What is oily skin?

Oily skin results from overactive sebaceous glands that produce more sebum, the skin's natural oil, than necessary. Sebum is essential for keeping skin hydrated and protecting it from external aggressors. However, overproduction can result in a shiny surface, enlarged pores, and a tendency to acne and blemishes. It is often characterized by a persistent feeling of oiliness or shine, especially in the T-zone - the forehead, nose, and chin.

Common causes of oily skin:

Genetics play a major role in determining your skin type, including your tendency to have oily skin. If oily skin runs in your family, you are more likely to inherit it. Genetic factors can affect the size and activity of your sebaceous glands, which in turn affects sebum production.

Hormonal changes can significantly affect sebum production, often causing oily skin. During puberty, hormones stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce more oil, often resulting in oily skin and acne. Similarly, hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause can contribute to increased sebum production and oily skin.

Diet and lifestyle can significantly affect the oiliness of your skin. A diet high in sugar and refined carbohydrates can cause hormonal changes that increase sebum production, worsening oily skin. Eating fried and fatty foods can also contribute to oily skin. Stress is another factor that can affect sebum production, as elevated stress levels can trigger the release of hormones that stimulate the sebaceous glands. Furthermore, lack of sleep can disrupt hormones and cause increased oiliness of the skin.

Humidity and ambient temperature can affect sebum production and contribute to oily skin. In humid climates, moisture in the air can prevent sweat and sebum from evaporating quickly, leading to oil buildup on the skin’s surface. High temperatures can also trigger the sebaceous glands to produce more oil to cool the skin. Additionally, exposure to pollution and environmental toxins can worsen oily skin by clogging pores and causing inflammation.

Oily skin care

Morning routine

• Gentle Cleanser: Start with a gentle cleanser to remove excess oil and dirt. (Click to see La PIEL Foaming Facial Cleanser and Makeup Remover).
• Toner: Apply an alcohol-free toner to balance your skin’s pH and tighten pores.
  Light Hydrating Lotion: Use a gel or light hydrating lotion to hydrate your skin without clogging pores. (Click to see La PIEL Natural and Luxurious Perfumed Body Lotion).
• Sun Protection: Always finish with a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect your skin from UV damage. (Click to see La PIEL Sun BABE SPF 50 for Face).

Evening Routine

• Makeup Removal: Use a makeup remover to ensure all traces of makeup are removed. (Click to see La PIEL Foaming Facial Cleanser and Makeup Remover).
• Deep Cleansing: After that, use a deep facial cleanser. (Click to see La PIEL Foaming Facial Cleanser and Makeup Remover).
• Night Cream or Serum: Apply a night cream or serum with ingredients like retinol or niacinamide to regulate sebum production and improve skin texture. (Click to see La PIEL Face Cream).

Weekly Supplements

• Exfoliate: Exfoliate 1-2 times a week to remove dead skin cells and prevent clogged pores. (Click to see La PIEL Sugar BABE).
• Face Masks: Use clay masks once a week to absorb excess oil and purify the skin.

Dietary Changes

• Foods to Include: Include foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins A, D, and E in your diet to promote healthy skin.
• Foods to Avoid: Limit sugar and high-glycemic foods that can increase oil production.
• Importance of Drinking Water: Staying hydrated helps maintain the skin's natural balance and can reduce oiliness.

Stress Management

• Techniques: Practice stress-reducing activities like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing to control hormone levels and sebum production.

Regular physical activity

• Beneficial effects on skin health: Physical activity improves blood circulation and helps reduce stress, which can have a positive effect on skin health.

The best ingredients for oily facial skin care

Oily skin can be both a blessing and a curse. While it's true that oily skin tends to age more slowly than other skin types, it also comes with its own challenges, such as enlarged pores, excess shine, and a tendency to develop acne. However, with proper skin care, you can keep your oily skin under control and maintain a healthy, radiant complexion. The key is to choose products with the best ingredients specifically tailored to the needs of oily skin.

Salicylic acid:

Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) known for its ability to penetrate deep into pores, effectively dissolving excess oil, dirt, and dead skin cells that can clog them and lead to breakouts. By keeping pores clear, salicylic acid helps reduce the appearance of acne and blackheads, making it a key ingredient in oily skin care products. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help soothe the redness and irritation associated with acne.

