Is your skin looking shiny with breakouts and clogged pores? Do you find yourself in a constant battle to control oily and greasy-looking skin? Excess sebum is likely the culprit. Even though it is an oily substance that protects your skin, too much of it can lead to a shiny appearance and increase your risk of clogged pores and acne.
Continue reading as our aesthetic clinic in Singapore dives a little more into what sebum is and how you can control its overproduction.
It is a sticky oily substance produced by the body’s sebaceous glands. It is made of different types of lipids or fat molecules that include triglycerides, wax esters, squalene, cholesterol, and fatty acids. Secreted onto the skin through the hair follicles, sebum provides a protective barrier or a coating for the skin to retain moisture.
Balanced sebum production is essential in keeping the skin soft, supple, and healthy. A number of factors such as hormonal fluctuations, certain medications, and lifestyle habits can affect its production, which may lead to:
Sebum underproduction can lead to dry, flaky, and itchy skin with aggravated symptoms if you use skincare products with harsh or irritating ingredients. The use of moisturizers with humectants or ceramides can relieve dry skin, as well as avoiding products that contain alcohol and artificial fragrances.
The main issue with overproduction is that excess sebum can trap dirt, bacteria, and dead skin cells in their pores. This can then increase your risk of having blackheads, whiteheads, and acne. It is also common for makeup to melt or crease when you have greasy skin.
An overproduction of sebum is a common concern for many. The most common sign is having shine or oiliness across your T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin). Enlarged pores and comedones, which are signs of congestion, are also common with sebum overproduction.
Here are a few things that can reduce excess sebum.
Never go to bed without removing your makeup or cleansing your skin. Doing so increases the potential for clogged pores and associated skin issues. Choose a gentle cleanser that provides comprehensive cleansing without stripping the skin. Make sure not to overwash your face, as this can prompt the sebaceous gland to produce more oil.
Always use a moisturizer after cleansing your face. Look for oil-free or water-based formulas, so you can hydrate your skin without further clogging your pores. And if you have sensitive or easily irritated skin, a face moisturizer with zinc is a good choice. This can help reduce sebum while also soothing and calming your skin.
Excess sebum and dead skin cells can clog your pores and cause breakouts. Exfoliating using glycolic acid or salicylic acid (AHA/BHA) can remove this build-up and enhance cell turnover. It breaks down some of the dead surface cells, which can enable the active ingredients in your skincare to penetrate deeper and do their magic.
Some masks can help manage certain skin issues like mild acne, enlarged pores, or dull complexion. Clay masks help absorb excess sebum and combat large pores. You can choose to apply it only to oily areas once or twice a week. And for acne that is due to excess sebum, topical medications or oral antibiotics can help.
Some of the things that help improve the health of your skin and reduce inflammation include:
Our aesthetic clinic in Singapore offers non-surgical treatments that can help reduce oiliness and help you unveil a more youthful, glowing complexion. These include:
Take control of your sebum production. If you need help in taking better care of your skin, don’t hesitate to reach out to Cutis Medical Laser Clinics in Singapore. Book a consultation with our aesthetic doctor to find out how we can help you achieve your skin goals.
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