When you wake up and touch your face, you might feel that it is oily. Oil accumulates on the nose and on both sides of the nose. Although this problem is more pronounced in the summer, many people have oily skin throughout the year. You might wonder where this oil comes from and how to control it. Today, I will discuss why excess sebum production occurs and how to manage it.
Why Does Our Skin Get Oily?
Our skin has small glands called sebaceous glands. Sebum is naturally produced from these glands. The main function of sebum is to keep the skin moisturized and protected. Androgen hormones stimulate these glands, signaling them to produce sebum. These glands are more active in the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin area), which causes more oil to be produced in these areas than in others.
Sebum forms a protective barrier to guard the skin against bacteria, viruses, and other harmful organisms. These benefits of sebum last as long as it is produced normally. However, when the skin produces excess sebum, it becomes oily, leading to skin problems like clogged pores and acne breakouts.
Why Is There Excess Sebum Production in the Skin?
Now, let’s understand why our skin produces excess sebum. There are several reasons:
1. Genetics: Much of how sebaceous gland activity occurs depends on genetics. If someone in your family has oily skin, you might also experience excess sebum production.
2. Hormonal Factors: Hormonal imbalances can trigger sebum production. A hormone called androgen stimulates the sebaceous glands to produce more oil. Hormonal changes during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause can make the skin very oily. Stress also influences hormone levels and causes oily skin.
3. Environmental Factors: Environmental conditions can affect sebum production. Hot and humid weather can stimulate the sebaceous glands to increase oiliness. Conversely, dry weather can cause the skin to produce more oil as a protective mechanism.
4. Choosing the Wrong Skincare Product: Many of us choose products without understanding our skin type. If a product is too heavy, it may increase sebum production. Oil-based and comedogenic products can clog pores and make the skin oily. Additionally, washing the skin repeatedly can strip away natural sebum, prompting the sebaceous glands to produce more oil.
5. Unhealthy Food: A high glycemic diet, rich in sugar and refined carbohydrates, can lead to excess sebum production.
How Do You Know if Your Skin Is Oily?
The best way to determine if your skin is oily is to look in the mirror after waking up and feel your face. If your face feels greasy, your skin type is likely oily. Other signs of oily skin include:
- The face becomes oily shortly after washing.
- Enlarged pores appear.
- Greasiness on the face.
- Increased acne breakouts.
Ways to Control Excess Sebum Production:
We now know what sebum production is and why it occurs. Here are some ways to control sebum production:
1. Cleansing
Regardless of skin type, regular cleansing is essential. For oily skin, choose a cleanser that controls oil, prevents acne, and deeply cleans pores. Include a mild face wash with salicylic acid in your routine to manage oily skin. Use a cleanser with salicylic acid 3-4 times a week to prevent excess oiliness, acne, bumps, or rashes. Overuse of active ingredient cleansers can damage the skin’s lipid layer, so you may also use a mild face wash regularly. Micellar water is a good alternative, containing purified water and mild surfactants. If you prefer not to use an oil-based cleanser, micellar water can be a suitable choice for the first step of double cleansing.
2. Toning
For oily skin, choose a toner that controls excess sebum production and mattifies the skin. Avoid alcoholic toners, as they can increase sebum production. Opt for toners with oil-controlling ingredients like salicylic acid, tea tree oil, niacinamide, and glycolic acid. These ingredients help reduce oiliness, minimize pores, and prevent acne breakouts. Oily skin can also be sensitive and inflamed, so avoid toners with menthol, fragrance, or excessive citrus extracts, as they can irritate the skin.
3. Serum
Add serums to your skincare routine for glowing and healthy skin. Choose serums with the following active ingredients:
- Salicylic Acid: Removes dead skin cells, prevents acne breakouts, blackheads, and excess oiliness.
- Hyaluronic Acid: Retains hydration, helps reduce sebum production, and keeps skin soft.
- Niacinamide: A form of vitamin B3 that helps control excess sebum production by retaining moisture in the skin.
4. Moisturizing
Many people think oily skin does not need moisturizer, but this is not correct. Oily skin can become dehydrated, so using a moisturizer is important to maintain skin moisture. For oily skin, choose a water-based moisturizer that is lightweight and provides deep nourishment without feeling heavy.
5. Exfoliation
Incorporate exfoliation into your skincare routine 1-2 times a week to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores. Choose chemical exfoliants with salicylic acid and glycolic acid for oily skin.
6. Oil-Free Makeup
Use oil-free makeup to control excess oil production and reduce clogged pores and acne breakouts. These products have a light texture, absorb excess oil, and give a matte finish without adding additional oil to the skin. They allow air to enter the skin and reduce the chance of comedones.
7. Sunscreen
Sun exposure can trigger sebum production, making the skin more oily and prone to breakouts. Using sunscreen can greatly minimize sebum production. Some sunscreens have anti-inflammatory properties that soothe the skin, reducing redness and acne irritation. Sunscreen also helps prevent hyperpigmentation and dark spots caused by sunlight. Choose a non-comedogenic sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and reapply every 2-3 hours, whether indoors or outdoors.
8. Healthy Lifestyle
A balanced diet positively impacts the skin. Minimize intake of sweet and fast foods and include fruits, vegetables, and protein in your diet. Drink enough water to keep skin hydrated and regulate oil production. Manage stress through techniques like exercise, meditation, and deep breathing. Regular exercise improves blood circulation, which benefits the skin. Sweating during exercise helps unclog pores, but be sure to clean your face and body thoroughly afterward.
Today, I have shared information about why excess sebum production occurs and how to control it. If skin issues persist despite a proper skincare routine, consult a dermatologist.
