skin type: Oily (Severe)

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    What's the science?

    Our body produces oil to help keep our skin soft and supple, but if too much sebum is produced, it can lead to acne flare-ups and oiliness. The next time you ask yourself "why is my face so oily?", remember that there are two main factors to blame: hormones and genetics. Oily skin is known medically as seborrhea and is caused by excess skin oil produced within the pores. During puberty and other life events, fluctuating hormones can result in increased androgen levels - androgens are considered one of the top oily skin causes. Androgens are male hormones present in both males and females that signal the maturation of the skin’s sebaceous glands. As these glands mature, oil production increases. The higher amount of androgens present, the more sebum is funneled through the pores, which then sits on the surface of the skin, creating an oily sheen. Should this excess oil become trapped in the pore and combine with dead skin cells and bacteria on the surface of the skin and inside the pore, pimples, blackheads, and other blemishes will form. It’s also important to note the role that genetics can play in oily skin. In most acne patients, the reaction to hormonal changes is dependent on genes and hormones. Life events like puberty or pregnancy can result in hormone fluctuations, and genetics and hereditary factors can determine how your skin reacts to these hormone fluctuations.

    Tips for your Skin Type...

    Cleanse consistently

    Cleaning your face daily with a gentle cleanser containing salicylic acid can help you cut down on oil production. It’s important to wash once in the morning, and once before going to bed to ensure all debris, makeup, and dead skin cells are removed from the face as they are some of the more common oily face causes.

    Get Enough Sleep

    Getting the right amount of rest each night is important to holistic health, and it also can significantly affect the look and appearance of the skin. Sleep deprivation can result in insulin resistance. Insulin increases can result in the creation of IGF-1, a hormone that stimulates an increase in the production of sebum.

    Keep Your Stress in Check

    Be sure to manage your stress, as it has been connected to insulin resistance and worsened breakouts in numerous studies. Exercise regularly, and make time for you!

    Always Wear Sun Cream

    No matter your skin type, it’s important to use daily SPF to keep your skin safe and looking its best. However, with oily skin, it’s important to take a look at the type of sunscreen you’re using to avoid blocking up those pores. Look for sun cream gels that are labeled oil-free.

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