greasy nurse :(

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yea this is a goofy question...

I am new and i have been working 12 hours shifts. Well needless to say, my days are crazy and run my butt off. So 6 hours into my shift my face starts getting really oily. There is nothing i can do b/c I am so busy. I tried using some astringents in the morning before work. I use tissues at work to wipe off my face, but I am still breaking out. I have never in my life had pimples and now i do.

Does anyone know of any products that might keep my face from getting oily during my crazy shift.

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I notice this, too (on me, not on you!). I have bought some rosewater (it's a witchhazel product) and some cotton balls. I keep that and a toothbrush in my locker, and about 6-8 hours into my shift I give myself 5 minutes in the bathroom. I feel better, more energized, and I'm sure I smell better when I do my 5am rounds!!

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yea this is a goofy question...

I am new and i have been working 12 hours shifts. Well needless to say, my days are crazy and run my butt off. So 6 hours into my shift my face starts getting really oily. There is nothing i can do b/c I am so busy. I tried using some astringents in the morning before work. I use tissues at work to wipe off my face, but I am still breaking out. I have never in my life had pimples and now i do.

Does anyone know of any products that might keep my face from getting oily during my crazy shift.

You aren't greasy...you are oily (wink wink).... I had a similar issue. I started using Proactiv. No joke within I would say 3 days I noticed less oil build-up around my nasal folds, which was one of the worst areas, and within a week the "grease" was gone.

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Specializes in Neuro ICU, Gyn/Uro Surgical.

Dusting my face with a big makeup brush and cornstarch helps me a lot. I have really oily skin and using the cornstarch has made it look more like a dewy glow by the end of the day. I also use Mineral Veil by bare escentuals and it helps a lot. The cornstarch is just a lot cheaper!!! If you wear foundation, dust your face with the cornstarch or mineral veil before putting it on and then again afterwards.

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Specializes in Neuro ICU, Neuro/Trauma stepdown.

i dont know what stops it from getting oily, although, i'm not surprised proactive was mentioned because i seem to to hear wonderful things about the product.

when i get oily, i grab a washcloth off the linen cart and scrub with cold water, followed by some toothbrushing. usually after i finish eating my lunch...if it's crazier than that, i just grab one of the many alcohol pads in my pocket and go at it. that would probably ruin some peoples faces, but i get to be a greasy mess and the alcohol cuts through it.

on a side note: camping, hiking in the summer-- we get washcloths wet and ring out the excess, then add some rubbing alcohol and put them in a ziplock. wonderfully refreshing and cools you right off!!

ps, that one was actually my bf's tip from before we got together!

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Specializes in ER, Occupational Health, Cardiology.

My fellow nurses and I found that a minute alone in the restroom with a couple of alcohol wipes would do wonders for what you describe.;)

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Specializes in Cardiac Care.
You aren't greasy...you are oily (wink wink).... I had a similar issue. I started using Proactiv. No joke within I would say 3 days I noticed less oil build-up around my nasal folds, which was one of the worst areas, and within a week the "grease" was gone.

Proactiv is about the best thing ever invented. Controls the oily, greasy feel I sometimes used to get by midday, and worked wonders on the blemishes. I've used it for over 6 years now, and I don't intend on stopping!

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I have used the alcohol swabs. They are portable and always available.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, gynecology.

As one very oily-skinned person to another, be careful about using alcohol on your face...in my experience, it dries you out so much that your skin then over-compensates by producing even more oil....definitely not what you want! As paradoxical as it may seem, a light, oil-free moisturizer once a day did more for my oily skin than years of twice-daily applications of alcohol-based astringents. Good luck :)

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Specializes in Infection Preventionist/ Occ Health.

I use a special moisturizer designed to absorb oil. I also keep blotting papers and pressed powder in my locker for a touch-up halfway through my shift. If I have time, I wash my face and reapply the moisturizer and powder during my lunch break.

I would also recommend against alcohol swabs for the reasons listed above.

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Specializes in Travel Nursing, ICU, tele, etc.

I too will add my vote for Proactiv. It has really helped my skin...and I am old...I was having adult acne and always have had oily skin, it does a very good job of doing a deep cleaning without stripping the skin. I really love the toner as well....it seems like it is very expensive, but it lasts a long time.... I would go on-line to purchase it, I know QVC sells it and Proactiv has their own site... if you buy it in one of those mall kiosks it is a lot pricier....

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Specializes in Brain injury,vent,peds ,geriatrics,home.

I just wash my face with water a few times aday,my face never breaks out,But it seems to make it less oily when i wash my face with water periodically throughout the day.

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