Skin oil secretion depends on age, sex, race, and skin type. As we grow older, our skin loses its natural ability to retain moisture and becomes drier, which results in increased oil secretion to compensate for the loss of water from the dermis layer of the skin. Men produce less skin oil than women because of their greater skin thickness, which slows the release of sebum from the pores.
Skin types are also vital in determining how much oil your skin produces.
If you're like most people, then you might be dealing with an issue of oily skin. This issue can be challenging to deal with, especially when it comes to preventing additional issues from developing. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce oiliness skin and prevent further issues from occurring in the future. Find out about these tips here!
Causes of oily skin
- Sebum is the main cause of oily skin. It's a natural oil your body produces to keep your skin moisturized. But when there's too much sebum, it can build up on your skin and clog your pores. This can lead to acne, blackheads, and other skin problems.
- Hormones also influence how well you can produce oil from your glands in the skin (sebaceous glands).
- The hormones oestrogen and progesterone play an essential role in producing sebum during puberty, pregnancy, menstruation and menopause.
- Oily skin can be caused by external factors such as weather changes or certain medications.
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What can be done to reduce oil secretion?
Hormonal fluctuations often cause oily skin, but this is not always the case. Excess sebum production has more to do with an individual's diet or environment than hormones.
In these cases, it is important to focus on reducing acne by following healthy eating habits, drinking plenty of water daily, and practicing good hygiene like washing hands regularly. If you find yourself battling oily skin and breakouts all the time, you should look at your skincare routine. Here are a few things that can be done to reduce oil secretion and improve skin care for oily skin.
1). Drink enough water
Water is essential for skin care, especially for those with oily skin. It helps to reduce acne by keeping skin hydrated and preventing future breakouts. Plus, drinking plenty of water throughout the day will help flush out toxins and give your skin a healthy glow. So make sure to drink at least 10 glasses of water every day!
2). Eat less spicy food
Oily skin is the result of overactive sebaceous glands that produce too much sebum. Sebum is an oily substance that lubricates and waterproofs the skin. When there's too much sebum, it can mix with dead skin cells and clog pores. This can lead to skin problems like acne, blackheads, and whiteheads. The best way to reduce this issue is by eating less spicy food. The hotter a food is, the more your body will sweat and oil up as a reaction to the spices, making your skin even more oily.
3). Sleep well at night
Getting a good night's sleep is one of the most important things you can do for your skin. If you're not well-rested, your skin will show it: you may get dark circles, puffiness, or even breakouts. Aim to get seven to eight hours of sleep each night so that your skin has time to repair itself and renew during downtime.
4). Avoid too much stress
Too much stress can cause your skin to produce more oil, leading to breakouts. That's why it's important to find ways to relax and de-stress. One way is to try yoga or meditation, which has been shown to help with anxiety levels. Another is through mindful breathing exercises.
5). DON'T use oil-based or alcohol-based cleansers
Cleansing your face is the most basic and essential step of any skincare routine, but it's especially important if you have oily skin. That's because using the wrong kind of cleanser can make your skin oilier. Avoid oil-based and alcohol-based cleansers, which can strip your skin of its natural oils and leave it feeling dry and irritated. Instead, opt for a gentle, foaming cleanser that will remove excess oil without stripping your skin.
6). DON'T touch your face throughout the day
One of the worst things you can do for oily skin is touching your face throughout the day. Your hands are full of bacteria that can clog your pores and cause breakouts. If you must touch your face, wash your hands first. When you need to remove makeup or cleanse your face in the evening, use a gentle cleanser and rinse thoroughly.
7). Apply moisturizers
One of the best ways to prevent oily skin is to moisturize regularly. This will help to keep your skin hydrated and less likely to produce excess oil. Look for oil-free or noncomedogenic moisturizers that won't clog your pores. Find out what skincare products are appropriate for your skin type, then use them accordingly. Natural moisturizers like plant oils such as coconut, olive, avocado and jojoba can also be used to moisturize your skin because they do not clog pores.
[ Also Check: 6 Reasons Why You Need Salicylic Acid In Your Skin Care Regime]
8). Wash regularly
Washing your face is one of the most important things you can do to prevent oily skin and keep your skin healthy. Aim to wash your face at least twice a day, once in the morning and once at night. Be sure to use a gentle cleanser that won't strip your skin of its natural oils. Avoid scrubbing your face too hard, as this can stimulate oil production. Use lukewarm water instead of hot water, as hot water can further dry out your skin.
Conclusion
Oily skin can be a real pain, but with the proper care, it's not hard to manage. You can take several steps to help reduce oily skin and prevent other skin issues. Drink lots of water, sleep for 8 hours each night, avoid greasy foods (especially during meal time), use a facial cleanser that includes AHA or BHA exfoliants to clear out your pores regularly, and invest in a good quality moisturizer that is specifically formulated for oily or acne-prone skin.
