Understanding Sebaceous Glands

Looking in the mirror at noon and seeing my face all shiny really drives me crazy! Especially when you touch it with your fingers, that greasy feeling is just unbearable! As a skincare blogger who has been in the industry for many years and who was previously tortured by this problem, today I'll talk with you about what exactly turns us into "human oil machines."

Let me first explain that in our skin, there are countless sebaceous glands, about 400-900 per square centimeter. They're like tiny factories in our skin, producing sebum 24/7. Under normal circumstances, this sebum is beneficial, providing natural protection for our skin, like an invisible protective clothing. But the problem arises when these sebaceous glands work too hard, producing excessive sebum, making our faces shine with oil.

These sebaceous glands are mainly distributed on our face, especially in the T-zone - the forehead, nose, and chin areas. Each sebaceous gland is connected to a hair follicle, and sebum is secreted onto the skin surface through the follicular canal. This explains why the T-zone is particularly oily, as these areas have a higher density of sebaceous glands.

Formation of Oily Skin

When it comes to why sebaceous glands are so "hardworking," there's quite a bit of science involved. After reviewing various medical journals and research reports, I've finally sorted out these reasons.

First, you can really blame your parents! Yes, oily skin is hereditary. I read an interesting study showing that if both parents have oily skin, the probability of children inheriting this trait is as high as 78%. This is because the size and number of sebaceous glands are determined by genes. So if you find yourself with oily skin, look at your parents' skin type, and you might find the "culprit."

Then there's the hormone issue. Androgens, these "mischievous" hormones, directly stimulate sebaceous glands to increase production. This is why teenagers are particularly prone to oily skin, as androgen secretion is especially active during this period. Specifically, teenage boys produce about 60% more sebum than girls. Don't worry though, this usually improves after puberty.

Another important factor is stress. Modern people face a lot of pressure from work and study. Stress stimulates the release of cortisol in the body, which directly affects sebaceous gland activity. Research shows that sebum production increases by 20-30% during periods of high stress. This is why skin tends to be particularly oily when pulling all-nighters to meet deadlines.

Climate and environmental factors also affect oil secretion. Sebaceous glands are more active in summer's high temperatures. In humid environments, reduced surface water evaporation can also make skin feel oilier. Statistics show that sebum production increases by about 40% when temperatures exceed 30 degrees Celsius compared to normal temperatures.

Characteristics of Oily Skin

Want to know if you really have oily skin? Let me teach you a few practical tips.

The simplest method is the "blotting paper test." Two hours after washing your face, gently press blotting paper against your T-zone. If the paper becomes transparent and oil stains are clearly visible, you likely have oily skin. A more professional approach is using a skin oil meter, which can accurately measure oil content per unit area. Normal skin oil content is between 100-220μg/cm², while readings above 300μg/cm² indicate oily skin.

Oily skin has several typical characteristics. For example, pores tend to be larger, especially noticeable on both sides of the nose wings. This is because excess oil expands the pores, which become enlarged over time. The skin surface has an oily sheen and feels slightly sticky to touch. Makeup becomes particularly troublesome, with foundation easily coming off and becoming patchy by noon.

Another characteristic is the tendency to develop acne. Excess oil can clog pores, and combined with bacterial growth, easily leads to acne formation. Studies show that people with oily skin are about 3 times more likely to develop acne than those with normal skin.

Scientific Skincare

Now that we understand the principles, here comes the main topic - how to care for this "oil field."

First, let's talk about cleansing, which is particularly important. Many people think the fresher the better, but that's actually wrong. I recommend choosing amino acid-based cleansers, as their pH is around 5.5, similar to skin's pH. These cleansers can gently remove excess oil while preserving the skin barrier. Water temperature should be moderate during cleansing, as hot water can stimulate sebaceous glands to secrete more oil.

The choice of oil control products is also crucial. Products containing salicylic acid are good choices, as this ingredient can dissolve oil and deeply cleanse pores. However, the concentration should be moderate - generally 2% is sufficient. You can see noticeable results after about 4 weeks, with facial oil secretion reducing by about 25%. If you're using it for the first time, it's recommended to do a sensitivity test first.

