IF YOU suffer from oily skin, don't sink to the depths of depression and ask ''Why me? I'm not a chocoholic!'' Cheer up; it's not just one of those things you were born with, like big ears or big feet. You can keep the problem under control. You can even make oily skin great skin by using oil-free products and by remembering 10 quick tips. Also, remember what dermatologists say about the link between oily skin and fewer wrinkles - provided you protect skin against the sun. Here are the quick tips. Clean your skin as often as possible. When your nose or the T-zone area of your face gets shiny, blot it with a tissue and touch up with powder. Do a powder rub down as often as necessary. Sprinkle lots of loose face powder on your hands and wash your face with it. Then, brush off any excess. Exfoliate regularly, as much as every day, to prevent pore clogging. Remember don't scrub an active breakout of spots. Choose a foundation or powder that is a shade lighter than your natural skin tone, as make-up tends to change to a darker tone on oily skin. To avoid the glaring make-up line, moisten your fingertips and blend an oil-free foundation along the jaw line. If make-up does get darker during the day, you won't get so much of a line. Experiment with different make-up products to find out which ones keep their lustre longest. Always keep brushes, sponges and applicators clean. Wash them regularly. Use make-up treatment and sun-care products that are specially formulated for oily skin. Only apply moisturiser where it is needed, like in the eye area, where skin is thinner and more delicate. It is also wise to remember that hair products often contain lanolin, which can result in a breakout of acne on the forehead and temples. For oil-free make-up, Clinique has a large range of products from treatment creams and make-up to shampoos and sun blocks. The Clinique counters at leading department stores offer free skin testing for determining your own specific type of oily skin.
