We often complain about sebum, but we must know that sebum is a fundamental constituent of our skin. It is synthesized and secreted by sebaceous glands and chemically consists of squalene, fatty acids triglycerides, and cholesterol.

But why is it so important?

It contributes to the formation of the hydrolipidic film;
It creates a semipermeable barrier that opposes transepidermal water loss, therefore indirectly providing hydration;
It regulates the skin pH;
It has antibacterial action.

In some people, however, sebum is produced in excess, and the skin appears shiny, greasy, and more prone to impurities, giving rise to the so-called “oily skin.” The main cause of oily skin lies in a personal predisposition that determines an alteration in the production of hormones that regulate sebum production. The condition can worsen during periods of high stress or in certain climatic conditions, such as during hot and humid summer days. The increase in sebum production alters the composition of the hydrolipidic film and impairs the physiological functions of the skin. The excess lipid content makes cutaneous transpiration difficult, clogs skin pores, and promotes the growth of pathogenic microorganisms. As a result, individuals with oily skin often experience inflammation, redness, blackheads, whiteheads, and may develop seborrheic dermatitis, dandruff, or acne, depending on the type of oily skin.

a cura di CHIARA DUILIO
BIOLOGA

DAILY ROUTINE FOR BEAUTY AND CARE OF OILY SKIN

Here are the recommended products for proper skincare for oily skin:

DOUBLE CLEANSING
For oily skin, double cleansing may be recommended: it consists of two steps in which an oil-based cleanser or actual oil is used first, followed by a surfactant cleanser. The double cleansing process can clean the face more thoroughly and remove impurities, excess sebum, and makeup.

In the first step, the oil-based cleanser only incorporates substances to be removed on the surface (often makeup and excess sebum) due to their chemical structure. An oil, preferably natural and cold-pressed, such as almond, jojoba, or macadamia oil, is chosen for this purpose.

For the second step, which removes residues from the previous cleansing, particularly aggressive and foaming detergents should be avoided. The skin could temporarily dry out, stimulating further sebum production in compensation. That’s why we recommend the ULTRA GENTLE CREAMY BIOCLEANSER. Its formula, consisting of only three ingredients, makes it an extremely gentle product that doesn’t alter the skin’s hydro-lipid barrier. Furthermore, its creamy texture requires only a small amount with little water to deeply cleanse the skin without foaming.

CREAMS AND OILS
The ideal treatment for oily skin involves the use of sebum-regulating substances that act on the sebaceous glands, rebalancing sebum production.

For younger skin, a natural moisturizer and sebum normalizer in one product may be sufficient. In this case, paradoxically, one of the best treatments is an oil: COLD-PRESSED JOJOBA OIL, the least greasy of vegetable oils, can also be found in stick form with a roll-on applicator for easier application on the face.

One advantage of having oily skin is that wrinkles tend to appear later than in dry skin. However, even for more mature oily skin, it’s recommended to use products that prevent cellular aging and contain active ingredients that continue to regulate sebum production. Niacinamide-containing creams are recommended, as it reduces the triglycerides and fatty acids in surface sebum. Niacinamide can be found in IMMUNO 6 cream, along with other highly antioxidant and anti-aging active ingredients such as Resveratrol, Rhodiola Rosea, Pomegranate, and Ginkgo Biloba.

Retinoids, such as vitamin A, also reduce sebum production and normalize skin keratinization. However, since they are photosensitizing, they are mainly found in night creams such as LA NOTTE DI ANGELICA. In addition to vitamin A, it reduces oxidative stress on the skin thanks to vitamin C and E, delaying skin aging.

WHAT ABOUT PIMPLES AND BLACKHEADS?
As mentioned earlier, those with oily skin often have pimples or blackheads.

As a purifying treatment to be applied only on affected areas at night, LENIDERM PLUS cream is recommended to tighten pores and disinfect the skin, thanks to Tea Tree Oil, a skin rebalancing and antibacterial agent, Sage, a natural astringent, and Bisabolol, a chamomile extract that has a soothing and emollient effect on pimples and skin inflammations.

read more on too oily and shiny skin

by CHIARA DUILIO
BIOLOGIST