Your skin might start appearing extra shiny than normal. This is caused by excess sebum production on the skin. This can make you conscious. Oily skin is not just about the shine but. It brings in a lot of other skin concerns as well.
Excess sebum makes the makeup and other skincare products clog the pores by mixing with it. Dirt and dead skin cells also get accumulated on this skin and form a hard plug which causes clogged pores. This is the major cause of acne. So oily skin is the biggest factor for acne breakouts.
To control the excess sebum from your skin you need to follow a proper skincare routine which begins by selecting the right cleanser for oily skin. A right face wash does not just control the sebum production, it also helps in protecting the skin barrier from dehydration that occurs after wiping oil from skin. It does not completely clear the oil from the skin, instead it removes the excess oil only and keeps a balance of oil on the skin.
Why does excess sebum production happen?
The skin contains sebaceous glands which are the producers of sebum in the skin. Sebum is an essential secretion which helps in keeping the skin moisturized and protects the skin barrier.
But its over production is also a concern. Some people generally have enlarged pores which are more activated than normal which creates production of more sebum. It gets more prominent due to factors like stress, pollution, environmental changes, hormonal imbalance and diet. It is not just about excess sebum production it causes various other skin concerns like
- Clogged pores
- Dirt deposition
- Dead skin cells build up
- Acne
- Blackheads
Why do regular soaps cause more sebum production?
Regular soaps or cleansers are meant for the purpose of surface cleansing only. They are generally harsh on the skin due to the presence of harsh surfactants. They often wipe off the oil completely from the skin which leads to barrier disruption of the skin and it becomes excessively dry. This triggers sebaceous glands and they start producing more and more oil. This creates a vicious cycle of oil production.
How does an oil control face wash help?
A face wash for oily skin helps to control the excess oil from the skin by following different approaches of cleansing.
- Controlling excess sebum: It works by going into the pores and removing the excess sebum from the pores. It also helps in whopping oil from the surface without completely drying the skin. It also helps to regulate sebum production due to the presence of active ingredients.
- Unclogging pores and deep cleansing: It helps in unclogging of the pores which may often lead to acne and other concerns. So it prevents that from happening and wash off the excess. It also helps in protecting the skin barrier. It performs deep cleansing of the pores by breaking the plugs of oil and other impurities and removing them from the pores.
Which ingredients are suitable?
- Niacinamide: This alpha hydroxy acid is water soluble in nature. Its main function is to regulate sebum production and remove excess oil from the surface as well. It also helps in supporting the skin barrier and soothes the skin.
- Salicylic acid: This is an oil-soluble beta hydroxy acid and it has the ability to dive deep into the pores and clear out the excess oil from the pores. It works by loosening the bonds of dead skin cells and helps in clearing impurities out of the pores.
- Activated charcoal: This is a powerful absorbent that has the ability to absorb large amounts of oil from the skin. It works by absorbing the excess oil from the surface of the skin.
- Tea tree oil: It is used in oil control products due to its ability to regulate and control the sebum production in the skin.
How to use a cleanser for oily skin?
To get effective results from a face wash to control excess sebum you must be using it twice a day.
AM routine
- Wash your hands and then wash your face with water
- Take right amount of face wash in your hand
- Apply it to the face and target areas with excess sebum like your T-zone
- Massage softly for 30-60 seconds
- Rinse off with water
- Apply a non comedogenic moisturizer
- Apply SPf while going out
PM routine
- Wash your face with water
- Take right amount of face wash in your hand
- Apply it to the face and target areas with excess sebum like your T-zone
- Massage softly for 30-60 seconds
- Rinse off with water
- Apply a lightweight night cream
Last thoughts
For controlling the excess sebum from the face you don’t need to use harsh soaps that can drain the skin moisture and disrupt skin barrier. You need to select a face wash that simply controls excess sebum and maintains the balance. Also you need to be consistent in following the routine to achieve an oil free skin. But do not over use it as it is also not ideal.
