Sebum – enemy or ally? The whole truth about oily skin

2025-03-07
Sebum – enemy or ally? The whole truth about oily skin

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Sebum is a natural substance secreted by the sebaceous glands in the skin. Although often associated with unsightly shine or acne problems, it plays a key role in protecting the skin and maintaining its health. Proper balance in sebum production is essential for the skin to function properly. What happens when the skin produces too much or too little sebum? How to properly care for the skin so as not to disrupt its natural mechanisms? The answers to these questions can be found in this article.

What is sebum and what functions it performs?

Sebum is a blend of lipids, which are naturally produced by the skin. It consists of m.in. z:

  • Triglycerides – the main fatty ingredient that helps keep the skin moisturized,
  • Ester waxes – substances that form a protective barrier and prevent water loss.
  • Free fatty acids – having antibacterial and antifungal properties.
  • Squalene – A natural antioxidant that protects the skin from free radicals.

Thanks to this unique composition, sebum performs many important functions:

  • Protects against moisture loss – sebum acts as a natural emollient that protects the skin from excessive drying and dehydration.
  • Creates a protective barrier – a layer of sebum on the surface of the skin protects it from harmful external factors such as pollution, bacteria and wind.
  • Prevents infections – thanks to the content of free fatty acids, sebum has an antibacterial and antifungal effect, which helps protect the skin from inflammation.
  • Influences the elasticity of the skin – thanks to the right amount of sebum, the skin is soft, supple and less prone to irritation.

However, both excess and deficiency of sebum can lead to skin problems that require proper care.

Effects of overproduction of sebum – oily skin and its problems

When the skin produces too much sebum, it often becomes oily and prone to various imperfections. The cause of overproduction of sebum can be:

  • Genetics – the tendency to oily skin may be hereditary,
  • Hormones – for example, an increase in androgen levels can stimulate sebaceous glands to work excessively,
  • Improper care – Overly aggressive cleansing can lead to dry skin and a defensive reaction in the form of overproduction of sebum,
  • Diet – highly processed foods, excess sugar and trans fats can affect the sebaceous glands,
  • Stress – high cortisol levels can stimulate the skin to produce more sebum.

Symptoms excess sebum:

  • Shimmering of the skin – especially in the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin), where the most sebaceous glands are located.
  • Blackheads and acne – excess sebum combined with dead skin can lead to clogged pores, which promotes the formation of blackheads and pimples.
  • Dilated pores – excess sebum can cause them to enlarge, making them more visible.

Effects of sebum deficiency – dry and hypersensitive skin

When the skin produces too little sebum, it becomes dry, tight and prone to irritation. Reasons for this condition may include:

  • Natural skin aging – as we age, the skin produces less and less sebum,
  • Excessive cleansing and use of irritating cosmetics – washing too often and using aggressive products can damage the hydrolipid barrier,
  • Dietary deficiencies – lack of healthy fats and vitamins (e.g., A, E, D) can affect dry skin.

Symptoms deficiency sebum:

  • Dry and flaky skin – lack of adequate sebum leads to excessive water evaporation.
  • Irritation and redness – skin lacking a protective barrier is more susceptible to external factors.
  • Hypersensitivity – there may be a pulling and burning sensation after using even mild cosmetics.

How to take care of sebum balance?

Proper care is the basis for regulating sebum production in the skin. Sebum plays a key role in maintaining skin health, but an excess or deficiency can lead to problems. Proper care should take into account not only the control of sebum secretion, but also the restoration of the hydrolipid barrier. Find out how to care for skin with overproduction of sebum

Gentle but effective two-step cleansing

Two-step cleansing provides more effective removal of impurities, eliminating both oily and aqueous impurities, helping to prevent clogged pores and the formation of imperfections. The skin becomes more receptive to the active ingredients contained in the next stages of care, so that moisturizers and nutrients can work more effectively. This method is also gentle on the hydrolipid barrier - instead of using aggressive detergents that can lead to dryness, it allows you to effectively cleanse your skin in a gentle and non-invasive way. In addition, regular and thorough cleansing of pores reduces the risk of blackheads and pimples, which is especially important for people with a tendency to acne. Well-cleansed skin stays fresher longer, gets less oily and looks healthier throughout the day.

