12th January 2021

What’s The Deal With Oily Skin?

Of the four basic types of skin – normal, dry, combination and oily – it’s the latter that seems to attract the most attention. For those who suffer from it, oily skin can be incredibly difficult to deal with, and thanks to its association with acne, is often responsible for severe lapses in confidence.

Not that oily skin is all bad news. Although it may trigger self-consciousness and lead to breakouts, it also has many practical benefits to those it affects. What are they and just how should oily skin be properly managed, both at home and by a professional? Read on to find out more.

The cause of oily skin

-NiOily skin occurs when the skin’s sebaceous glands produce too much sebum. Sebum is a waxy, often yellowish substance formed of fatty acids, lipids and glycerides. It also has a substantial part to play in the health of the skin, as its secretion can remove cholesterol from the body.

There is no one reason behind why somebody has oily skin as this can be influenced by numerous factors such as genetics, an improper skincare routine or the environment in which they live.

The benefits of oily skin

Although oily skin has developed something of a reputation for being a bad thing, there is much evidence to suggest that it can be extremely beneficial to those in possession of it. In fact, without sebum, our skin would cease to remain sufficiently hydrated and become much more vulnerable to fungal infections. The lipids contained within sebum can also offer protection against various viruses, bacteria and microbes.

The downsides of oily skin

Unfortunately, oily skin can also be the cause of many problems. Those who suffer from it often report that their skin constantly looks greasy and unclean, a belief that can have a serious impact on their confidence and self-esteem. The biggest downside of oily skin is acne, a common skin condition characterised by the appearance of various types of spots all over the body. Acne occurs when pores become blocked and can take on many forms, including comedones (blackheads and whiteheads), pus-filled spots (pustules) and larger, more severe-looking lumps (nodules).

Home treatments

It is important to note that oily skin can never be “cured”, but it can be managed. And the most effective way of doing this is to identify the best skincare routine for you. Of course, there are many different elements to the perfect skincare routine, but this might include making sure that you do some of the following things:

• Washing your face regularly with warm, soapy water and fragrance-free products devoid of harmful chemicals.
• Refraining from the use of a rough flannel or cloth.
• Gently patting the face dry after washing – doing this forcefully may increase sebum production.
• Invest in an oil-free moisturiser to moisten and protect the skin, switching products appropriately depending on the season.

Sticking to a healthy, well-balanced diet and only indulging in greasy routines in moderation.

Book in with Dr Firas

As an award-winning dermatologist with many years of experience in his chosen discipline, Dr Firas Al-Niaimi is one of Harley Street – and the world’s – most respected professionals and has helped hundreds of patients on their journey back to fresher, healthier and younger-looking skin.

If you are concerned about your oily skin and are unsure how to properly manage it, book in with Dr Firas today for your initial consultation. Call 0208 191 8871 or visit his website today.