Hey there, my dear readers!
Today I’d like to discuss one of the skin concerns that I’ve been struggling with lately – permanently oily skin. Naturally, the sebum is crucial and essential to keep the skin healthy and protected, yet its excessive secretion is troublesome and causes many problems. How to reduce the oil on the face?
What is sebum?
This is a natural body fluid produced daily by oily glands. Its main constituents are cholesterol and fatty acids. The key function of sebum is to lubricate the skin and create a protective layer that shields the skin from fungi, bacteria and viruses, UV rays and rapid temperature fluctuations. When deprived of sebum, the skin becomes rough and wrinkled. Also, such “naked” skin isn’t able to absorb and transport deeper all the nutrients and active substances you keep supplying it with during your daily beauty routine.
The causes of excess sebum
This problem, obviously, touches mainly oily and combination skin. In the case of the combination skin, this problem manifests itself as shiny T-zone. Oily skin hasn’t got any no-shine areas at all. And there are many factors that are responsible for this. Some of them include exposing the skin to treatments and cosmetics destined for other skin types. Adverse weather conditions may also intensify the problem of oily skin. Finally, our genes and disturbed hormonal balance is what causes oily skin too.
Did you know that the time of day determines how much sebum is secreted? Just look. At night and early in the morning is when the sebum production is relatively low. Why so? Because during these hours skin has its resting phase. The skin starts producing more sebum around 10 AM. Obviously, various mechanical factors such as touching, rubbing and pressure also stimulate the oily glands to give more sebum.
Actually, there is a period in our lives when the sebum production increases, and I’m sure you know its peak. Indeed, this is the puberty period. Once we are 25 years of age, the production of sebum drops. When we turn 40, oily glands produce small amounts of the sebum to soon stop secreting it completely. This is one of the reasons why women during their menopause suffer from dry skin.
How to reduce sebum production?
Leading a healthy lifestyle and following a well-balanced diet can work miracles – trust me. Luckily, there are a few steps to take in order to maximally limit sebum secretion. For example, instead of applying another layer of powder, equip yourself with blotting papers. Always put on an oil control primer before using a foundation.
Reportedly, those who have oily skin, often reach for alcohol-based beauty products that make the skin dry. Since alcohol contributes to dehydration, the skin’s defensive mechanism is to produce more sebum to counteract losing the moisture. Indeed, skin care products containing alcohol irritate skin. Even anti-bacterial washers shouldn’t be perceived as an option if your skin is always oily. Also, if you want to stop your skin from shining, you should control yourself and stop touching the face with the hands since in this way you transport the bacteria to your skin.
What’s interesting, oily skin attracts dirt and impurities, which promotes breakouts. Still, you shouldn’t perceive sebum as your skin’s enemy. As mentioned earlier, dermis needs it to produce in order to remain protected from external aggressors. Keep the face clean because when unkempt, oily skin may give off a funny smell. Deep skin cleansing is really important and does matter.
Wash your face a few times a day using warm or lukewarm water – skin doesn’t like extreme temperatures. Don’t use alcohol-based bars of soap. Instead, go for gentle facial cleansers.
Finally, use cleansing face masks because only such products will get you glowing skin. Give facial scrubs a go too. Don’t forget to keep your body hydrated.
