Beauty

The Oily Skin Conundrum: Unveiling the Causes and Crafting Solutions

Sebum, or oil, plays an important role in keeping our skin moisturized and healthy. However, an overproduction of sebum can lead to clogged pores and acne breakouts. Understanding the causes of excess sebum production is key to managing oily skin and maintaining a clear, radiant complexion.

Administrator

17 July, 2024

Why Does Skin Produce Excess Oil?

According to Healthline, oily skin can be a nuisance, affecting both the aesthetics and health of your complexion. Here are some reasons why your skin may be producing excess oil:

Genetics

Oily skin tends to run in families. If your parents have oily skin, chances are you may also have overactive sebaceous glands.

Oily skin illustration — While sebum is essential for moisturizing the skin, too much can lead to clogged pores and acne breakouts. (Illustration)

Environment

Individuals living in hot and humid climates are more likely to have oily skin. Additionally, skin tends to produce more oil during the summer months compared to autumn or winter.

Therefore, it’s crucial to adjust your skincare routine during periods of high temperature and humidity to effectively control oil production.

Enlarged Pores

Aging or previous acne breakouts can lead to enlarged pores. If not properly cared for, this condition can also result in excess oil production.

2. How to Care for Oily Skin

To properly care for your oily skin, it’s essential to choose the right products for your skin type. The following ingredients have been proven effective in reducing sebum production on the face:

– Green Tea

– Niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3

– L-carnitine, an amino acid

– Licochalcone A, a type of phenol derived from licorice root, helps prevent acne and control oily skin.

Note: Always perform a patch test on your hand before purchasing any skincare product to ensure it doesn’t irritate your skin.

Skincare routine for oily skin — To combat oily skin, it’s crucial to cleanse, exfoliate, and moisturize properly. (Illustration)

Cleansing

For oily skin, opt for a gentle foaming cleanser to wash your face once or twice daily.

Gel-based cleansers are generally safer and more effective for oily skin than cream or oil-based ones.

Exfoliation

Gentle exfoliation once or twice a week is beneficial for removing excess sebum, bacteria, and dirt, keeping pores clear and preventing acne formation.

However, avoid over-exfoliating, as doing so more than twice a week can strip the skin of its natural moisture, leading to increased oil production.

Moisturization

When choosing a moisturizer for oily skin, avoid ingredients that can clog pores, such as butter, cocoa, coconut oil, petrolatum, and silicone. Products containing alcohol can also be irritating, so it’s best to steer clear of them.

After cleansing your face with a gentle cleanser in the morning and evening, don’t forget to apply a suitable moisturizer to ensure your skin remains adequately hydrated.

To protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays, remember to apply sunscreen daily before going outdoors and reapply it every two hours for maximum protection.

Additionally, try to avoid touching your face throughout the day. Habits like resting your chin on your hand can spread bacteria and dirt, leading to increased oil production and acne breakouts, as well as other skin irritations.