The cause of oily skin are the sebaceous glands present in the skin, whose production is stimulated or slowed down by certain substances – including hormones. In the case of oily skin type, even the slightest stimuli from hormones are sufficient to set sebum production in motion more than necessary.
This is often due to a hereditary predisposition. The hormonal metabolism is in turn influenced by external factors such as stress, with male hormones increasing sebum production and female hormones slowing it down. To a limited extent, diet can also play a role During puberty, the fat surge is particularly intense.
The forehead, nose, chin, décolleté, shoulders and back have the most sebaceous glands in the skin. In these areas, the pores also tend to clog, which can then cause blackheads and pimples to form. Oily skin is usually rather robust and insensitive. This is because the oily film effectively protects it from external influences. With the right care, oily skin stays young for a particularly long time, as wrinkles are harder to form.
Forms
In seborrhea sicca, the mixing ratio of sebum and water is an oil-in-water emulsion, and the horny layer binds very little water. Common characteristics are greasy scales, redness and tension after water contact, large pores and a shiny skin surface. When caring for the skin, care should be taken to supply the skin with a great deal of moisture, but no grease.
In seborrhea oleosa, the acid-fat mixture is in a water-in-oil emulsion with normal to increased water-binding capacity of the stratum corneum. The skin is oily shiny, appears thick and coarse, with large pores and has a tendency to form blackheads (comedones).
When caring for the skin, the main focus must be on cleansing. For this purpose, it is recommended to use tinctures and syndets containing alcohol. For care, light emulsions or products containing fruit acids and vitamin A are well suited. Under no circumstances should greasy bases be used.
Care of oily skin
Oily skin should be washed thoroughly in the morning and evening with mild soaps or lotions with a pH below 6. Special cleansing gels for oily skin can be found in stores. Afterwards, it is advisable to use a facial toner – the alcohol contained in it causes the pores to contract and curbs sebum production. 2 to 3 times a week, it is recommended to use a peeling that is adapted to the skin.
Special creams that contain a lot of moisture, but no fats, but antibacterial and skin-soothing ingredients are suitable as skin care products.
