Oily skin is usually fairly easy to identify. The skin produces more sebum than is needed to give the normal level of lubrication and protection. It looks and feels slick to the touch, and the surface appears thick, coarse and often grimy. When a build-up of sebum takes place the ducts and hair follicles stretch the pores, which then become enlarged. Depending on how well you clean your skin will determine whether the pores are open or blocked. When pores are open it becomes a gateway for bacteria, which leads to spots and infection. A blocked pore will normally result in a comedone (Blackheads).
Medik7 Retinol 3TR Formulated with gentle, time-release retinol – and supported with vitamin E for stability helps to regulate sebum production, and decongest pores, to keep your complexion clear.
What is the cause of Oily skin?
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Hormone imbalance commonly occurs during puberty, this is due to the balance of androgens being higher than normal. Although most of us will start puberty in our teens the effects are often still seen way into our 20’s. (For more information book onto a 1-1 Virtual consultation with our Qualified Skin Therapist)
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Stress This is because the stress in our bodies cause hormones like cortisol to work in overdrive telling our glands in the skin to make more oil. It is very clever taking itself into survival mode, preparing our body for a potential danger. It is really important when breakouts occur not to keep touching our skin and popping pustules because under the skin the white blood cells think, “Trauma” and come hurrying along like a little ambulance collecting its oil production to retain the moisture it is anticipating losing resulting in more breakouts and sore skin.
SkinCeuticals Blemish & Age Cleanser gel contains Glycolic and Salicylic Acid, this formulation exfoliates, smooths and brightens, unclogging congested pores and helping to reduce breakouts. Fine lines and wrinkles appear diminished, leaving skin looking brighter and clearer.
Congested Skin
Congestion can often be felt as well as seen upon our skin. Pores become blocked and waste begins to accumulate underneath the upper layers of our skin causing the skin texture to feel coarse and lumpy. Whiteheads and blackheads may also be present. Our skin becomes congested when sebum and sweat are stopped from flowing freely to the top surface. When the surface of the skin is not cared for correctly by cleansing the skin will not remain soft and supple. As a result of this the upper layers of the epidermis begin to harden over the pores on our skin, preventing the flow or sebum and sweat.
What causes congested skin?
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Poor cleansing: When make-up is left on overnight along with the daily grime from our day it builds up within the hair follicle and sweat pores.
- Humidity: Sweat cannot evaporate readily creating a build-up in the ducts which carry our sweat from the glands to the surface of the body.
- Illness: toxins and waste builds when are immune system Is compromised
SkinCeuticals Age & Blemish Defence works to decongest blocked pores and reduce the formation of acne. Dioic Acid helps to control excess sebum, while Citric Acid exfoliates, smooths and refines the skin’s surface. Skin appears brighter, and blotchiness is reduced.
Have I got blemished skin?
When we notice irregular changes in colour or texture within the skin this is known as blemished skin. Blemishes can be permanent (Birthmarks), or temporary (Pustules). Before any blemishes are treated on the skin it is important to identify correctly what they are and what was the cause. Not all blemished skin can be treated by topical creams and in some cases will need to be seen by a GP so not to make the skin worse. If skin becomes infected the depth of which the skin is infected needs to be identified. Bacteria and fungal infections effect the skin in different ways and each infection will have its own characteristics. General signs if the skin has become infected are:
- Inflammation
- Swelling
- Pain
- Discoloration
- Irritation
- Pus
All of these are general signs of infections. (If you would like more advice speak to our Qualified Skin Therapist).