UNDERSTANDING THE CAUSES OF OILY SKIN TO FINE-TUNE YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINE

Published July 15, 2023 

As anyone with oily skin knows, it can be tough to find products that help tackle it. If this applies to you, then the experts at Laboratoires FILORGA have just the solution you're looking for. This article will help you understand why people get oily skin and how it can be managed. You'll learn what works against it and what can make it worse. And lastly, we'll suggest an effective skincare routine to help you achieve smooth, radiant skin. Let's go!

UNDERSTANDING THE SYMPTOMS AND CAUSES OF OILY SKIN

Oily skin usually means a shiny complexion and enlarged pores, occasionally accompanied by acne. In order to effectively target these issues using the right cosmetic ingredients it is important to understand the three underlying factors that cause them.

1. INCREASED SEBUM PRODUCTION

Sebum is a mixture of lipids that helps protect and hydrate the skin. Its production is therefore essential for the skin to combat external stresses, but excessive production, or hyperseborrhea, leads to the distinctively shiny look of oily skin.

Hyperseborrhea can be caused by hormones, pollution, dehydration, or a poorly balanced diet.

2. A BUILD UP OF CELLS IN PORES 

This is called hyperkeratosis. Dead skin cells clog pores, resulting in skin impurities like blackheads. Simultaneously, pores also become more apparent.

3. BACTERIAL OVERGROWTH AND INFLAMMATION

The excess sebum and dead cells mentioned in 1 and 2 form a perfect environment for the development of Cutibacterium acnes bacteria, which are found naturally in our skin microbiota. 

The microbiota is made up of all the microorganisms that live on and in our bodies. The human gut microbiota is the best-known, and it helps us digest our food and maintain our immune system. The skin also hosts bacteria that are essential for it to function properly. But problems can arise when the balance of the different species of bacteria is disturbed, such as when Cutibacterium acnes is able to proliferate. This bacterium uses sebum as a source of energy and converts it into irritating fatty acids.

Increased amounts of sebum lead to increased bacterial proliferation, which eventually triggers an inflammatory response that leads to the development of pimples.

THE DO'S AND DONT'S OF OILY SKIN

As previously mentioned, sebum is essential for protecting the skin from external stresses. So, it's important not to try to eliminate it at all costs but rather to find the right balance in its production. This means:

- Using products that contain cleansing ingredients to regulate sebum production and moisturize the skin without causing damage.

- Using creams with a light texture and mattifying properties will reduce the shine of oily skin.

- Avoiding treatments with excessively thick textures, which would simply add further lipids to the surface of the

- Avoiding scrubs or treatments that dry out the skin (like clay masks that are left to dry on the skin for a long time). These will damage the skin and, consequently, cause it to produce even more sebum.

FILORGA'S SPECIAL SKINCARE ROUTINE FOR OILY SKIN

Developed with aesthetic doctors and dermatologists, the AGE-PURIFY collection from FILORGA is designed specifically for combination and oily skin to act on skin concerns linked to imperfections and the first signs of aging.

The AGE-PURIFY collection is an anti-wrinkle and blemish targeting skincare collection tailored for those noticing the first signs of aging, and with a blemish-prone, oily skin type.

Acne and blemishes are not exclusive to teens. Over the last decade, reports of adult acne have increased by 60%*, with concerns about spots, redness, enlarged pores, and wrinkles becoming women's top concern from the age of 35**. The AGE-PURIFY collection helps to address these specific skin concerns for blemish-free, younger-looking skin.

4-STEP OILY ANTI-AGING SKINCARE ROUTINE FOR OILY SKIN

1. USE A CLEANSER DESIGNED FOR OILY SKIN

Cleansing should be the first step in your morning and night-time skincare routine. It not only removes the dirt, makeup, and excess oil that accumulates on the skin and causes signs of aging, but also helps to decongest pores and prevent blemishes.

AGE-PURIFY CLEAN smoothing gel cleanser is an anti-blemish face cleanser formulated with active ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. When massaged into wet skin, it turns into a fine, foaming gel that leaves skin feeling refreshed and cleansed.

2. TARGET YOUR SPECIFIC SKIN CONCERNS WITH A SERUM

Serums are an effective way of targeting specific skin concerns and maintaining hydration. They’re infused with active ingredients and contain small molecules that work to penetrate the skin barrier for optimum effectiveness.

AGE-PURIFY INTENSIVE double correction serum is a hydrating and light textured anti-wrinkle face serum that’s perfect for oily and combination skin. Formulated with our HYALURO-YOUTH CX complex, it contains hyaluronic acid (which helps the skin to retain moisture) and filling glycopeptide to smooth the appearance of wrinkles for a younger-looking complexion. 

3. APPLY A NON-COMEDOGENIC MOISTURIZER

Although oily skin produces excess sebum and may feel moisturized, it’s still essential to use a moisturizer morning and night, especially as skin matures. This will help to regulate sebum production and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Non-comedogenic AGE-PURIFY double correction fluid detoxifies the skin while acting on signs of aging. Designed with an ultra-light and hydrating texture, it’s one of FILORGA’s best anti-aging creams for oily or combination skin types, as it reduces the appearance of wrinkles, pores, and redness for hydrated and purified skin with reduced shine. 

The serum and fluid will replace your usual day and night creams and are to be applied morning and evening.

These two products from the AGE-PURIFY range feature the DERMO-RESCUE COMPLEX, which contains active ingredients inspired by those used in dermatological treatments that target each phase in the formation of skin imperfections:

- Sebum-regulating zinc to curb sebum production

- Five resurfacing acids (gluconolactone, azelaic acid, glycolic acid, mandelic acid, and citric acid) inspired by peels. These eliminate dead cells, restore radiance to the complexion, close pores, improve skin texture, and smooth out imperfections.

- Achiote extract. Achiote is a plant native to tropical regions of Central and South America, and its extract inhibits the proliferation of Cutibacterium acnes bacteria and reduces inflammation to purify and soothe the skin.

With these ingredients, the DERMO-RESCUE COMPLEX provides a comprehensive response to imperfections and oily skin.

4. USE A CLAY MASK WEEKLY

Clay masks act as the best anti-blemish treatment for oily skin thanks to their ability to absorb excess oil and impurities. However, they should only be used once or twice a week to avoid drying out the skin.

AGE-PURIFY MASK was developed to meet the needs of aging and oily skin. With its double anti-aging and anti-blemish action, its micro-peeling acids and zinc-enriched formula acts on the appearance of pores and blemishes while gently resurfacing for younger-looking skin. Thanks to its hydrating, rich and creamy clay texture, this face mask is perfect for oily skin types prone to blemishes.

* F. Kamangar, K. Shinkai, Acne in the adult female patient: a practical approach, International Journal of Dermatology, 2012 

**Analysis of Korean acne patients according to age groups based on two multicenter studies. Journal of Dermatology 2017, 44 (2): 186-188.