Daily advices
Between magazines and the internet, oily skin is a subject that elicits strong feelings as well as advice, tips, tricks, eccentric grandmother remedies and natural solutions, each more zany than the last. Beware in particular of homemade mixtures using essential oils – they are ineffective and can provoke allergies. How do you separate the glow from the shine and identify the really bad ideas for combination and oily skin? And the really good ones that remove pimples?
Isn’t cleansing morning and night a bit too much? NOT AT ALL!
Certainly not! Even for those who don’t wear make-up and have problems with blemishes, cleansing oily skin twice a day is indispensable. If you wear make-up, it’s out of the question to go to bed with foundation on, right at the moment when skin naturally launches its biological processes to detoxify and renew cells. The tip to remember? No products that are too harsh and remove the skin’s protective hydrolipidic film. Choose instead a purifying cleanser that respects skin balance, such as Sebium H2O micellar water or Sebium Gel Moussant.
Is it possible to use powder or high coverage foundation when skin is oily? YES.
It depends on the products used, but most of all they must be completely removed EVERY night. It’s completely normal to try and hide pimples as much as possible. Choose a foundation and corrector that are non-comedogenic and specially formulated for oily and acne-prone skin. Avoid foundations that cover up too much and produce a mask-like effect, thick and compact powders and mineral oils that block pores. The ideal product to use is one that covers up and that also treats: Sebium Global Cover is a tinted cream that also acts on skin blemishes – it’s perfect. And every so often, go for a day without make-up.
Smoking isn’t good for acne. PROBABLY.
It’s true that smoking has the reputation of aggravating skin problems in general. Tobacco is thought to make skin duller and thicker. Even if no direct link to blemishes has yet been found, smoking is highly suspected to have a negative role on acne lesions.
The sun reduces excess sebum. FALSE.
Not at all! The sun is directly responsible for the rebound effect that dermatologists know all too well. The sun starts by drying up excess sebum, which seems to improve skin, but not so fast! UV rays thicken the epidermis and sebum stays below the skin during the summer period. It’s the perfect time bomb! When skin thins again, acne sprouts right on schedule for back to school and work. The solution is to avoid any exposure without having applied sunscreen. Photoderm AKN Mat SPF30 is specially adapted to oily and acne-prone skin, to protect from UV rays, mattify the skin and reduce blemishes.
Chocolate is bad for skin. IT DEPENDS…
It’s true that some foods are accused of having a role to play in oily skin problems. Recent studies seem to show the impact of dairy products. Junk food, full of fat and too much sugar, are known for their post-inflammatory effect. Nutritional advice for oily skin is therefore the same as for weight: avoid industrial products, eat fresh fruit and vegetables and go for homemade. For chocolate addicts, don’t panic! Savouring a square of chocolate with 70% cocoa will always be better than downing goodies with a high glycemic index.
My mobile gives me spots! YES.
Yes indeed, mobiles carry a lovely nest of germs that we put to our cheek numerous times throughout the day. Remember to clean it carefully several times a week, and use earphones for phone calls!
Contraceptive pills also treat acne skin problems. NOT EXACTLY.
The pill can improve oily skin with pimples if it is carefully chosen, with an adapted balance of hormones. But it’s not a treatment all on its own. Some types of pills can have an adverse effect and make blemishes worse. It’s best to consult your gynaecologist to find the best strategy.
As soon as I shave, blemishes pop out! TRUE.
During adolescence, oily skin problems often coincide with when facial hair appears on boys, unfortunately. Shaving tends to aggravate pimples as well as symptoms of irritation tied to oily skin treatments. Specialists recommend using an electric instead of a cartridge razor, and to shave as infrequently as possible. The good news is that beards are in! Not for you? With Sebium Gel Moussant, you can still shave and limit the appearance of spots.
