser. Apply retinol or tretinoin based cream every night. If these general steps do not help to regulate oil then meet a dermatologist to get a prescription of oral isotretinoin. Also taking salicylic acid peels would help. Hope this helped. Take care