1 PURIFICATION STEP: choose a butter or oil.

Emulsifying makeup remover butter and SPF MELT WITH PASSION enclosed in innovative and hygienic packaging:

  • dissolves even waterproof makeup and sunscreens,
  • suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin,
  • it emulsifies easily, making it easy to cleanse the skin thoroughly,
  • rich in natural oils and butters, cares for the skin already during cleansing.

Emulsifying makeup remover oil and SPF SQUEEZE AN ORANGE:

  • thoroughly cleanses and at the same time nourishes the skin thanks to the content of plant oils,
  • dissolves makeup, including waterproof makeup and SPF, without the need to rub,
  • ideal for all skin types, including sensitive and prone to irritation,
  • a fresh citrus note that stimulates the senses and makes daily care more enjoyable.

2 STAGE OF CLEANING: cleansing gel.

Deep cleansing facial cleansing gel with active green tea extract with EGCG, prebiotic from chicory and agave and ALPAFLOR® ALP®-SEBUM DEEPLY PORE CLEANSING GEL:

  • removes excess sebum, impurities and unclogs pores,
  • promotes the reduction of redness and imperfections,
  • soothes irritation and reduces the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Active ingredients in DEEPLY PORE CLEANSING GEL are ideal for skin prone to oiliness and clogged pores:

  • Salicylic acid 0.1% regulates sebum secretion and reduces skin redness associated with imperfections.
  • Green tea extract standardized for the presence of EGCG 1% and antibacterial cranberry extract 0.5% soothe redness and reduce the risk of discoloration from imperfections.
  • Two natural prebiotics: chicory and agave inulin 0.2%, which are natural replacements for hyaluronic acid, as well as ALPAFLOR® ALP®-SEBUM 1% - a prebiotic from alpine willow that influences not only the normalization of sebum secretion, but also has a positive effect on the skin microbiome.

REGULAR EXFOLIATION

Skin that produces excess sebum tends to accumulate dead skin faster, which can lead to clogged pores, blackheads and inflammation. Regular exfoliation helps to effectively cleanse the skin, regulates sebum secretion and improves skin texture, preventing the appearance of imperfections.

Enzymatic peeling with AHA Phytocomplex 10%, PHA 10%, BHA acid complex - MATCHA POWER PEEL:

  • effectively but gently exfoliates the epidermis,
  • reduces hyperpigmentation and evens out skin tone after just 4 weeks of use,
  • reduces sebum and reduces the appearance of pores, has a mattifying effect.

Composition MATCHA POWER PEEL makes the scrub provides the skin with a real detox:

  • AHA Phytocomplex 10%, which is a composition of natural fruit acids (citric, lactic, tartaric) and bromelain, an enzyme extracted from pineapple, instantly exfoliate, smooth and revitalize facial skin and effectively remove dead skin cells, evening out skin tone and reducing the appearance of pores.
  • BHA, or salicylic acid regulates the activity of sebaceous glands and also reduces skin redness accompanying imperfections.
  • Gluconolactone (PHA) 10% effectively reduces hyperpigmentation, leaves skin soothed and silky smooth.
  • Bakuchiol – plant equivalent of retinol has a detoxifying effect, providing strong antioxidant protection, regenerates the skin, restoring its firmness and radiant appearance.

The right pH of the skin

Proper toning is not only to restore the skin to its proper pH, but also to provide it with ingredients that will effectively work on such problems as excessive sebum production and blackheads.

Active multi-acid facial tonic TRIPLE ACID DERMOSOLUTION:

  • gently exfoliates and normalizes the skin without irritation,
  • reduces imperfections, acne blemishes and the visibility of pores,
  • provides comprehensive seboregulatory and soothing action,
  • ideal for oily, combination and acne-prone skin.

Active ingredients TRIPLE ACID DERMOSOLUTION:

  • Gluconolactone (PHA) 10% has a moisturizing effect.
  • AHA Phytocomplex 10%, namely lactic acid, citric acid, tartaric acid, which gently exfoliate.
  • Salicylic acid (BHA) 0.1% regulates sebum secretion and prevents the formation of blackheads.
  • Green tea extract standardized for EGCG 1% makes post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation effectively lighten.
  • Blue daisy extract 1% shows a soothing effect.
  • Nelupure™ 1%, which is a complex lotus flower extract smooths the skin and gives it a glow.

