Excess Sebum

Excess sebum — the skin’s natural oil — is one of the most common and most misunderstood skin concerns. Many patients manage it with harsh cleansers or mattifying products that strip the skin, triggering it to produce even more oil in response. The cycle continues, and the underlying issue is never addressed.

Oily skin is largely driven by genetics and hormones, but several factors make it worse. Hormonal fluctuations — particularly around puberty, the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause — directly influence sebum production. Stress, diet, humidity and certain skincare products all play a role. Paradoxically, over-cleansing and stripping the skin of its natural oils triggers a compensatory increase in sebum production, worsening the very problem it is trying to address.

Excess sebum and enlarged pores frequently go together — sebum stretches the pore opening, making pores appear larger and more visible. Oily skin is also more prone to congestion, blackheads and acne, as excess oil mixes with dead skin cells and blocks the follicle.

The most important first step is getting the skincare regime right. Many patients with oily skin are unknowingly making it worse with the products they are using. A professional skincare consultation will identify what is driving the excess oil and recommend a regime that rebalances the skin rather than stripping it.

Clinical treatments work alongside the right skincare to address sebum production, congestion and the skin concerns that frequently accompany oily skin. Chemical peels and microdermabrasion clear congestion, remove dead skin cells and improve overall skin clarity. LED blue light therapy reduces bacterial activity and helps normalise oil production. Microneedling improves skin texture and pore appearance over a course of treatments.

Treatments that may help: Professional Skincare, Chemical Peels, Microdermabrasion, LED Skin Therapy, Microneedling, Tixel®.

Book a consultation with our clinical team, or explore our full range of treatments.