Our skin type is influenced by the amount of oil our skin produce and consequently there are 5 main skin type- dry, oily, combination, sensitive and sun-damaged. The oil produces from our skin is based on our stress levels, medication, our diets, genes and our skincare routines. Hygiene and the environment also play a big factor in oil production for the skin. Humid countries like Singapore tend to be hot, producing more oil in the face.
Oily skin is one of the most basic and common type of skins and is not desired. The face tends to be shiny and dull in color and pimples, blackheads and blemishes tend to form on this type of skin. The sebaceous glands are more active than usual and hence, oil is produced excessively. Oily skin is prone to enlarged and coarse pores and skin has a greasy layer. Combination skin on the other hand is skin which has a mixture of dry and oily separately in different areas.
Causes of Oily Skin
Oily skin is caused from hereditary, hormone levels, our diets, pregnancy phase, birth control pills, weather and the cosmetics one use. Hormone levels change in adolescence, during pregnancy, menopause and when one takes birth control pills. Generally, skin becomes dryer and the flow of oil decreases as one ages. Hormonal imbalances can upset the oil balance and hence upset the sebaceous glands to produce more oil.
For the fairer gender, hormone changes take place at the beginning of every menstrual cycle but for both genders, oily skin can worsen from physical and emotional circumstances. However, do not fret as despite the reasons and causes, there are methods to control oily skin.
Sebaceous glands that produce oil is positioned within the second layer of the skin and they are mostly in the areas of faces, chest, neck, head and the back. This is also the reason why these areas have more acne, blemishes and blackheads compared to other body parts. The oil goes to the adjacent follicular pores and gradually comes to the surface of the skin and hence keeps the skin plump and hydrated. But excessive produced oil will instead make skin looks dirty and greasy.
How to Take Care for Oily Skin
Proper cleansing twice a day with mild and gentle products can control the oil production but using harsh products may just backfire as oil will be produced more to soothe the irritation caused from the harshness. One needs a product low in pH which is able to remove the extra oil and also to maintain enough moisture for the skin. On the other hand, soap is a harsh product that strips the skin not only of the unnecessary oil but also the natural oils that one needs to protect our skin.
It is a misconception that people with oily skin should not use moisturizer as they assume they have enough moisture due to the excessive oil. This is not true as oil and moisture are two entirely different elements. As one ages, moisturizer is more essential even if he has oily skin and the best product would be to use a non-oily moisturizer. Alpha hydroxyl acid (AHA) creams should be incorporated into your daily skincare routine as they increase the moisture and treat lines and wrinkles.
Oily skin is manageable by using home remedies and consistently cleaning and moisturizing the face. If excessive and uncontrollable oiliness in the face continues, clinics in countries like Singapore, Thailand, Korea, and China are open for consultations. Dermatologists are there to help people lessen the oiliness of the skin.
Taking care of the skin is easy and should not be left unnoticed. Having too much oil on the skin is bad, and having too little leads to the skin’s dryness. Consulting a dermatologist is the best option.
