The skin is the largest organ in 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 , understanding the specific needs of your skin type is essential to caring for it appropriately.
Whether you're curious about your oily-prone skin or looking for tips to improve your skincare routine, we have the answers to guide you to healthy skin.
Signs of oily skin
Oily skin is manifested by an overproduction of sebum, accompanied by characteristic manifestations such as increased shine in the nose, enlarged pores , dull complexion and a feeling of excess sebum which intensifies during the day . These symptoms are often accentuated by hot weather conditions.
Be careful not to confuse it with combination skin, which is differentiated by the location of oily areas! Oily skin affects the entire face, but not only that, excessive sebum production is present in all areas of the body with sebaceous glands .
In the case of combination skin , only the T zone shows excess sebum. That is to say the forehead, the nose and the chin .
The causes of oily skin
There are different factors for this excessive sebum production:
- Genetics: Heredity is a major factor in oily skin. In fact, your parents' genes can influence your production of sebum by the sebaceous glands in your skin.
- Stress: It exerts a significant influence on oily skin through hormonal and neurological mechanisms. Stress has the ability to activate the sympathetic nervous system, releasing hormones such as cortisol and catecholamines. These hormones can stimulate the oil glands in the skin.
- Hormones: Androgens and testosterone also influence this overproduction. Hormonal variations such as puberty, menstruation and pregnancy can cause this skin imbalance.
- Food: Foods rich in saturated fat (meat, dairy products, etc.) and with a high glycemic index can cause a high blood sugar level, which subsequently causes 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 composed of water and lipids on the surface of the skin, which plays an essential role in protection against external aggressions.
- The environment : It plays a significant role in oily skin . Hot, humid climates can stimulate sebum production, while exposure to air pollution can clog pores and disrupt skin 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 a disruption of the skin barrier, thus altering its ability to retain moisture and defend itself against external aggressions . This can lead to the skin reacting by producing more oil to compensate.
Consequences of oily skin
Apart from excessive shine which is the most visible consequence, other symptoms are 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 scarring on the skin if not treated properly.
Enlarged pores are a common feature of oily skin. The obstruction of pores by sebum and dead cells leads to their dilation. They give the skin an irregular appearance and can be visible mainly on the T-zone, forehead, nose and chin.
Finally, oily skin may be more susceptible 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 aging of the skin. It is essential to take appropriate sun care measures , including the use of non-comedogenic sun protection .
The ingredients to favor
In case of oily skin, it is essential to choose suitable products to help regulate sebum production, minimize shine and prevent possible breakouts. Here are some ingredients to favor:
- Salicylic Acid: It 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 comedones. Additionally, salicylic acid has anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce skin irritation associated with acne.
- Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): This ingredient is multifunctional, it helps regulate sebum production and strengthen the skin barrier, thus reducing moisture loss. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, soothing redness and irritation.
- Benzoyl Peroxide : Powerful antibacterial agent that penetrates hair follicles to eliminate acne-causing bacteria. By reducing bacterial proliferation, it helps reduce skin rashes.
- Hyaluronic Acid: Is a molecule capable of retaining large amounts of water, making it an effective moisturizer for the skin. It is oil-free, which means 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.
The care routine to adopt
We offer you a care routine adapted for oily skin which aims to regulate sebum production, minimize enlarged pores and prevent acne, while maintaining good skin balance.
Step 1: Cleaning
Use a gentle cleanser or micellar water morning and evening formulated for oily skin. Choose a cleanser containing salicylic acid (BHA) to help unclog pores. Gently cleanse the face, avoiding rubbing too much, then rinse with lukewarm water.
Step 2: Toner
Apply an alcohol-free toner ideally morning and evening. Toners based on 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 evening to regulate sebum production while soothing the skin and reducing inflammation.
Step 5: Moisturizing
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 susceptible to sun damage. Also choose a non-comedogenic sunscreen to avoid clogging pores.
Maintaining a consistent skincare routine is essential to seeing significant results. Additionally, consult a dermatologist or skin professional for recommendations specific to your skin type and needs.
It is important to note that in addition to 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 turnover, and reduce the appearance of enlarged pores.
Additionally, in some cases, dermatologists may recommend topical medications 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 they should be prescribed and supervised by a qualified healthcare professional for the best results.