Oily Skin Explained
Oily skin occurs due to the overproduction of sebum, a natural oil produced by the sebaceous glands in the skin. Sebum is essential for keeping the skin moisturized and protecting it from external factors . However excessive sebum can lead to oily skin, clogged pores, and acne.
What leads to formation of pimple?
The human skin is covered with small hairs except for the palms of the hands and feet, with each hair follicle having a pore at its top. Within each hair follicle, there is a gland called the sebaceous gland that is responsible for oil production. When the sebaceous gland secretes oil, it moves upward to the skin's surface and collects in the pore. When oil, along with dirt or makeup, accumulates in the pore, it can lead to pore blockage. These clogged pores stretches and becomes enlarged leading to the formation of pimple .
How do you know if you have oily skin?
- Shiny appearance: Oily skin tends to have a shiny or greasy appearance, especially in the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) but can extend to other areas of the face as well.
- Persistent Oiliness: Throughout the day, you may notice that your skin remains oily, even shortly after cleansing Enlarged pores: Oily skin is often accompanied by enlarged pores. The excess sebum production can cause the pores to become more visible and appear larger.
- Skin congestion: Oily skin can feel congested ,heavy, thick or rough due to the accumulation of oil, dead skin cells, and impurities on the surface of the skin.
- Makeup slips: Makeup doesn’t stay on and seems to “slide” off
- Acne & Breakouts: occasional or persistent acne , blackhead , whiteheads and other types of breakouts due to the excess oil production that can clog pores.
What are the causes of oily skin?
Internal factors
- Hormonal changes: Androgen (a type of hormone) levels rise during adolescence and are converted into estrogen in women. This hormone increase causes oil glands to grow, producing more sebum that breaks down pore walls leading to bacterial growth
- Anxiety and stress: It can increase production of cortisol and adrenaline, which exacerbate acne.
- Diet: What you eat is as important as the products that you put on your skin. Research suggests that the consumption of certain foods, particularly those high in sugars , carbohydrates like bread made of all purpose flour, may increase levels of growth hormones in the body, leading to increased oil.
- Genetics: Sebum production may be influenced by pore size. Larger pores generally lead to higher oil production.
External factors
- Humidity: High humidity levels can trigger increased sweating and oil production which can contribute to oily skin. Oily skin tends to be more prevalent during the humid summer months compared to the dry winter months.
- Dehydrated skin: Not drinking enough water results in glands producing more oil
- Over-washing: Abrasive tools or coarse exfoliators can strip moisture from the skin causing glands to overproduce oil. Therefor using a gentle face cleanser is extremely important.
- Medication: Certain medications might result in increase in oil production
- Cosmetics: Makeup may lead to having dirty oily pores if brushes or sponge used are not clean.
12 ways to treat oily skin
- Use non-comedogenic skincare products to prevent clogged pores and acne. Non-comedogenic means that it does not contain ingredients that are known to clog up pores or cause a backup of oil and dead skin cells, which can cause acne. Our PLUSMINUS NORMAL skincare range for oily skin are non-comedogenic.
- Use a gentle, gel-based foaming face wash like our Mixed Green Superfood Cleanser instead of a harsh one in the morning, evening and after exercise.
- Apply a lightweight gel moisturiser daily, such as our Oil-Control Hydrogel Moisturiser, even if you have oily skin. It keeps your skin hydrated and prevents it from producing excess sebum.
- Avoid scrubbing your skin as it can irritate your skin and trigger increased oil production
- Avoid soaps with fragrances or harsh chemicals which can irritate or dry out the skin making it respond by creating more sebum.
- Avoid loofahs and rough washcloths, as added friction may stimulate the skin to make more oil.
- Do not pop your pimples as it can worsen inflammation and lead to scars and dark spots
- Avoid touching your face throughout the day to prevent spreading dirt, oil, and bacteria everywhere. Only touch when cleansing or applying products after cleaning your hands.
- Use blotting papers to absorb excess oil on the face without rubbing. Reusing the sheet on another area of your skin pushes the dirt you previously collected down your pores.
- Clean your makeup tools at least once a week. Dirty tools can lead to clogged pores. Also always remove your makeup before sleeping
- Use a sunscreen as direct sun exposure can cause the body to over produce oil
- Drink plenty of water to keep the body and the skin hydrated