Fruit acid products are also worth considering, especially glycolic acid and mandelic acid. These ingredients can gently remove dead skin cells and promote skin metabolism. Research shows that using products with 10% fruit acid concentration can improve oily skin conditions and enlarged pores within 8 weeks.

Daily Maintenance

Don't skip sunscreen if you have oily skin. Many people think sunscreen will make skin oilier, but this isn't true if you choose the right product. I recommend choosing physical sunscreens with light textures, such as formulas containing titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. These sunscreens not only won't burden the skin but also prevent UV-induced skin irritation.

Hydration is also essential. Many people with oily skin think they don't lack water, but this is a big mistake. Having a lot of oil doesn't equal having enough water, and many oily skin types are actually dehydrated. When skin lacks water, sebaceous glands will secrete more oil to compensate. Choose oil-free formulas of gel creams or serums, preferably containing hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides.

The choice of face masks is also important. Don't think that face masks will make your skin oilier; the key is choosing the right type. Using clay masks 1-2 times per week is enough to help absorb excess oil. Hydrating masks can be used frequently, but choose light types.

Correcting Misconceptions

When it comes to caring for oily skin, some misconceptions must be corrected.

The biggest misconception is thinking that oily skin doesn't need skincare products. This idea is completely wrong! Not using skincare products will actually make skin oilier. When skin doesn't receive proper care, it will automatically secrete more oil to protect itself. Research shows that oily skin patients who don't use any skincare products have about 30% higher sebum secretion than those who use products correctly.

The second misconception is over-cleansing. Some people want their face to feel squeaky clean, thinking this means it's clean enough. Actually, this approach backfires - over-cleansing damages the skin barrier and stimulates sebaceous glands to secrete more oil. The correct approach is cleansing twice daily with gentle facial cleanser, keeping water temperature at 26-28 degrees Celsius.

Some people think oily skin doesn't need sunscreen - this is also wrong. Sunscreen not only prevents sunburn but also prevents increased oil secretion caused by UV stimulation. Choosing light sunscreen products won't add burden and can actually help control oil.

Lifestyle Adjustments

Besides using skincare products, some daily habits can greatly affect oil secretion.

First is the sleep schedule issue. Staying up late really damages skin and can cause sebaceous gland secretion disorders. It's recommended to maintain 7-8 hours of sleep and go to bed before 11 PM. Research shows that people with regular sleep schedules have about 20% less sebum secretion than those who frequently stay up late.

Diet is also important. High-sugar and high-fat foods stimulate sebaceous glands and increase oil secretion. Eating more foods rich in B vitamins, such as whole grains, lean meat, and fish, helps control oil. Drink 8 glasses of water daily to maintain adequate hydration.

Exercise can help improve oily skin. Moderate exercise promotes blood circulation and helps pores expel dirt. However, clean promptly after exercise to avoid sweat and oil accumulating in pores. It's recommended to do aerobic exercise 3-4 times per week, 30-40 minutes each time.

Stress management is also crucial. Stress stimulates hormone secretion, leading to increased oil secretion. You can reduce stress through yoga, meditation, etc. Research shows that people who regularly do stress-relief exercises have 15-20% less sebum secretion than those under high stress.

Environmental factors also need attention. Maintain appropriate humidity in air-conditioned rooms, as excessive dryness stimulates sebaceous glands. In summer, avoid long exposure to strong sunlight - use parasols or wear hats.

Summary and Outlook

After years of research and practice, I increasingly feel that oily skin isn't a defect. It's like a personality trait of your skin - if we understand its temperament and know how to get along with it, it can become an advantage.

Oily skin actually has many benefits. For example, it's less likely to develop dry lines and ages slower than dry skin. Plus, people with oily skin usually have more abundant hair growth - isn't that good?

The most important thing in caring for oily skin is maintaining patience and consistency. Don't expect one or two products to make immediate changes. You need to establish scientific care habits while adjusting your lifestyle to see long-term results.

Remember, everyone's skin condition is unique, even within oily skin types. Observe your skin's reactions and find the most suitable care method for you.

The skincare journey is actually a process of continuously recognizing and understanding yourself. I hope this article helps you better understand and care for oily skin. If you have experience in caring for oily skin, feel free to share in the comments. Next time we'll continue discussing other topics about oily skin, such as how to deal with acne problems - remember to follow!