Contents
and Health
Having oily skin can be a real struggle. People with oily skin likely feel the need to constantly wash their face and remove makeup and dirt in order to minimize the oil. However, it’s important to understand the distinction between sebum and dirt and how to properly address each. This article covers the importance of sebum and will provide a guide for dos and don’ts for oily skin care and health.
What is Sebum?
Sebum is an oily, waxy substance that is produced by the sebaceous glands. It helps to lubricate the skin, hair and nails and is composed of triglycerides, fatty acids, wax esters and cholesterol. Sebum helps to keep skin healthy by protecting it from bacteria, fungus and environmental toxins.
Sebum and Oily Skin
People with oily skin tend to have larger sebaceous glands that are producing more sebum than necessary, which leads to excess oil. This can cause the skin to appear greasy, clog pores and cause blemishes like blackheads and whiteheads.
The Dos and Don’ts of Oily Skin Care
Do:
- Cleanse the skin daily with a gentle cleanser to remove dirt, oil and makeup.
- Exfoliate the skin using a gentle scrub to remove dead skin cells.
- Moisturize the skin with a light, oil-free moisturizer to help balance the skin.
- Protect the skin by using a sunscreen with SPF of 30 or higher.
Don’t:
- Overcleanse the skin by washing more than twice a day as this can dry out the skin and lead to an increase in oil production.
- Pick at blemishes as this can cause scarring.
- Use products that are heavily fragranced, as these can irritate the skin.
- Over-exfoliate as this can also lead to an increase in oil production.
Conclusion
Taking care of oily skin can be a balancing act, but understanding the importance of sebum and following these tips can help to keep oily skin in check. Remember to keep skin clean, moisturized and protected to keep it looking and feeling its best.
