7 tips on how to manage your sebum production
Tired of that greasy feeling? You're not alone. Excess sebum production can be a real struggle, leading to oily skin, breakouts, and even clogged pores. But don't worry, you don't have to resign yourself to a life of shine!
Sebum is an oily substance produced by your skin's sebaceous glands. While it plays a vital role in keeping your skin hydrated and protected, overproduction can wreak havoc.
And while it might seem counterintuitive, dehydrated skin can actually trigger increased sebum production.
Here's why:
- Skin Barrier Disruption: When your skin is dehydrated, its natural barrier function is compromised. This barrier is crucial for retaining moisture and protecting against external aggressors.
- Skin's Compensatory Response: When the skin barrier is damaged, it can trigger an overproduction of sebum as a compensatory mechanism. The skin essentially tries to "overcompensate" for the lack of moisture by producing more oil.
Think of it like this: Imagine your skin as a brick wall.
- Hydrated Skin: The bricks are well-hydrated and fit together snugly, forming a strong barrier that keeps moisture in and irritants out.
- Dehydrated Skin: The bricks are dry and cracked, creating gaps that allow moisture to escape and irritants to penetrate. In response, the skin tries to "patch" these gaps by producing more oil (sebum).
Important Note: Dehydrated skin can affect all skin types, even oily skin.
Here are 7 tips to help you manage your sebum production and achieve a more balanced complexion:
- Gentle Cleansing is Key:
- Avoid harsh cleansers: Skip the harsh soaps and opt for gentle, sulfate-free cleansers. Over-washing can strip your skin of its natural oils, triggering increased sebum production.
- Double cleanse: If you wear makeup, consider double cleansing. Use an oil-based cleanser like reset cleansing oil to remove makeup and follow up with a gentle foaming cleanser.
- Exfoliate Regularly:
- Remove dead skin cells: Exfoliating 2-3 times per week helps remove dead skin cells that can clog pores and trap sebum.
- Choose the right exfoliant: Opt for gentle chemical exfoliants like AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) or BHAs (beta hydroxy acids).
3. Moisturize Wisely:
- Hydration is crucial: Even oily skin needs hydration!
- Choose oil-free moisturizers: Look for lightweight, oil-free, and non-comedogenic moisturizers that won't clog pores.
4. Look for Sebum-Regulating Ingredients:
- Salicylic Acid: This beta hydroxy acid (BHA) can penetrate pores to unclog them and regulate sebum production.
- Niacinamide: This vitamin B3 helps to regulate sebum production and improve skin texture.
- Tea Tree Oil: This natural ingredient has antibacterial properties that can help combat acne-causing bacteria.
- Don't Touch Your Face:
- Prevent the spread of bacteria: Constantly touching your face can transfer bacteria and oil to your skin, leading to breakouts.
- Diet Matters:
- Limit processed foods: Cut back on processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive dairy, as these can contribute to increased sebum production.
- Incorporate healthy fats: Include healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish, nuts, and seeds) in your diet.
7. Hydrate from Within:
- Drink plenty of water: Aim for 8 glasses of water per day to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.
By incorporating these tips into your skincare routine, you can effectively manage your sebum production and achieve a healthier, more balanced complexion.
Ready to take the next step? Shop our selection of gentle cleansers and oil-free moisturizers. We recommend:
Reset Cleansing Oil- An oil based cleanser to use as step one in a double cleanse.
Clarity Cleanser- A gentle yet powerful cleanser for daily use.
Refresh Exfoliating Cleanser- Your new go-to exfoliator that combines Glycolic Acid with Jojoba Beads to gently exfoliate nourishing and hydrating your skin with plant extracts and oils.
Clarity Moisturizer- A non-comedogenic moisturizer perfect for daily use.
Happy non-greasy glowing!
