This article is a translation of the original French article “Comment Traiter la Peau Grasse et Retrouver un Teint Équilibré ?” and is intended for the French market. Treatments, availability and prices may differ at our London clinic.
Understanding Oily Skin: Origins and Triggers
Oily skin is characterised by an overproduction of sebum by the sebaceous glands, which can be influenced by several factors.
Internal factors: the role of hormones and metabolism
- Androgen hormones, particularly during adolescence, in times of stress or hormonal fluctuations, directly stimulate sebum production.
- A genetic predisposition can also explain skin that is richer in lipids and prone to shine.
- A lack of hydration pushes the skin to compensate by producing more sebum.
External factors: environment and skincare routine
- External aggressors (pollution, humidity, heat) activate the sebaceous glands.
- Using overly stripping products can unbalance the skin barrier and stimulate sebum secretion even further.
Understanding these causes makes it possible to adopt an effective routine to rebalance oily skin in the long term without aggressing it.
The Right Cleansing to Regulate Without Stripping
Overly aggressive cleansing can be counterproductive. To purify the skin while respecting its balance, it is essential to opt for gentle yet effective formulas.
Glycolic acid, found in certain cleansing gels suited to oily skin, is a key active ingredient:
- It exfoliates gently, helping to unclog pores and reduce blackheads.
- It regulates excess sebum without impairing the skin barrier, thereby avoiding reactive overproduction.
- Its gradual action smooths the skin and improves its radiance.
Effective cleansing twice a day, combined with rinsing in lukewarm water and a suitable routine, is the first step towards clear, balanced skin.
Hydrate to Avoid Sebum Overproduction
One of the most widespread myths about oily skin is that it does not need hydration. Yet skin that is insufficiently hydrated compensates by producing more sebum, which worsens the shiny effect.
- A light texture, in gel or fluid form, provides water without overloading the skin.
- Active ingredients such as niacinamide and zinc help regulate sebum production and soothe inflammation.
- Combining them with glycolic acid-based skincare promotes a refined skin texture and a mattified complexion.
By incorporating suitable hydration, the skin regains its natural balance, thereby limiting shine and imperfections.
Refine Skin Texture with Controlled Exfoliation
Oily skin tends to accumulate dead cells, which encourages clogged pores and the appearance of imperfections. Gentle, regular exfoliation keeps the skin smoother and clearer.
- Glycolic acid is an ally for stimulating cell renewal and preventing sebum from building up in the pores.
- Light peels carried out in a treatment centre, particularly AHA and BHA peels, offer controlled exfoliation that improves the skin's radiance and regulates sebum production in the long term.
- Incorporating gentle exfoliation once or twice a week optimises the absorption of the skincare applied afterwards.
With suitable exfoliation, the skin regains a more even texture and less visible pores.
Complete Your Routine with Targeted Aesthetic Medicine Treatments
While home skincare plays an essential role in regulating oily skin, certain in-centre treatments go further by targeting the underlying causes of excess sebum.
LaseMD: A Technology to Tighten Pores and Regulate the Skin
LaseMD is a gentle fractional laser that works by stimulating cell renewal while optimising the penetration of cosmeceutical serums. By creating micro-channels in the skin, it delivers:
- Gradual regulation of sebum, thereby limiting the shiny effect.
- A visible improvement in skin texture, with pores gradually tightening.
- A more even, radiant complexion without irritation or social downtime.
Peels for In-Depth Regulation
Glycolic or salicylic acid peels act more deeply on oily skin. They offer several benefits:
- Gradual exfoliation, reducing imperfections and tightening pores.
- Stimulation of cell renewal, for a more radiant complexion.
- An action that complements daily skincare, optimising results in the long term.
Radiofrequency to Regulate the Sebaceous Glands
By heating the deep layers of the skin, fractional radiofrequency reduces the excessive activity of the sebaceous glands, while improving:
- Skin firmness, by stimulating collagen production.
- The appearance of enlarged pores, which gradually look tighter.
Used alongside home skincare, these treatments act both on the surface and deep down, for lastingly balanced skin.
A Complementary Approach for Regulated Skin
Regulating oily skin does not mean stripping it, but giving it suitable care so that it regains its natural balance.
- A well-chosen home skincare routine, with a glycolic acid cleanser, light hydration and controlled exfoliation, is essential for maintaining healthy skin.
- Professional treatments such as LaseMD, peels or radiofrequency lastingly improve skin texture and control sebum production in the long term.
- The Hydrafacial treatment to rebalance the skin can also be an excellent option for purifying the skin, unclogging pores and restoring hydration while respecting the skin's balance.
- By combining these approaches, it is possible to achieve clearer skin, a refined skin texture and a visibly more even complexion.
Would you like to regain balanced, lastingly regulated skin?
Book an aesthetic medicine consultation and benefit from a personalised treatment programme.
