Understanding Oily Skin: More Than Just a Shine

Oily skin is a unique landscape, it is characterised by pores that produce more sebum than usual. These natural oil factories play a vital role in safeguarding your skin’s health and hydration. Yet, for some people, excessive sebum production can lead to larger and more noticeable pores. This overproduction sets the stage for blackheads, pimples, and the all-too-familiar acne breakouts. Dead skin cells and bacteria conspire with the oil, clogging pores and igniting skin wars. The result? A skin that not only shines like the midday sun but also feels perpetually greasy, urging you to wash your face more than what seems reasonable.

But here's a silver lining: oily skin isn't a status quo; it's a scenario that can be beautifully managed. A mindful skincare routine, one that respects your skin’s unique balance, is your first step. Think of cleansers that are kind and gentle, free from harsh alcohols and overpowering fragrances. For instance, Commen's Nº.01 Active Cleansing Foam and the Nº.02 Clarifying Mousse can be your best match in this journey, gently guiding your skin to a place of harmony.

The Why Behind an Oily Skin

Often, the tale of oily skin begins with your genes. Your DNA scripting a narrative of robust dihydrotestosterone levels that spur your sebaceous glands into overdrive. Seasonal shifts and climate changes add another chapter, with summer heat and humidity amplifying oiliness. Youth, too, plays its part, with younger skin often more oil-prone, a characteristic that tends to mellow with age. However, this reduction in oil production is a double-edged sword, as less oil can mean more visible aging signs due to decreased moisture and suppleness.

Your current skincare routine might also be an unwitting contributor to your skin's oil saga. Heavy products or excessive washing can backfire, pushing your skin to produce even more oil and trapping you in a cycle of persistent shine and greasiness.

Reducing Oiliness: a Balancing Act

1. Say No to Sulfates: often found in cleansers and shampoos, sulfates like sodium laureth sulfate create that satisfying lather but are far too harsh for your face. They strip away too much oil, prompting your skin to compensate with increased oil production. The key is to look beyond labels that scream "for oily skin" and instead focus on sulfate-free products that nurture rather than antagonise your skin.
2. Hydration vs. Oiliness: it's crucial to differentiate between dehydration and dryness. Dehydrated skin lacks moisture, not oil, and can still be oily yet parched. Sun exposure, hard water, and ageing contribute to dehydration, which manifests as rough texture, dullness, tightness, and sensitivity. On the other hand, dry skin is characterised by a lack of oil, appearing flaky and rough. Comprehending this difference helps in choosing the right moisturiser, even for oily skin.
3. Embrace the Right Oils: integrating beneficial oils into your skincare regime can be transformative for oily skin. Healthy oils like Jojoba and Argan, rich in fatty acids, can regulate sebum production and prevent moisture loss. They act as guardians, balancing your skin's oil levels and ensuring it stays nourished and resilient. Commen has accomodated both ingredients in the cleanser, the Nº.1 The Nourishing Purifier.

Any research?

There’s been much research about oily skin types and how to deal with it. For example, this study in 2023 which was focused on developing an effective sebum control essence to reduce skin oiliness. The essence's composition was designed considering different oil control mechanism targets. The study involved skin irritation assessments, in vitro experiments, and short- and long-term clinical trials with over 60 volunteers. The results showed significant oil control and moisturizing effects, with skin oil content decreasing by 21.8% within 8 hours and 30.05% after 28 days. The essence also relieved problems of enlarged pores, blackheads, and whiteheads in long-term use, making it suitable for daily application in oily skin regulation.

All in all, an oily skin is not a flaw, but a feature that requires understanding and care. With the right approach, products, and a bit of Commen sense, you can transform your oily skin into a radiant, healthy canvas.