Oily skin | causes and how to care for it

The skin is the largest organ of our body, and its diversity is manifested through a range of skin types with distinct characteristics.

Whether you have dry, oily, combination, sensitive, or normal skin, it is essential to understand the specific needs of your skin type to care for it properly.

Whether you're curious to better understand your oily-prone skin or seeking advice to improve your skincare routine, we have the answers to guide you towards healthy skin.

Signs of Oily Skin

Oily skin is characterized by an overproduction of sebum, accompanied by typical signs such as increased shine on the nose, enlarged pores, a dull complexion, and a feeling of excess sebum that intensifies throughout the day. These symptoms are often worsened by hot weather conditions.

Be careful not to confuse it with combination skin, which differs in the location of oily areas! Oily skin affects the entire face, but not only that; excessive sebum production is present on all areas of the body with sebaceous glands.

 In the case of combination skin, only the T-zone shows excess sebum. That is, the forehead, nose, and chin.

 

Causes of Oily Skin 

There are several factors contributing to this excessive sebum production:

• Genetics: Heredity is a significant factor in oily skin. Your parents' genes can indeed influence the sebum production by your skin's sebaceous glands.

• Stress: Stress significantly affects oily skin through hormonal and neurological mechanisms. Stress can activate the sympathetic nervous system, releasing hormones like cortisol and catecholamines. These hormones can stimulate the skin's sebaceous glands.

• Hormones: Androgens and testosterone also influence this overproduction. Hormonal variations such as puberty, menstruation, and pregnancy can lead to this skin imbalance.

• Diet: Foods rich in saturated fat (meat, dairy products, etc.) and with a high glycemic index can cause high blood sugar levels, which then leads to an insulin spike in the blood. This results in the overproduction of oil by the sebaceous glands: sebum. This production can affect the hydrolipidic film, made of water and lipids on the skin's surface, which plays an essential role in protecting against external aggressors.

• Environment : The environment plays a significant role in oily skin. Hot and humid climates can stimulate sebum production, while exposure to air pollution can clog pores and disrupt the skin's balance. Air quality and ambient humidity can also influence the characteristics of oily skin.

• Poor Skincare Routine: Using inappropriate or overly aggressive products can disrupt the skin's barrier, impairing its ability to retain moisture and defend against external aggressors. This can lead to the skin reacting by producing more sebum to compensate. 

Consequences of Oily Skin 

Aside from excessive shine, which is the most visible consequence, other symptoms are also observed.

Acne is one of the most common consequences of oily skin. It results from hair follicles becoming clogged by excess sebum, which creates an environment conducive to the proliferation of skin bacteria. These bacteria can cause inflammation and the formation of pimples, blackheads, pustules, and sometimes cysts. These reactions can leave permanent scars on the skin if not treated properly.

  

Enlarged pores are a common characteristic of oily skin. The clogging of pores by sebum and dead skin cells leads to their enlargement. They give the skin an uneven appearance and can be visible mainly on the T-zone: forehead, nose, and chin. 

Finally, oily skin can be more sensitive to sun damage due to sebum retention on the skin's surface. Excessive sun exposure can cause sunburn, but also contribute to hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and premature skin aging. It is essential to take appropriate sun care measures, including the use of non-comedogenic sunscreen.

Key Ingredients to Look For

For oily skin, it is essential to choose suitable products to help regulate sebum production, minimize shine, and prevent potential breakouts. Here are some key ingredients to look for:

• Salicylic Acid: This is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that can penetrate the skin's pores due to its lipophilic molecular structure. Once inside the pores, it exfoliates dead skin cells and removes impurities. This unclogs blocked pores and prevents the formation of blackheads and comedones. Additionally, salicylic acid has anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce skin irritation associated with acne.

• Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): This is a multifunctional ingredient that helps regulate sebum production and strengthen the skin's barrier, thereby reducing moisture loss. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, soothing redness and irritation. 

• Benzoyl Peroxide: A powerful antibacterial agent that penetrates hair follicles to eliminate acne-causing bacteria. By reducing bacterial proliferation, it helps decrease breakouts.

• Hyaluronic Acid: This is a molecule capable of retaining large amounts of water, making it an effective moisturizer for the skin. It is oil-free, meaning it can hydrate without increasing sebum production. It maintains the skin's moisture balance, leaving the skin well-hydrated and comfortable.

• Zinc: Finally, zinc is a trace element that regulates sebum production. It works by inhibiting the activity of the sebaceous glands, which helps maintain a balance in sebum production.

 

Recommended Skincare Routine 

We offer a tailored skincare routine for oily skin that aims to regulate sebum production, minimize enlarged pores, and prevent acne, all while maintaining a healthy skin balance.

Step 1: Cleansing

Use a gentle cleanser or micellar water formulated for oily skin morning and evening. Opt for a cleanser containing salicylic acid (BHA) to help unclog pores. Gently cleanse your face, avoiding excessive rubbing, then rinse with lukewarm water.

 

Step 2: Toner

Apply an alcohol-free toner, ideally morning and night. Toners with witch hazel or niacinamide are recommended.

Step 3: Targeted Treatment (especially for acne-prone skin)

Apply a topical treatment containing benzoyl peroxide to target specific blemishes. Benzoyl peroxide has antibacterial properties that help treat acne.

 Step 4: Serum

Choose a serum containing, for example, niacinamide. Apply gently morning and night to regulate oil production, soothe the skin, and reduce inflammation.

 

Step 5: Moisturizer

The step not to forget! Opt for a non-comedogenic moisturizer. Even oily skin needs hydration to maintain skin balance.

 

Step 6: Sun Protection

Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every morning. Oily skin is sensitive to sun damage. Also, choose a non-comedogenic sunscreen to avoid clogging pores.

It's essential to maintain a consistent skincare routine to see significant results. Additionally, consult a dermatologist or skin professional for recommendations specific to your skin type and needs.

It's important to note that in addition to at-home skincare, there are medical options to treat oily skin more intensively.

Medical Option

Medical options include dermatological treatments such as chemical peels, microneedling, and laser treatments. These procedures are designed to deeply exfoliate the skin, stimulate cell renewal, and reduce the appearance of enlarged pores.

Furthermore, in some cases, dermatologists may recommend topical or oral medications, such as retinoids or hormonal contraceptives, to regulate oil production and prevent acne. Medical treatments are often considered for persistent oily skin or severe acne, and they should be prescribed and supervised by a qualified healthcare professional to achieve the best results.