The natural oils that coat our skin are of vital importance for our health! These oils – called sebum – coat the skin, shield it from moisture, and protect it from pollutants, friction, and the ageing process. It is thanks to these oils you can enjoy young-looking, smooth skin for years to come.  

At the same time, if the sebaceous glands – those small over-producing glands beneath the skin – are overproducing sebum, you might find your skin to be too oily or acne-prone. In this case, moisturising your skin becomes essential! 

Recent studies have started to show how the incidence of acne and the elevated production of sebum have a direct link with the unique bacterial footprint of the skin – the skin microbiome.  

Since everyone’s microbiome composition is different, it is essential to find moisturisers that keep your skin hydrated, prevent the appearance of acne breakouts, and bring balance back to your skin flora. Here is all you need to know about caring for your oily skin and keeping it healthy and moisturised. 

What happens when you forget to drink enough water during the day? You probably feel tired, fatigued, stressed, and with a lingering headache. Indeed, water is essential to flush toxins away from your body and replenish important minerals that your body uses up during the day.  

Similar symptoms happen in the skin when it doesn’t receive enough moisture. The outermost layer of the skin (epidermis) is the ultimate barrier between our body and the pollutants and damaging factors in the external environment. Without the right moisture, this epidermis can’t flush harmful toxins away and avoid damages.  

Even more importantly, skin cells find in moisture the essential nutrients they need to cover essential functions – after all, your skin is the most extensive organ in your body! Thanks to moisture, these cells can rejuvenate and repair any damage, which allows them to fight off irritants, malign bacteria, infections, and inflammation.  

Skin hydration is vital to: 

• Keep the skin elastic 
• Facilitate the elimination of toxins 
• Reduce oil production 

As we have seen, everyone needs a unique skincare routine. Finding one that works for your unique skin flora composition can be challenging without understanding the reasons behind oily skin.  

The sebum on your skin covers essential roles to keep your skin healthy, elastic, and young. However, when the glands are overproducing these oils, you might find yourself dealing with clogged pores and oily skin.  

In turn, acne and breakouts become more likely because toxins and dead skin cells that should be washed away by moisture become trapped in the pores, irritating and inflaming the skin.  

Some of the causes of these breakouts include: 

• Genetics and age 
• Climate, pollutants, and environmental factors 
• Overdoing or undergoing your skincare routine 
• Hormonal changes and imbalance 

By impacting the skin microbiome, the wrong skincare products can significantly worsen your condition! 

If you have noticed that your skin always looks shiny and oily, you might be tempted to steer clear of moisturisers. Indeed, adding something to the skin that can make it even oilier can seem counterproductive at first.  

However, there is not a single skin type that needs moisturising more than oily skin! Because of the layer of sebum that covers the pores, the skin requires enough moisture to expel the toxins and dead skin cells and regain its balance.  

Additionally, if you have been using acne products – such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid – your skin will easily dry out. However, since these products also affect the portion of the skin without breakouts, it is essential to bring back moisture with the right products.  

So, the key here is that oily skin needs moisturiser but it has the be the right type of moisturiser for your skin! Some general indications include looking for products that are labelled as “non-comedogenic” or “oil-free”. However, don’t forget that, given the unique skin microbiome of every person, there is no “one-size-fits-all” formula! 

While it was discovered over 150 years ago, the microbiome in the skin and gut is still being studied. However, what we know – and scientists have confirmed – is that the microbiome plays an essential role in the skin’s health, look, and composition. Bringing balance back to your skin microbiome is essential to strengthen its defence mechanism against damaging factors such as infections and pollutants.  

Since every person’s skin microbiome is different and will interact uniquely with skincare products, you need to start your journey towards healthier skin by understanding its flora. Here at Skin Trust Club, we have designed a simple test that you can take at home to understand your skin microbiome better and get personalised skincare suggestions based on your unique skin microbiome.