You can get the nutrients you need by eating fresh vegetables and fruits and significantly reducing how much processed food you eat. Wheat, dairy, and sugar may lead to excess sebum production. Try cutting these things out of your diet to see if they help reduce the amount of oil your body produces.
The amount of sebum can be reduced by certain systemic medications: Oestrogens (eg combined oral contraceptive pill) Antiandrogens such as cyproterone acetate and spironolactone. Vitamin-A derivatives such as isotretinoin.
Wash with a gentle soap and warm water. Avoid soaps with fragrances, added moisturizers, or harsh chemicals, which can irritate or dry out the skin, making it respond by creating more sebum. Avoid loofahs and rough washcloths, as added friction may stimulate the skin to make more oil.
Green Tea. Green tea is an all-star ingredient for oily skin. It contains a polyphenol that reduces sebum production and inflammation. Studies have also found that green tea extract, when applied directly to the skin, can reduce acne severity.
The main cause of an overproduction of sebum is hormonal imbalances, including as a result of puberty and pregnancy. “As well as hormones, heat, exercise and genetics play a part,” says Kate Kerr, acclaimed clinical facialist.
Androgens. Increased sebum production due to androgens' activity at the sebaceous follicle is a prerequisite for acne in all patients. High level of androgens, or hypersensitivity of the sebaceous glands to a normal level of androgens, causes an increase in sebum production.
Refined carbohydrates like sugar, refined flour, white bread, bakery products, desserts are quickly digested and absorbed into the bloodstream, resulting in a spike in insulin levels. High insulin levels increase the level of androgens, which stimulates excessive sebum production, oily skin and acne.
Vitamin D. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that works alongside our sebaceous glands to regulate sebum production. Vitamin D helps our bodies protect against insulin resistance which can lead to oily skin as insulin stimulates the overproduction of sebum.
Vitamin B5
According to Dr. Dach, “Vitamin B5 works by reducing the oil production of the sebaceous glands.” Dach also recommends using L-Carnitine in conjunction with pantothenic acid, which can boost its effects.
Isotretinoin. Also known as 13-cis retinoic acid, isotretinoin is an oral retinoid that has been proven to result in the greatest reduction of sebum among all other mentioned treatment options.
Additionally, a diluted ACV solution can help to remove residual product build-up, as well as excess dirt and sebum.
Salicylic acid - The OG degreaser, salicylic acid will help to break down sebum that is trapped or plugged in your pores. Look for treatments and washes with 2% salicylic acid, which is strong enough to remove excess oil and exfoliate dead cells but won't dry out your skin.
Vitamin D seems to inhibit sebocyte proliferation, differentiation, and sebum secretion, all of which are key factors in the production of sebum.
The preponderance of evidence suggests zinc has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects and that it may decrease sebum production.
It is a misconception that consuming fish oil can make your skin oily. On the contrary, omega-3 fatty acids are known to regulate sebum production in your skin, which makes it safe to use fish oil for both dry and oily skin types.
Due to its lipophilic nature, vitamin E can also penetrate into all underlying layers of skin (8). Skin vitamin E levels are higher in individuals with increased sebum production, as well as in skin types that naturally produce more sebum (e.g., “oily' skin on the face vs. drier skin on the arm) (1, 8).
Additionally, topical vitamin C can help with acne through its anti-inflammatory properties that help control sebum (oil) production within the skin.
Drinking ample water balances the oil and water content on the skin of your face. This helps to prevent excess oil and sebum secretion, which means fewer clogged pores and acne.
In particular, the intake of B vitamins is directly linked with your level of sebum production. According to Lococo, “Vitamin B, such as biotin, affects panthenol and sebum levels, which helps hair stay healthy and shiny.
According to HealWithFood, a person's B vitamin intake directly affects a person's level of sebum (oil) production. "A sufficient intake of the B vitamins, particularly of vitamin B2 (riboflavin) and vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), can help combat greasy hair by regulating sebum production," the site explained.