Tired of going through your facial blotting tissue or having zits that won’t quit? If that’s what’s happening to you, you are probably wondering what’s gone amiss in your skincare regimen.
It is common knowledge that oily skin is mainly caused by excess sebum secretions by the sebaceous glands due to hormones and genetics (hence the detestable shine of oil on our faces) but there are other causes that exacerbate the issue. According to Dr Low Chai Ling, Medical Director of the SW1 Clinic, there are 3 main causes that keep one’s skin shine-free.
1. Makeup
Dr Low emphasized how our choice of cosmetics reflect the importance of watching how our daily habits affect the overall health of our skin. Heavy makeup increases oil production and clogs up pores. Where possible, those with oily skin should opt for oil-free products. Normal home cleansing should be thorough, and those who wear heavy makeup often should consider a deep cleansing routine, such as the Deep Deep Clean facial, or the Clear Blue facial, both of which can be found in the Clean Slate sextet.
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2. Excessive Humidity
Sounds like the climate in Singapore, doesn’t it? A hot and humid environment stimulates oil production, which causes the detestable shine and can even provoke acne. Even if you tend not to break out, opt for skincare that keeps skin looking matte, such as Skin Laundry III, which contains salicylic acid, and a gel-based moisturizer which also keeps the skin matte such as Blue Orchid.
For even more effective control, Dr Low will offer treatment with the VBeam laser, a pulsed dye laser which targets inflammatory acne and reduces the activity of the oil glands. Alternatively, try Microrefine Botox. Botox may be best known for its anti-wrinkle effect, but it also has the unexpected benefit on oily skin – a few microinjections superficially into skin (not muscle) decreases oil production.
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3. Diet
Although oily skin is a fact of life for many of us, avoiding certain foods may help tune down the oil production. Dr Low suggests limiting dairy consumption such as milk and cheese, as these contain higher levels of hormones that can clog pores and trigger breakouts. Instead, try an alternative such as almond milk. Also, cut back on refined carbohydrates such as white bread, white rice as these have an impact on your blood sugar levels and stimulate oil production levels.
By Megan Thomas