Having oily skin is really annoying and sometimes there seems to be no remedy. The skin becomes oily when the sebaceous glands produce excess sebum. Although the cause is to be found in genetics, hormonal functions and other factors, it is possible to implement methods to control the production of greasy matter. How to reduce it? You can go to a dermatologist to take targeted medications, start good cleansing habits, and try natural treatments.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Medical Treatments
Step 1. Consider retinoids
If you have been battling excess sebum and acne for a while, go to your dermatologist and ask for more information on retinoids, which are among the most prescribed medications for treating acne breakouts and oiliness. They can be administered orally (as in the case of Roaccutan) or topically (as in the case of tretinoin, adapalene, tazarotene and isotretinoin). Retinoids taken orally are generally more effective than those for topical application. In any case, it is likely that the dermatologist decides to let you try the second ones first, in order to minimize the side effects.
Side effects are varied, including dryness or skin hypersensitivity. Some medicines, such as Roaccutan, have far more serious adverse effects
Step 2. Learn about androgen inhibitors
Sebaceous hypersecretion may be due to an excess of androgens. If this is the cause, your dermatologist will likely prescribe an antiandrogen such as spironolactone and cyproterone. Inhibitors help reduce the amount of sebum produced by the body. They can be administered orally or topically.
Step 3. Learn about estrogen-based contraceptives
If you are a woman, you can try taking the pill. In some cases it helps to reduce skin oiliness, but in others it can make it worse. Check with your gynecologist to determine if this solution is right for you.
The pill reduces the androgens present in the body, allowing the production of sebum to decrease
Step 4. Consider pulsed light or laser therapy, another procedure that has been shown to be effective for controlling sebum production
Photodynamic therapy and diode laser are able to decrease the amount of greasy matter produced by the sebaceous glands. Many people combine it with other treatments for substantially better results. However, remember that it cannot be tried by anyone: if you take drugs that cause photosensitivity, other methods will need to be evaluated.
- It is a suitable solution for those who cannot take medicines to treat oily skin, such as in the case of pregnant women. It is a non-invasive and safe therapy.
- You have to undergo multiple sessions to get noteworthy results. Unfortunately it is an expensive treatment.
Method 2 of 3: Cleanse Skin Properly
Step 1. Wash yourself with a mild detergent
Adequate cleansing is essential to combat sebaceous hypersecretion. Use a mild, non-comedogenic face or body cleanser. Aggressive soaps can make the situation worse. Try an oil-free cleanser, or a product containing salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, beta hydroxy acids, or glycolic acid. The cleansing ingredients have the function of dissolving sebum and cleaning the skin, while the others eliminate dead cells and bacteria responsible for acne.
Before you start using a cleaner regularly, try a small amount. Since it can irritate the skin, look for one that actually works for you
Step 2. Rinse with warm water
Make sure it's not hot, or you risk irritating your skin and causing it to produce even more sebum. The face and body should always be washed with warm water.
Step 3. Do not use aggressive products during cleansing
It is common to think that rubbing the skin helps to get rid of excess sebum, but in reality it runs the risk of making the situation worse. Avoid treating it with rough or exfoliating sponges, otherwise you will get the reverse effect. Massage your face with your hands or a soft sponge.
Step 4. Adjust your cleansing habits
The production of sebum varies according to the season. Hormone levels change weekly or monthly, affecting the work of the sebaceous glands. If you find that your face and body are more oily than usual, use a special cleanser more often than when your skin is in normal condition.
- Get used to using a toner or clay mask when the sebum production is greatest. Apply these products only on oily areas of the face and body, as they can excessively dry out the skin.
- For example, the body can produce more sebum in the summer and less in the winter, so you have to adopt different products and habits with the passing of the seasons.
Method 3 of 3: Home Remedies
Step 1. Make an egg white mask
Recreate a beauty center at home and treat yourself to a nice treatment to combat sebaceous hypersecretion. The egg white helps to naturally absorb the excesses of greasy matter. You will need one to make the mask. Mix it with a teaspoon of honey. Add a pinch of flour to make a paste. Apply it to the face or areas of the body affected by excess sebum production.
Rinse with warm water after 10 minutes
Step 2. Make a baking soda mask
This treatment is also effective in combating excess sebum. Mix three parts of baking soda and one parts of water. Apply the paste to your face and massage it into your skin for about five minutes. Rinse it well and dry your face.
Step 3. Try green tea lotion
Green tea is not only a tasty drink, it can also regulate the work of the sebaceous glands. It also has anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Applying green tea lotion to the face and body can help fight sebum hypersecretion, inflammation and acne.
You can also try drinking more green tea
Step 4. Change power supply
Eating healthy can help naturally reduce sebum production. Many vitamins and minerals are effective in this regard. However, in order for them to be good for the body, they must be taken from food sources. You can fill up on nutrients by eating fresh fruits and vegetables. Essentially limit your consumption of processed foods.
- Wheat, dairy products, and sugar can cause excess sebum production. Try eliminating them from your diet and watch for any improvements.
- Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish, and monounsaturated fats, found in nuts, help maintain healthy skin.
- A malfunction of the gastrointestinal system can cause excess sebum production. Probiotics are good for the gut. Try including Greek yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut in your diet.
Step 5. Moisturize with argan oil, which can help control sebum production for oily skin
It is in fact effective for deeply moisturizing the skin, allowing to balance the production of sebum. You can apply it directly to the skin or use products that contain it.
Step 6. Learn about vitamin A supplements, which can help fight acne
However, taking high doses of vitamin A carries risks, so it's important to seek medical attention before taking these supplements. Liver enzymes may need to be monitored during treatment to ensure that the liver is not damaged.
