What do you know about hyperseborrhea? This is the scientific term for oily skin. Hyperseborrhea occurs when there is an excess of sebum: an oily substance secreted by the sebaceous glands to protect the epidermis from external aggressors. The skin then takes on a shiny appearance, sometimes referred to as glowing. This phenomenon, which lays the groundwork for pimples and blackheads to appear, is therefore not pleasant. Fortunately, there are solutions available to control the overproduction of sebum and purify the skin.
Oily skin is quite easy to identify, as certain clinical signs are typical of hyperseborrhea. First of all, excess sebum makes the skin oily and shiny, especially in the T-zone (forehead, nose and chin). Also characteristic of oily skin are uneven skin texture, enlarged pores, the presence of comedones (the famous blackheads and whiteheads) and make-up not staying on the skin.
Why do we get oily skin? There is not one answer to this question. The occurrence of excessive sebum production can be due to a variety of factors. So what is responsible for excess sebum? The reasons are primarily endogenous, i.e. they depend on internal causes, such as heredity or hormonal imbalances (especially during adolescence, which can cause acne).
The causes can also be external, such as the occurrence of stress, pollution, exposure to tobacco or changes in temperature.
Note that in adulthood, men are more prone to oily skin as androgens (male hormones) stimulate sebum production.
Sebum is a physiological secretion of the sebaceous glands. These glands are not evenly distributed over the body. This is why some areas get oilier than others. The areas richest in sebum are the face (especially the T-zone: forehead, nose and chin), as well as the scalp, upper back and chest. Excess sebum is accompanied by small blackheads (comedones). Finally, the presence of fatty acids in sebum facilitates the proliferation of certain bacteria that trigger the inflammatory phase of acne.
Skin changes with age: oily skin in adolescence generally becomes mixed in adulthood.
In adolescents, the overproduction of sebum, and therefore oily skin, affects the entire face. Blemishes can develop on the face as well as on the shoulders, upper back and chest.
As the name suggests, combination skin is neither completely dry nor completely oily; it’s a bit of both. As we age, sebum production naturally decreases. Oily skin tends to be concentrated in the middle of the face: the famous T-zone. On the rest of the face, which is less rich in sebaceous glands, the skin is more likely to be normal or even dry.
The health of your skin and the effectiveness of your skincare also depend on your lifestyle. A healthy diet and adequate hydration are therefore essential. Smoking, alcohol and stress should be avoided.
Pores are essential to the health of our skin. They act as a gateway for nutrients and an outlet for impurities secreted by the epidermis. They are also essential for letting the skin breathe. The problem is that, in the case of oily skin, all sorts of impurities can clog pores (resulting in those dreaded blackheads!) and “suffocate” the skin. To ensure that the pores can continue to perform their functions, it is therefore essential to clean the skin thoroughly in the morning and evening. It’s best to use non-comedogenic products (for both skin care and make-up) which by definition will not clog the pores of the skin.
This is false. The shiny appearance of oily skin can suggest that it is overly moisturised. But let's not confuse "fat" with "water". Although it may seem surprising, oily skin can also be dehydrated, because while it may not be lacking in oil, it may be lacking in water deep down. As well as being cleansed, your skin will need to be hydrated with products specifically developed for your skin type. Why? They can regulate excessive sebum production, limiting shine while helping your skin maintain its moisture and suppleness.
This is both true and false. Even the sun has its shadows! Although it seems to dry out the skin at first and reduce some types of inflammatory lesion (such as acne pimples), the sun is actually contributing to the skin thickening and the overproduction of sebum. When autumn comes back around, the skin suddenly becomes oily again and blemishes reappear. This is known as the "rebound effect". Even in summer, and even if your skin looks "clean", maintain a good skincare routine and especially good sun protection.
This is false. Cleansing the skin in the evening helps eliminate excess sebum and aggressors accumulated during the day (pollution, etc.). But sebum production doesn’t stop at night; this is why gentle cleansing in the morning is also recommended. Cleansing in the morning allows you to apply your skincare products on clean skin, making them more effective. Bonus tip: spraying your skin with Avène Thermal Spring Water in the morning will wake up your skin and prepare it for your skin care.
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