Oil Control Oil Control

The skin has sebaceous glands that produce sebum or oil to help lubricate and protect the skin, maintain its moisture barrier, and retain elasticity. Those with oily skin have sebaceous glands that produce excess oil that sits on the surface of the skin, creating an oily, greasy shine on the face. Your diet, hormonal fluctuations, and stress can contribute to oily skin but some circumstances are completely out of your control such as your genetics.

Oily skin types are more prone to breakouts. When the excess oil becomes trapped in the pores, it combines with dead skin cells and bacteria and leads to pimples, blackheads, and other blemishes.

Some people see their level of oiliness decrease over time, especially after puberty, but this isn’t always the case. Those with an oily skin type often deal with oiliness for much of their lifetime. However, there are gentle yet effective vegan skincare products you can use and things you can do to help control oil and keep breakouts at bay. For tips on how to control oily skin, check out our blog post.

There are several key tips to follow that are effective for both blemish control and oil control:

• Cleanse your skin twice daily to help remove excess oil, but watch out for any signs of dryness or irritation from frequent washing.
• Keep your skin hydrated with an oil-free moisturizer. When oily skin lacks hydration and moisture, it triggers the sebaceous glands to produce even more oil.
• Minimize shine by using blotting paper, which are small sheets that absorb excess oil when lightly held on the skin.
• Maintain a well-rounded diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, and cut back on salt, sugar, and refined carbohydrates.
• Practice stress management. High stress levels can signal the skin to produce oil, which can lead to breakouts.

Absolutely! People with oily skin often mistakenly believe that moisturizer is an unnecessary step. However, moisturizing twice daily is a crucial part of your oil control skincare routine. Drying out your skin will only cause the sebaceous glannds Without moisturizer your skin can become dry, which can actually cause your glands to increase oil production.

Choose your moisturizer carefully and be sure to stick to oil-free, lightweight options. A gel moisturizer would be a great fit for oily skin since they’re normally free of pore-clogging ingredients. If your skin needs extra hydration, try a product containing hyaluronic acid like our vegan face serum, Drink It Up.

Certain foods can trigger an increase in oil production, which can then cause breakouts. To supplement oil control skincare products, try reducing the amount of salt and sugar in your diet. Eating processed foods with high levels of salt can cause dehydration and water retention, causing the skin to combat the dehydration by producing oil. A high sugar intake can cause insulin levels to rise, which then causes inflammation and increased oil production. Limiting refined carbohydrates can also help you combat oily skin.

So, what should you eat for healthy, clear, balanced skin? Find out in our blog post.