Many of us desire glowing, dewy skin. For some people, the natural oils produced by the skin help achieve this, giving the skin a radiant glow. However, this beneficial glow can become a problem when oil production becomes excessive, especially in humid conditions.

Excess oil production on the face is a common problem that can affect anyone. Although it makes the skin glow, it also leads to clogged pores and acne.

This excess oil can be frustrating, and no amount of blotting paper can prevent the makeup you spent hours creating from melting away.

Has the humidity caused your sebum production to double? Learn from the experts how to deal with it, and discover how to keep your skin balanced and maintain that perfect glow without the unwanted shine.

It is necessary, but…

Dr Debjani Chakraborty, Senior Aesthetic Physician and Head of Aesthetics at Delhi-NCR-based The Wellness Company, said, “Sebum is the natural oil produced by the sebaceous glands, which is essential for maintaining skin moisture and protecting it from environmental damage. However, when these glands become overactive, they produce excess sebum, leading to oily skin.” india today,

Doctors say this excess production can be influenced by a number of factors, including genetics, hormonal fluctuations, dietary habits, and even certain skin care practices. Hormones, particularly androgens, play a key role in sebum production, which is why oily skin often becomes more pronounced during puberty, pregnancy, and the menstrual cycle.

Excessive sebum production can lead to several skin problems. When sebum mixes with dead skin cells, it clogs the pores, which can lead to blackheads and whiteheads.

In addition, clogged pores can lead to inflammation and infection, resulting in acne. Overactive sebaceous glands can also dilate pores and make them appear larger over time.

Is this problem limited to certain skin types?

Dr. Ruby Sachdev, Consultant – Aesthetic Physician, Gleneagles Hospital, Bengaluru, explains that this problem of excess sebum production is more common in individuals with oily skin.

However, people with combination skin can also experience excessive oil production due to enlarged pores in specific areas, especially the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin).

Dr Seema Oberoi Lal, dermatologist at CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, further explains, “The symptoms of oily skin are greasiness, oiliness on the face and even oiliness on the scalp. The hair also starts to look oily and shiny quickly and one may experience dandruff and sometimes seborrheic dermatitis.”

“Apart from greasiness on the face, there are also black and white pimples and resistant acne, which can spread to the shoulders, chest and back. Sometimes dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis can also affect the face and chest,” the doctor said.

What causes oily skin?

Experts believe that the causes of oily skin are multifaceted:

• GeneticsIf your parents have oily skin, chances are you will too.
• hormonal imbalanceConditions such as puberty, pregnancy, and the menstrual cycle can cause increased androgen levels, which stimulate the sebaceous glands.
• DietHigh glycemic foods and dairy products can increase sebum production.
• skin care productsUsing too many harsh products strips the skin of its natural oils, causing the skin to produce more sebum as a protective mechanism.
• TensionStress increases the production of cortisol, which can increase oil production.

blame the weather

Weather can affect sebum production to a great extent. Hot and humid climates make oily skin even worse because the heat stimulates the sebaceous glands to produce more oil.

On the other hand, cold weather can cause water loss in the skin, which causes the sebaceous glands to compensate by producing more oil to maintain moisture in the skin. This change in weather mainly affects the T-zone, where oil production is higher.

Get rid of excess oil

• It is very important to cleanse your face twice a day. Use a gentle, foaming cleanser to remove excess oil without stripping the skin of essential moisture.
• Choose skincare and makeup products that are labeled non-comedogenic to prevent clogging of pores.
• Don’t skip hydration as even oily skin needs it. Choose light, oil-free moisturizers that provide the necessary moisture without adding excess oil.
• Make exfoliation a part of your daily routine. It helps remove dead skin cells and prevent clogged pores.
• Using a toner containing salicylic acid can also help control oil production and unclog pores.
• When going out, always carry blotting papers to remove excess oil throughout the day.
• What you put inside your body also matters. Hence, it is important to have a balanced diet and keep yourself hydrated.
• You can also opt for oral medications like oral retinoids, which are prescribed with the required dosage depending on the severity of skin problems arising from excess sebum.

Additionally, Dr. Sri Sahithi Konidena, Founder and Chief Dermatologist, Prime Derm Skin & Hair Clinic, Hyderabad, mentions a few in-clinic treatments performed by professionals that may prove helpful:

• Treatment with carbon peel and laser toning therapy aimed at decreasing gland size and sebum production has shown good improvement.
• Blue and red light therapy is giving good results.
• Salicylic acid based peels are also great.

Doctors state that clinical treatment, when combined with lifestyle changes, give the best results.

Do home remedies work?

According to experts, clay masks, such as those containing kaolin or bentonite, can absorb excess oil and detoxify the skin, making them excellent for weekly use.

You can also rely on aloe vera to balance oily skin without making it dry as it has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. Using witch hazel as a natural toner also reduces oiliness.

Popular hacks that you should never follow

Over-washingWashing your face too often strips the skin of its natural oils, causing it to produce even more oil as a protective response.
Not applying moisturizerLack of moisture can cause the skin to become dehydrated, which can cause the sebaceous glands to produce more oil to compensate for the lack of moisture.
Using harsh productsProducts with high alcohol content or strong astringents can irritate the skin and increase oil production, starting a cycle of overproduction and more irritation.

Ground Level

It’s important to maintain a balance to get rid of excess oil. Over-treating the skin can lead to further problems, so it’s important to follow a gentle but effective skincare routine. Don’t shy away from professional treatments either. While home remedies can be helpful, it’s important to be cautious with DIY hacks.

Managing oily skin can be challenging, but with regular skin care, effective home remedies, and professional treatments, you can keep excess oil at bay and maintain healthy, glowing skin.