Skin that is said to be oily/acne-prone is described as being shiny, oily, or slick-looking, often accompanied by large, darkened pores and acne blemishes. The T-zone may be particularly impacted - forehead, nose, chin and sometimes the cheek area directly below the eyes. Beyond the face, acne may affect the neck, chest, back or upper arm area. A chronic inflammation in which production of comedones, papules, pustules, cysts, and scars exists is what defines Acne.
The factors responsible for acne are dead skin cells, oil production, clogged pores and bacteria.
Below is a list of several possible causes and aggravators of oily and acne-prone skin:
Overproduction of sebum – due to hormonal levels and activity. Men typically have more oil (and thicker skin) than females, while adolescents often have acne-breakouts due to hormonal changes and fluctuations in the body during puberty. Sebum is lubricating oil excreted onto the surface layer of the epidermis by the sebaceous glands, to lubricate, protect and keep skin hydrated and nourished. Oily or slick skin appearance is due to too much sebum production, which results in and may contribute to acne blemishes.
Lack of exfoliation – In some people, skin cells accumulate and contribute to clogged pores causing acne breakouts. To uncover healthy, younger cells beneath, exfoliation removes dead skin cells and eliminate toxins and pollutants that may be blocking skin cells. It is important not to over-exfoliate skin, which may aggravate and inflame the skin, leading to further acne breakouts.
Overuse of synthetics/chemicals/detergents – Resist from over-washing the skin as it will eliminate the much-needed natural oils, fats and nutrients that protect and sustain the skin moisturised, stabilized and secure. For example, over-washing with a harsh, synthetic acne cleanser may actually result in more acne, as well as dehydrated and under-nourished skin cells.
Overuse of comedogenic cosmetics such as foundation or concealer. These form an occlusive layer on the epidermis which do not allow the skin to breathe and have exposure to oxygen, thus clogging skin resulting in acne.
Poor diet or lifestyle choices – Not consuming enough water, poor nutrition choices, poor personal hygiene, excessive stress or lack of regular sleep/insomnia, could all contribute to acne blemishes. Bacteria naturally exist on the skin and may contribute to acne blemishes if a regular skincare routine and proper hygiene practices are not maintained.
Hot, humid climates may contribute to acne and clogged pores from increased perspiration and sebum production.
Skin Care Routine for Oily Acne-Prone Skin
Adopting a simple skincare routine nourishes and hydrates skin. Create a simple routine which includes cleansing, hydrating and gently exfoliating skin regularly to increase the skin cell renewal rate. It’s best to cleanse with a mild, natural ingredient cleanser that will not strip the skin’s natural oils and disrupt its delicate balance. Some people find that incorporating regular gentle exfoliation (one to two times per week, at most), helps prevent clogged pores, keeps skin looking renewed and fresh and keeps acne breakouts at bay.
Hydrate and nourish the skin using the right balance of oils - Hydrate and balance skin with the right balance of plant oils selected specifically for their essential fatty acids content and benefits. Oils which are high in Linoleic acid are excellent for oily and acne-prone skin, as they are lighter, thinner, quickly absorbed, will not clog pores. They effectively hydrate and balance oily skin without a heavy feeling. Oils are often given a bad reputation, specifically when it comes to oily or acne-prone skin types. In reality, the right oils can balance and correct problem skin, reducing or eliminating acne breakouts and related concerns, especially when combined with a healthy lifestyle and nutrition.
Choose appropriate essential oils - Use essential oils that are anti-bacterial, antiseptic, astringent and balance sebum production to assist in the treatment and prevention of acne-prone skin.
Aim for healthy lifestyle choices – Drink 8-10 glasses of water daily to keep hydrated, follow a diet, consisting of a wide array of fruits, vegetables and healthy plant fats and oils, follow a regular sleep pattern and fitness routine to feel balanced and reduce the impact of stress on the body.
Avoid things that will aggravate skin such as harsh cleansers (often sold as mainstream acne treatment cleansers) containing synthetic ingredients which dry out skin, resulting in more oil and acne breakouts. Opt for natural, mild cleansers and keep skin hydrated and protected. Even use a mild detergent to clean especially towels and pillow covers (whatever comes in contact with face) because strong detergent might leave some residue, promoting the problem.
Hot, long showers will also dry out skin, so instead take shorter, warm or even cool showers. Avoid picking at skin, which may lead to scarring and spreading of bacteria that cause further acne. Use a clean cloth to clean your face after wash. Change your pillow cover at least once in a week to maintain hygiene.
Ingredients for Oily/Acne-Prone Skin:
Problem: Overproduction of sebum Solution: Decrease sebaceous gland activity Reduce shine/ absorb oil on the skin's surface Function and Ingredients examples: Regulate /balance sebum production - Essential oils, e.g. Geranium, Palmarosa Niacinamide Horse Chesnut Extract Reduce shine/ absorb oil on skin's surface - Clays, e.g. kaolin.
Problem: Clogged pores / cell accumulation Solution: Unblock pores Function and Ingredients example: Exfoliating - BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acids), i.e. Salicylic acid Physical exfoliants, e.g. Ground apricot Lactic Acid
Problem: Enlarged pores Solution: Reduce pore size Function and Ingredients example: Reduce pore size - Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) Astringent (contracts & tones skin tissues) - Essential oils, e.g. Rosemary, Geranium, Frankincense, Lemon, Cypress, Myrrh
Problem: Predisposed to acne Solution: Decrease bacteria in sebum, Anti-inflammatory Function and Ingredients example: Antibacterial, antiseptic - Essential oils, e.g. Tea tree, Bergamot, Lemon, Petitgrain. Anti-inflammatory extracts, e.g. Green Tea extract, Aloe Vera, Pomegranate oil/ extract, Chamomile essential oil.
Problem: Scarring Solution: Reduce the appearance of / minimize scarring Function and Ingredients example: Cytophalactic - Frankincense Essential oil, Lavender Essential Oil Emollient (lightweight) - Grapeseed oil and Evening primrose oil are all high in Linoleic acid and are lightweight, dry feeling oils, so are well suited to oily and acne-prone skin.
Problem: Peeling and dehydrated skin (due to use of products to control oil) Solution: Moisturize, hydrate Function and Ingredients example: Hydrating/ Humectant - Glycerin Hyaluronic Acid Sodium Lactate Panthenol (provitamin B5) Olive Squalane
DIY Facial Serum for Oily/Acne-prone Skin
To offer a solution that balances sebum production, hydrates and offers antibacterial properties.
Carrier Oils:
Jojoba Oil (37 gms) – light oil, quickly absorbed, similar to the skin’s natural sebum. Balancing and has anti-inflammatory qualities.
Evening primrose oil (30 gms) - high in Linoleic acid, and a lightweight, dry-feeling oils, so well suited to oily and acne-prone skin.
Hemp seed oil (30 gms) is quickly absorbed, which offers hydrating, healing and soothing benefits.
Calendula extract (1 gm) offers anti-inflammatory and potent healing properties.
Rosemary essential oil (.5 gm) cleanses and clears congested skin. It is astringent so helps tone skin and is a strong antiseptic and antibacterial agent.
Geranium essential oil (.5 gm) balances skins sebum production and secretion levels, delivering antibacterial benefits.
Vitamin E Oil (1 gm) - Antioxidant
The above-provided information is purely based on my own research and study through different sources and hope this is a useful resource for you!
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