How to Make Your Face Less Oily
Sebum (skin oils) are the archenemies to teenagers round the world, but the battle doesn’t always end on your 21st birthday. Oily skin is a condition that last well into adulthood. The purpose of this article is to provide health tips for oily skin. We will discuss what causes oily skin, how to make your face less oily, and look at some common myths about oily skin.
What causes oily skin?
Sebaceous glands beneath the skin combine with hair to create the pilosebaceous unit. These hair and oil gland units are deep within the skin, connecting the hair shaft to the surface of the skin. It is through the pilosebaceous unit that we get fluids to the surface of our skin. And they cover the body, with the exception of our palms and the soles of our feet. The chin, nose, and forehead comprise the infamous “T-Zone”, where the highest concentration of pilosebaceous units are.
These sebaceous glands produce a blend of varied lipids and dead sebaceous gland cells. This complex blend is known as sebum, or skin oils. Some of the lipids found in the sebum include triglycerides, wax monoesters, squalane, and free fatty acids.
The purpose of these sebaceous glands and the sebum is to keep the epidermis and hair lubricated and protected from the environment. The combination sebum, cellular debris, and sweat covering the outer skin is known as the acid mantle. It is an acidic environment with a pH of 4.5 to 5.5. The acid mantle holds the epidermal and hair cuticle cells tightly together, preventing dehydrations, irritation, and sensitivity. Without it hair may become brittle and dull; as well, bacteria can invade the skin.
When the sebaceous glands become over productive, the result is oily skin. An excess of sebum can block pores and actually nourish bacteria living on the skin, contributing to acne. What causes over productive sebaceous glands is a hormone known as dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is what tells your sebaceous glands to produce sebum, and a high level of DHT will cause oily skin. Your level of DHT is determined by your genetics. It’s a git from your parents.
DHT shows up with puberty, which is why the teen years are spent acclimating to its levels. A woman’s menstrual cycle will affect her levels of DHT, oftentimes causing a breakout of acne or oil just before menstruation. As her progesterone rises, so does her DHT.
How to make your face less oily
There are ways to manage oily skin. Here are some tips for (an) oily face.
- Keep it simple. Only wash your face two times in a day, and use softer soaps like Dove, or cleansers like Cetaphil. Avoid harsh toners and other products that contain alcohol.
- Dermologica’s Dermal Clay Cleanser will help soak up some of the sebum and clear the oil from your face. You might also try L’Occitane’s Face Scrub Mud, or Ulta’s Detoxifying Mud Mask.
- Increase your B-Vitamin intake through whole grains, beans, nuts, and organ meats. Low B-Vitamin can contribute to excess oils.
- Chill out! Relax. High stress can cause an increase in oily skin. Get plenty of sleep, and learn some relaxation techniques. Exercise can help reduce stress as well.
- Exercise will also help eliminate toxins from your body, as well as clean out your acid mantle.
- Another helpful way to clean out toxins is drinking water. Drink a lot of water. Keeping hydrated will help balance the chemicals in the sebum. Avoid alcoholic drinks, sodas, and other caffeinated beverages that dehydrate your body.
Oily myths
Myth #1 – Oil control products will increase sebum production.
Most oil control products will help you maintain a clear complexion. Be selective. Read the labels carefully, and know what the active ingredients are. Talk to you doctor or dermatologist about what products are best for you.
Myth #2 – People with rosacea do not need to worry about oily skin.
Rosacea usually produces drier skin, but this may not be sufficient to stop an oily face condition. DERMAdoctor Calm Cool & Corrected anti-redness tranquility cream is specially formulated to handle oily skin for patients who also suffer from rosacea.
Myth #3 – Oil control products prevent the use of make-up.
Look for oil-free products, or products labeled “non-comedogenic”. Some of these products can even be used on top of acne prevention products.
Oily skin is a common condition that runs well past adolescence for many people. But there is hope. Follow these tips for oily skin, and you too will be able to feel comfortable in your own skin.
