How to control oily skin?

Treatment options to control oily skin
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Dewy skin is in, but the fine line from dewy to oily is often too easily crossed.

Do you find your skin an oil slick by mid day?

Gone are the days of harsh facial foams, scrubs, and toners that leave your skin feeling tight, dry, and irritated. In fact, these products may worsen the situation as your skin may overcompensate by producing even more oil (known as sebum).

There are more effective methods to combat overproduction of sebum.

Why is my skin so oily?

Sebum (oil) production from sebaceous glands is normal, and it actually has an important function.

It forms part of the skin barrier, reduces water lost through the skin, and thus prevents dry and dehydrated skin. Facial oil skincare products that have recently become popular mimic this natural function.

It is only when we produce too much sebum that skin problems such as acne start to surface.

Sebum production increases dramatically at puberty, and only reduces when we reach our 50s. Hormonal levels, in particular testosterone, affect sebum production.

Men tend to have oilier skin, and women may notice more oil production during ovulation. Humid weather like in Singapore also increases sebum levels.

Read: “Why do I still get acne as an adult?”

3 Methods to treat oily skin

#1  Topical creams and lotions

• Glycolic and salicylic acids
  It go deep into pores to clean out excess sebum and dead skin cells. Apart from reducing sebum, they also treat and prevent clogged pores and pimples.
• Vitamin C and niacinamide
  It strengthen the skin barrier layer, and have been evidenced to reduce sebum levels.
• Topical retinoids e.g. Differin (adapalene) and tretinoin
  It suppress excess sebum production, regulate the viscosity and flow of sebum, and clear out pores.

Apart from reducing oily skin, these compounds are also effective for reducing pigmentation, anti-ageing and overall skin health.

#2 Oral medication

• Roaccutane (isotretinoin)
  It is a potent oral form of retinoic acid. Apart from its benefits in treating and preventing cystic acne, it also results in the greatest reduction of sebum levels. Sebum levels  remain low up to 1 year after stopping the medication! For treatment of oily skin alone, it is usually prescribed at a lower dose as compared to the dose to treat acne.
• Oral contraceptive pill
  This is a hormonal medication that regulates hormonal levels, giving the added benefit of regulating sebum levels.

#3 Aesthetic treatments

• Chemical peels
  Medical grade salicylic or glycolic acid is used to reduce sebum. These are more potent forms of the topical lotions one can buy off the shelf.
• Lasers and light-based therapies
  Revlite Laser and Forever Young BBL are great for oily skin. They reduce sebaceous gland function and size via photothermal effect, and this result can last up to 8 weeks.
• Microinjections of Botox
  This treatment shows good improvement in oiliness and pore size. The botulinum toxin is injected superficially into the surface of the skin, and acts on sebaceous gland cells.
• Rejuran Healer
  A salmon DNA-based polynucleotide filler, activates the self-repair and regenerative abilities of the skin. It helps to regulate the balance of oil and moisture in the skin, among its many other benefits.

Do I still need to apply a moisturiser even though I have oily skin?

Oiliness is not the same as hydration – you can have oily yet dehydrated skin. It is still recommended to use a moisturiser to keep your skin hydrated.

You can use an oil-free moisturiser, as traditional moisturisers (usually formulated for climates with four seasons) may be too heavy for our humid weather, and end up clogging pores.

Product: This clarifying cleanser clears acne, comedones and removes makeup with ease, leaving skin clean and hydrated.

Healthsprings’ range of skincare products are specially formulated by our medical director to target your skin concerns. Make an appointment with our doctors for a personalised consultation.

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Call/ WhatsApp us at 9728 2861 for more info!