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3):

Niacinamide is a powerful ingredient that offers a multitude of benefits for oily skin. It helps regulate sebum production, thereby reducing excess oil without stripping the skin of its natural moisture. In addition, niacinamide has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help soothe irritated skin and reduce the appearance of blemishes. Furthermore, it helps strengthen the skin's natural barrier, improving its resistance to external aggressors.

Witch hazel:

Witch hazel is a natural astringent derived from the leaves and bark of the witch hazel plant. It contains tannins that help tighten skin and tighten enlarged pores, making it especially beneficial for oily skin types. Witch hazel also has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can help soothe acne-prone skin and prevent bacterial infections. When incorporated into skin care products, witch hazel can help control excess oil production and promote a clearer, more even complexion.

Clay:

Clay has been used for centuries for its purifying properties. It works by absorbing excess oil and impurities from the surface of the skin, leaving it clean and refreshed. Clay masks are especially popular for oily skin types, as they help draw out impurities from pores and tighten the skin. Common types of clay used in skin care include kaolin clay, bentonite clay, and French green clay. Incorporating clay-based products into your skin care routine can help mattify oily skin and prevent breakouts.

Hyaluronic acid:

While it may sound counterintuitive to use a moisturizer on oily skin, hyaluronic acid can actually be extremely beneficial. Unlike heavy moisturizers that can clog pores and aggravate oiliness, hyaluronic acid is a lightweight humectant that draws moisture into the skin without adding oiliness overnight. By effectively hydrating the skin, hyaluronic acid helps maintain its natural balance and prevents excessive oil production in an effort to compensate for dehydration.

Frequently asked questions

Q1: Can oily skin be cured permanently?

• No, oily skin cannot be cured permanently, but it can be effectively controlled with a proper skin care routine and lifestyle habits.

Q2: Is it necessary to moisturize oily skin?

• Yes, moisturizing oily skin is essential to maintain hydration and prevent excessive oil production.

Q3: What are the best ingredients in products for oily skin?

• Look for ingredients like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, tea tree oil, and niacinamide.

Q4: How often should I exfoliate if I have oily skin?

• Exfoliate 1-2 times a week to prevent clogged pores and remove dead skin cells.

Q5: Can diet really affect my skin's oil production?

• Yes, nutrition plays a significant role in skin health. Foods with a high glycemic index and sugar can increase oil production.

La PIEL products for oily skin care

Foaming cleanser and makeup remover

A gentle foam for daily thorough cleansing of the face or removal of makeup without drying, irritation or a feeling of tightness after use. 8 antioxidant plant extracts, glycerin and panthenol act as moisturizing agents, preventing moisture loss and possible drying of the skin. Click to learn more

Lipo Serum (8 Oils)

99% natural lipo serum provides your facial skin with the most luxurious care thanks to a high-quality formula that provides the skin with rich nutrition, contributes to the revitalization and regeneration of facial skin. In addition to 8 high-quality oils, including squalane and plant extracts, it is also enriched with vitamins E and F, excellent antioxidants that prevent skin aging, improve skin tone, restore moisture and elasticity, and thus keep the face hydrated, shiny and youthful. Click and find out more

Moisturizing and extremely nutritious face cream

Moisturizing and extremely nutritious day and night face cream for all skin types. The high-quality and advanced formula contains 6 active ingredients: niacinamide, peptides, ceramides, hyaluronan, retinol, collagen, which give facial skin freshness and elasticity, restore it, improve tone and texture. The combination of powerful ingredients makes the cream ideal for maintaining youthful skin in the twenties, and for mature skin it acts as an excellent anti-aging agent. Click and learn more

"Superpower liquid" exfoliating liquid with AHA glycolic acid

La PIEL LAB "Superpower liquid" is a type of liquid peeling that removes dead skin cells, deeply purifies it and prepares it for better absorption of oils and active components from products such as creams and face masks. The formula is based on 5% glycolic acid and enriched with as many as 8 plant extracts and oils for complete regeneration and revitalization of the skin. Click and learn more