Oily skin is a skin type where the skin’s sebaceous glands secrete sebum, an oily or waxy substance that is necessary to hydrate the skin. Let’s try to understand what are the factors that cause excess sebum production. Causes of oily skin Oily skin is caused by the excessive production of sebum. The factors that contribute to the oily skin are: Genetics Certain genetic traits can contribute to oily skin. However, nothing can be done about to prevent it. A suitable routine skin care will help in managing the excess sebum production and keep the skin clear and radiant. Hormonal imbalance As puberty sets in, there are hormonal imbalances during as the body goes through several physical changes. This causes excessive sebum production and results in oily skin. Medications Certain medications like steroids or hormone replacement for certain disorders may cause the skin to become oily. If it becomes too oily and results in acne breakout, it is necessary to reduce the dosage of the medication or find an alternative medication. Poor diet Diet seems to play a vital role in skin health. One must cut down on refined sugars, fried foods, and dairy products, which may cause the oiliness. What happens if you have oily skin? Skin pores on the face get clogged by oil, dry skin, dirt, and a buildup of dead skin. Clogged pores can cause infection, which results in acne. Oily skin also causes blackheads that form as a result of clogging of the hair follicles on the face and become infected with bacteria. Oily skin attracts dirt and bacteria upon exposure to the external environment. Measures to prevent oily skin One should avoid over-washing the face in case of oily skin because, with excessive washing, the skin feels deprived of oil and responds to it by producing more oil. One should choose cosmetics carefully. People who have oily skin should choose cosmetics that are not oil-based and are only water-based. Aloe vera gel really helps in controlling sebum production. Massaging the skin gently with natural aloe gel helps a lot. One has to carefully look for a natural aloe gel that does not have chemicals or artificial colors that might irritate the skin. It is important to have a healthy diet to prevent oily skin. Foods that are rich in fat content, especially dairy products and high sugar drinks lead to excessive production of sebum and can lead to an acne breakout. Spicy food and foods that cause acidity must also be avoided as they may cause inflammation.
Topical creams to prevent oily skin Retinoids or retinol creams help reduce the skin’s oiliness. Topical clindamycin and erythromycin antibiotic creams that act against bacteria can be used to treat and heal acne. However, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist before applying any cream. Home remedies for oily skin Oatmeal face pack with yogurt and honey will help in soothing and healing the acne. Honey can be applied to the face as its antiseptic and antibacterial properties help in clearing pimples and prevent oily skin. Cosmetic clays are also widely used to regulate sebum production in oily skin. This clay is mild and also has adsorbent properties, i.e, it adsorbs oil to its surface while conserving the natural oils of the skin and retaining hydration.
