Listen to Story Many of us aspire to have glowing, dewy skin. For some, the natural oil produced by the skin helps achieve this, adding a touch of shine. However, this beneficial shine can become problematic when oil production goes into an overdrive, particularly in humid conditions.
Excess oil production on the face is a common issue that can affect anyone. While it results in a shiny complexion, it can also lead to clogged pores and acne breakouts. This surplus oil can be frustrating, and no amount of blotting paper can prevent the makeup you took hours to do from melting away.
Has humidity doubled the sebum production for you? Know from experts how to deal with it, and discover how to keep your skin balanced and maintain that perfect glow without the unwanted shine. "Sebum, the natural oil produced by sebaceous glands, is essential for maintaining skin hydration and protecting against environmental damage. However, when these glands become overactive, they produce excess sebum, leading to oily skin," Dr Debjani Chakraborty, senior aesthetic physician and head of aesthetics, The Wellness Co.
, Delhi-NCR, tells India Today . The doctor adds that this excess production can be influenced by a variety of factors, including genetics, hormonal fluctuations, dietary habits, and even certain skincare practices. Hormones, particularly androgens, play a significant role in sebum production, which is why oily skin often becomes more pronounced during puberty, pregnancy, and menstrual cycles.
Excess sebum production can lead to several skin issues. When sebum mixes with dead skin cells, it can clog pores, leading to blackheads and whiteheads. Additionally, clogged pores can become inflamed and infected, resulting in acne.
Overactive sebaceous glands can also cause pores to stretch and appear larger over time. Dr Ruby Sachdev, consultant - aesthetic physician, Gleneagles Hospital, Bengaluru, mentions that this issue 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, particularly the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin).
Those with oily and combination skin struggle with excess sebum production (Photo: Getty Images) Dr Seema Oberoi Lall, consultant, dermatology, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, further explains, "The symptoms of oily skin are greasiness, oiliness on the face, and even on the scalp. The hair can also feel oily and shiny pretty soon, and one can experience dandruff and sometimes seborrhoeic dermatitis." "Apart from greasiness on the face, there is the presence of black and whiteheads, and resistant acne that can extend to the shoulders, chest, and back .
Sometimes, dandruff and seborrhoeic dermatitis can affect the face and the chest also," the doctor adds. The experts feel that the causes of oily skin are multifaceted: The weather can significantly influence sebum production. Hot and humid climates tend to exacerbate oily skin as the heat stimulates the sebaceous glands to produce more oil.
On the other hand, cold weather can lead to dehydrated skin, causing the sebaceous glands to compensate by producing more oil to maintain skin hydration. This change in weather prominently affects the T-zone, where oil production tends to be higher. Excess oil causes many skin issues and the weather can double the problem (Photo: Getty Images) Further, Dr Sri Sahithi Konidena, founder and chief dermatologist, Prime Derm Skin and Hair Clinic, Hyderabad, mentions some in-clinic treatments done by professionals that can prove helpful: The doctor mentions that clinical treatments, when combined with lifestyle modifications, give the best results.
According to the 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 depend on aloe vera to help balance oily skin without causing dryness as it has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. Using witch hazel as a natural toner also reduces oiliness.
Over-washing : Washing the face too frequently can strip the skin of its natural oils, prompting it to produce even more oil as a protective response. Skipping moisturiser : Not moisturising can lead to dehydrated skin, which can cause the sebaceous glands to produce more oil to compensate for the lack of moisture. Using harsh products : Products with high alcohol content or strong astringents can irritate the skin and increase oil production, leading to a cycle of overproduction and further irritation.
To get rid of excess oil, achieving balance is key. Over-treating the skin can lead to more problems, so it's crucial to stick to a gentle yet 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 a consistent skincare routine, effective home remedies, and professional treatments, you can keep excess oil at bay and maintain healthy, glowing skin..
