Expert answer:
The main cause of oily skin and hair is the increased sebum production by the sebaceous glands, which are present in almost the entire body, especially in the scalp and in the face.
That increased oiliness may occur due to:
- Genetic predisposition;
- Hormonal changes, such as pregnancy and polycystic ovary syndrome;
- Excessive sun exposure;
- Stress;
- Food rich in fatty foods.
How to reduce the oiliness of the face?
- Use mattifying creams and soaps that absorb excess oiliness of the skin and decrease the shine due to the zinc and vitamins present in them;
- Wash your face with soaps that have retinoic, salicylic or glycolic acid to decrease the formation of blackheads and stimulate cell renewal;
- Use oil-free sunscreen and have a mattifying action (sunscreen does not leave the skin more oily and helps control oiliness, as long as it is suitable for this type of skin!);
- Do not wash your face many times throughout the day to avoid the "rebound effect" which would increase the oiliness of the skin;
- Avoid fragrance products that may promote skin irritation;
- Use oil-free moisturizers that do not cause blackheads (with retinoic acid) and do not clog pores, preferably in lotion, emulsion or gel-cream, as they have a smoother texture.
How to decrease oiliness of the hair and scalp?
- Wash the head with shampoos that have salicylic acid and that are in gel;
- Use warm water to wash hair (avoid hot water);
- Gently massage the scalp while washing the hair, avoid rubbing;
- Do not use conditioner and shampoos 2 in 1; Those who have long hair should apply the conditioning only on the tips;
- Avoid drying the hair with the hot dryer.
Oily hair and skin can occur together or in isolation and need not necessarily be related. Severe cases of oiliness may also require treatment with orally.
The diagnosis and treatment of excess oil in hair and skin is the responsibility of the dermatologist.
