Have you ever wondered why we have oil on our skin to begin with? The oil on our skin is called sebum and it’s produced by sebaceous glands in our skin. Sebum is made up of roughly 41% triglycerides, 26% wax esters, 12% squalene, and 16% fatty acids. It’s essential for keeping our skin lubricated, prevents moisture loss, and has antimicrobial properties. A balanced level of oil is necessary for skin health without the appearance of the dreadful greasy sheen.
Signs of overactive sebaceous glands can include the following:
There are four primary causes for oily skin. Firstly, it’s all about your genes. If your parents are prone to having oily skin, the chances are you will too. Secondly, our hormones control many systems in our body that keep us healthy and the sebaceous glands are one of them. The androgen hormone is responsible for oil production and can fluctuate on different levels prompting for more oil to be made. Androgens are particularly active during puberty, menstruation, and pregnancy causing more acne breakouts. Hormones related to stress may also have an effect on oil production. Another reason for oily skin is the food we eat. Foods that are high in sugar, refined carbohydrates, and dairy products all contribute to overactive sebaceous glands.
The best way to remedy the affects of oily skin is by using skincare products to help control excessive oil production, keep pores clean and unclogged, and using light or gel-based products that are non-comedogenic so your skin can breathe.
Here is a simple 3-step routine to manage oily skin:
Purifying Glycolic Cleansing Gel
Purifying Glycolic Cleanser is a Glycolic 3% purifier that gently washes away dead skin cells and allows for an even exfoliation without over-drying and balances the pH levels of the skin.
The Salix Tone is specifically formulated for brightening, acneic skin and oily skin conditions. Salix Nigra, derived from natural willow bark, provides the effectiveness of Salicylic Acid to degrease and exfoliate oily and acne-prone skins.
Formulated for acne-prone, troubled skin and oily skin types, the Skin Balance aims to even out skin texture and balance sebum activity with the use of triclosan. Panthenol and Aloe Vera provide light hydration to the skin and enhance barrier function, to normalize the skin by delivering moisture to normalize the skin.
Oily skin is prone to acne, use the following products to treat breakouts:
An extremely effective spot treatment used on troubled or acneic areas, this powerful benzoyl peroxide gel sold in 2 strengths and is an organic compound that is well known for its acne-fighting properties. Benzoyl Peroxide strips away the build-up of dead skin cells and sebum that has collected in the pores congesting the skin and causing acne.
The Clear Complex Purity PM Gel is a potent spot treatment that clears acne breakouts and prevents the formation of post-acne scarring. Salix Nigra (Willow) Bark Extract, Tea Tree Leaf Oil and Niacinamide removes dead skin and excess oil buildup.