SERUM FOR BALANCE

Hydrating and calming multi-molecular facial serum with hyaluronic acid complex 15%, extract of Centella Asiatica 3% and prebiotics 2% HYDRA RELIEF EXPERT it has a water-gel consistency, so it does not clog pores and works to dehydrate both oily, combination, prone to clogging skin,

  • while taking care of the microbiome:
  • moisturizes the skin on all levels,
  • has a soothing effect and promotes regeneration,
  • reduces the visibility of acne marks,
  • 100% of respondents noticed a calming of imperfections and improved skin elasticity.

Key active ingredients:

  • Hyaluronic acid complex 15% - a unique combination of 5 hyaluronic acid molecules forming a three-dimensional mesh that provides multi-level hydration. The combination of the hyaluronic acid molecule with silicon, an element of life, increases the bioavailability of the molecule, allowing it to penetrate better and has a stimulating effect on the regenerative processes of the epidermis.
  • Centella asiatica extract - has a cleansing and toning effect. Soothes and promotes proper skin regeneration.
  • Prebiotics - a natural inulin-based prebiotic that helps restore the balance of the microbiota of skin prone to imperfections, supports protective mechanisms.

NIGHTLY REGENERATION

Night is a time of intensive skin regeneration, so proper evening care is key, especially if you have skin prone to excessive sebum production. The right steps can help regulate sebaceous glands, prevent imperfections and promote the restoration of the skin barrier.

Night cream with salicylic acid BHA 1.5% OVERNIGHT BHA TREATMENT:

  • cleanses pores, regulates sebum secretion and reduces imperfections,
  • has anti-inflammatory effects, reduces redness and lightens acne discoloration (EGCG),
  • a lightweight, non-stressing formula ideal for daily use,
  • safe for acne-prone, combination and also sensitive skin.

The active ingredients penetrate deep into the skin, acting intensively and effectively, thanks to innovative liposome technology:

  • Salicylic acid (BHA) 1.5% is indispensable in the care of skin prone to imperfections and blackheads, reduces problematic lesions on the skin, leaves it matte and reduces redness.
  • Liposomal green tea extract standardized for polyphenols with EGCG 1% visibly reduces redness and acne discoloration and the risk of their occurrence.
  • ALPAFLOR® ALP®-SEBUM 2% – organic prebiotic from alpine willow influences the normalization of sebum secretion and the skin microbiome, reducing the appearance of pores.
  • Centella asiatica extract 1% reduces and soothes lesions and regenerates the skin.

HYDROLIPID BARRIER RECONSTRUCTION

Although oily and combination skin produces more sebum, it still needs hydration. It is worth using light, non-greasy moisturizers that do not clog pores, strengthen the protective barrier and prevent dry skin.

Moisturizing and rebuilding tonic with ceramides and hyaluronic acid BUILD ME UP:

  • accelerates skin regeneration,
  • the milky formula is suitable for sensitive and dry skin,
  • soothes the skin and provides relief, thanks to the extract of Centella Asiatica,
  • reduces irritation and redness.

The combination of three ceramides: Ceramide NP; Ceramide AP; Ceramide EOP, as well as plant-derived cholesterol, free fatty acids, and phytosphingosine promote skin hydration, rebuild the epidermal lipid barrier, and improve skin hydration and smoothness.

Regenerating and rebuilding cream with ceramides NP, AP and EOP, cholesterol and fatty acids CERAMIDE SKIN BARRIER:

  • provides restoration, hydration and protection of the hydrolipid barrier,
  • brings quick relief to skin, redness and irritation after the first use.

Three types of plant ceramides (Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP) act on the skin: rebuilding, moisturizing and soothing. Strongly regenerates, strengthens the natural hydrolipidic barrier of the epidermis, helps replenish the skin's cellular cement and prevents the feeling of tightness. The proportion of ceramides in CERAMIDE SKIN BARRIER, fatty acids and cholesterol is 3:1:1 and reflects the natural ratio of these components contained in the skin.

PROPER CARE IS ESSENTIAL

Regardless of skin type, it is crucial to maintain balance and use cosmetics tailored to individual needs. Does your skin tend to overproduce sebum, or do you struggle with dryness? Sign up for a free consultation with our experts. During the meeting, our cosmetologists will analyze your current care, answer your questions and, most importantly, prepare a personalized care plan with your skin's needs in mind.

Substantive editing: Katarzyna Leoniak
Certified Cosmetologist
Skincare Expert
konsultacje@veolibotanica.pl

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