Ever wondered why some people battle oily skin and acne issues? Well, blame it on those tiny fighters called sebaceous glands. They produce sebum, a natural oily shield for our skin. But, when these glands go into overdrive, too much sebum can turn your skin into an oil slick. Mix that surplus oil with dead skin cells, and you have the perfect recipe for clogged pores and acne troubles. So, while sebum is your skin’s loyal defender, too much of a good thing can lead to that shiny, acne-prone complexion.
Based on a 2023 study, individuals with oily skin produce a lot of sebum and have imbalanced skin moisture. This often leads to a shiny look, larger pores, a darker complexion, and other bothersome symptoms. Additionally, the excess oil can attract more microbes and lead to issues like blocked pores, blackheads, and acne.
According to Dr Chinjitha T Davis, a dermatologist at Manipal Hospital in Goa, if your skin looks shiny and greasy, it can be oily. Several factors, such as hormone fluctuations, stress, humidity, and heredity can affect this skin type. Dr Davis recommends using skincare products with ingredients like salicylic acid, retinoids, niacinamide (vitamin B3), glycolic acid, and green tea extracts to effectively care for oily skin.
Individuals with oily skin should avoid products with oily formulations, heavy makeup, and foundations with a dense base. Opting for water-based and mineral-based products is advisable. “Avoid applying ingredients like coconut oil, cocoa butter, and lanolin. Additionally, it is best to stay away from harsh chemicals, exfoliants, chemical peels, and alcohol-based toners,” suggests Dr Davis.
A balanced skincare routine is all it takes to get a healthy complexion. Apart from opting for the mentioned tips, avoiding harsh chemicals, thick formulas, and lotions with alcohol content, can also help manage that excessive shine and oiliness on your skin.
