From midday, does your forehead feel greasy? If so, check out Horace’s advice on how to take care of your oily skin
Often considered an issue for teenagers, oily skin can affect everyone, even once they reach adulthood. Characterized by an excess of sebum which dilates the pores, oily skin has a shiny appearance and is a breeding ground for the development of blackheads and other pimples. For those reasons, oily skin requires a little attention, and the use of specific products.
What are the causes of excess sebum?
While some urban legends might imply that eating fatty foods like cold meats can have terrible consequences for the production of sebum, there’s actually no proven link between Italian cured meats and oily skin. But there are other causes, especially external ones.
Pollution is a terrible disruptive element for the skin: it increases the oxidation of sebum and causes pimples and rashes.
Stress is also, as with all skin problems, an aggravating factor: oily skin becomes even oilier under the effect of stress. If we add to this the positive (but temporary) effect of the sun on oily skin, it seems obvious to recommend a vacation to fight against oily skin. Be careful, however, for fans of beach volleyball and other beach sports activities: excessive sweating stimulates seborrhea (aka the excessive secretion of sebum).
How do you care for oily skin?
Oily skin has a rather bad reputation. However, this skin type is actually better protected against external aggressions and is better hydrated. It also ages better thanks to the protective sebum the skin produces in quantity. Having oily skin doesn't mean you'll age as well as George Clooney. It’s essential to regulate your sebum for good-looking skin. To do this, there are a few simple steps to follow.
Step 1: Cleanse to regulate excess sebum
Particular attention should be paid to cleansing the skin. The cleanser used should not be too aggressive since stripped skin tends to produce more sebum to overcompensate, causing the opposite of the desired effect. Too much sebum production can have harmful consequences: your pores get clogged, for example, which can cause the appearance of pimples and blackheads. Oily skin, like cashmere, needs special care. Start by being sure to cleanse in the morning and evening.
Step 2: Moisturize to protect your oily skin
Hydration is essential and it’s a mistake to think that oily skin can live without it. Left to its own devices, it will tend to become dehydrated, produce more sebum to compensate, and become oily again. A mattifying moisturizer will help your face maintain its hydration and produce the right amount of sebum to stay protected. The silica contained in our Mattifying Face Moisturizer is a great ingredient for oily skin because it prevents unwanted shine. Choosing the right moisturizer makes it possible to have a healthy glow without making your skin greasy again.
Step 3: Exfoliate every evening
Now it’s time to exfoliate. For a gentle but effective daily clean, use our Skin-Perfecting Exfoliating Solution. Oily skin tends to clog up faster than other types. A daily treatment like this will give you a smoother and clearer complexion over time. If you have sensitive skin, every other day is fine! It’s important to use an exfoliant to get rid of dead skin and other residues that can clog pores. This also reduces the risk of pimples.
Step 4: Use a clay mask
Right after washing your face with your cleanser or after exfoliating, applying a clay mask once a week to dry skin is also recommended. Clay has a particularly powerful purifying effect for unclogging pores. For 10 minutes, in a silk bathrobe and the Harvard Business Review in hand, you can savor a moment of tranquility that is particularly beneficial to your skin. Unclogged pores are much more resistant to the development of pimples and blackheads. After rinsing off the mask with lukewarm water, you can apply your usual mattifying moisturizer to finish up your routine.