Oily Skin: Control Sebum Production

It is imperative to understand that over-drying a patient’s skin, even if they are oily, will cause the skin to compensate by producing an excessive amount of sebum. This will cause even more breakouts as opposed to addressing the problem. Use of natural astringents that also moisturize will avoid this over-production of sebum. Professional treatments containing a combination of the following will most effectively help control sebum production: salicylic acid, ginger root, green burnet root, licorice root, cucumber extract and cinnamon bark. Humectants are also important to both dry and oily skin types. Maintaining the skin’s natural moisture balance keeps oily skin from over-producing oil. If the skin becomes moisture depleted, it will attempt to make more sebum to compensate for deficit. Humectant action makes this excess sebum production unnecessary.