What determines oily skin?
The work of the sebaceous glands is regulated primarily by androgens, so fat content increases noticeably during adolescence and fluctuates in women during the cycle. The second most important factor is heredity: the size and activity of the glands are largely determined genetically. Temperature makes a contribution: in the heat, sebum production increases, and in the conditions of Tashkent in the summer, the skin is objectively oilier. Care also has a significant impact: excessive degreasing destroys the lipid barrier, the skin loses moisture and responds with increased sebum production, which causes shine to return even faster.
- Hormonal background and androgen activity
- Heredity
- Age: Peak in teen years
- Hot and humid climate
- Aggressive cleansing and drying
- Some medications
Why do pores appear enlarged?
Pore is the mouth of the hair follicle, and its quantity is constant. It becomes more noticeable for three reasons: a lot of sebum and dead cells have accumulated inside, the mouth is stretched with contents, and the skin around has lost its elasticity. Therefore, pores are especially noticeable in the T-zone, where glands are most numerous, and become stronger with age as collagen decreases. Photoaging from the sun weakens the skin framework and makes pores visually larger. A practical conclusion follows from this: you need to work simultaneously with sebum production, follicle cleansing and skin density.
- Accumulation of sebum and keratinized cells at the mouth
- The highest density of glands is in the T-zone
- Decrease in skin elasticity with age
- Photoaging from ultraviolet radiation
- Smoking and chronic skin dehydration
Daily care
The basis is gentle cleansing twice a day with a product without aggressive surfactants and alcohol. A feeling of tightness after washing is a sign that the product is not suitable. Oily skin needs hydration no less than dry skin: light gels and fluids with a non-comedogenic formula are suitable. Niacinamide, zinc and salicylic acid provide a sebum-regulating effect. A mandatory step is sun protection with a light texture: ultraviolet radiation increases pigmentation after rashes and worsens skin density. Mattifying wipes help throughout the day, but do not replace care.
- Gentle cleansing morning and evening
- Refusal of alcohol toners and harsh scrubs
- Lightweight, non-comedogenic hydration
- Products with niacinamide, zinc, salicylic acid
- Daily sun protection with a light texture
- Mattifying wipes instead of re-washing
What helps reduce the appearance of pores
The most proven remedy is external retinoids: they normalize exfoliation, cleanse the mouths of the follicles and increase skin density over time. They are introduced gradually, always with hydration and protection from the sun. Acids in home products and course surface peels improve texture. Professional cleansing helps quickly clear clogged pores, but the effect is temporary without regular care. It is worth honestly understanding the limits of what is possible: you cannot make pores invisible, we are talking about reducing their visibility and improving the texture of the skin.
- Topical retinoids with gradual introduction
- Products with salicylic and azelaic acid
- Superficial peeling course
- Professional cleaning according to indications
- Regularity is more important than the intensity of procedures
- Realistic expectations for results
Common mistakes
The main mistake is trying to “dry” the skin. Alcohol lotions, washing with hot water five times a day, drying masks every evening give a short matte effect, and then the skin compensates for the loss of lipids with increased work of the glands. The second mistake is refusing to use moisturizer for fear of increasing oiliness: dehydrated skin shines more. The third is self-squeezing and aggressive cleaning of the house, leading to inflammation and stains. Finally, frequent changes of products do not allow you to see the result: any scheme needs at least 8–12 weeks.
- Do not wash your face with hot water or too often
- Do not use alcohol lotions
- Don't skip hydration
- Do not squeeze out rashes yourself
- Don't change products every week
- Check cosmetics for comedogenicity
