Oily skin | causes and how to care for them

The skin is our body's most extensive organ, and its diversity manifests itself in a range of skin types with distinct characteristics.

Whether you have dry, oily, combination, sensitive or normal skin, it's essential to understand the specific needs of your skin type in order to care for it appropriately.

Whether you're curious about your oily skin or looking for tips to improve your skincare routine, we've got the answers to guide you towards healthy skin.

Signs of oily skin

Oily skin manifests itself as an overproduction of sebum, accompanied by characteristic symptoms such as increased shine around the nose, dilated pores, a dull complexion and a sensation of excess sebum that intensifies during the day. These symptoms are often accentuated by hot weather conditions.

Be careful not to confuse this with combination skin, which is distinguished by the location of oily areas! Oily skin affects the whole face, but not only: 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 

Excessive sebum production can be caused by a number of factors:

• Genetics: Heredity is an important factor in oily skin. In fact, your parents' genes can influence sebum production by your skin's sebaceous glands.

• Stress: It exerts a significant influence on oily skin through hormonal and neurological mechanisms. Stress activates the sympathetic nervous system, releasing hormones such as 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 cause this skin imbalance.

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

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

• A poor skincare routine: The use of inappropriate or overly aggressive products can lead to disruption of the skin 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 

Apart from excessive shine, which is the most visible consequence, other symptoms can be observed.

Acne is one of the most common consequences of oily skin. It results from the obstruction of hair follicles 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 properly treated.

  

Dilated pores are a common feature of oily skin. Pore clogging by sebum and dead cells leads to their dilation. They give the skin an irregular appearance and can be seen mainly on the T-zone, forehead, nose and chin. 

Finally, oily skin may be more sensitive to sun damage due to the retention of sebum on the skin's surface. Excessive exposure to the sun can cause sunburn, but can also contribute to hyperpigmentation, brown spots and premature skin aging. Appropriate sun care measures, including the use of non-comedogenic sun protection, are essential.

Preferred ingredients

For oily skin, it's essential to choose the right products to help regulate sebum production, minimize shine and prevent possible breakouts. Here are a few ingredients to consider:

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

• Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): This ingredient is multifunctional, helping to regulate sebum production and strengthen the skin barrier, 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 reduce skin eruptions.

• Hyaluronic acid: Is a molecule capable of retaining large quantities of water, making it an effective skin moisturizer. It is oil-free, which means it can moisturize without increasing sebum production. It maintains the skin's moisture balance, leaving it well hydrated and comfortable.

• Zinc: Finally, zinc is a trace element that regulates sebum production. It acts by inhibiting sebaceous gland activity, helping to maintain a balance in sebum production.

 

The care routine to adopt 

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

Step 1: Cleaning

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

 

Step 2: Toner

Ideally, apply an alcohol-free toner morning and night. Witch hazel or niacinamide-based toners 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 niacinamide, for example. Apply gently morning and night to regulate sebum production while soothing the skin and reducing inflammation.

 

Step 5: Moisturizer

The step not to forget! Choose a non-comedogenic moisturizer. Even oily skin needs moisturizing 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. In addition, consult a dermatologist or skin care professional for recommendations specific to your skin type and needs.

It's important to note that in addition to at-home skin care, there are medical ways 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.

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