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.
Isotretinoin (also known as Accutane) is an oral form of a retinoid drug, derived from vitamin A. It's very successful as an oily skin treatment and works by reducing levels of sebum within the skin.
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.
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.
High-dose red light photodynamic therapy (PDT) offers highly effective and durable treatment for acne by selectively destroying the sebaceous gland.
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.
Vitamins A and D are fat-soluble vitamins that affect our sebaceous glands. Vitamin A is one of the most important vitamins for healthy skin, and Vitamin D helps reduce oil production.
Put simply, Accutane permanently shrinks your oil glands. Because people with acne produce more sebum than necessary, the elimination of the excess causes your skin to stay clear because your pores no longer get clogged.
Dermatologists recommend washing your face twice a day to remove excess oil and dirt and prevent acne. When removing excess oil on the skin, use a soft, gentle moisturizer like foaming cleaners. Avoid dairy, sugary, and processed foods because they can increase oil production in your skin.
Vitamin D seems to inhibit sebocyte proliferation, differentiation, and sebum secretion, all of which are key factors in the production of sebum. There is no correlation between serum ALP levels and acne.
Diets higher in protein and fiber and lower in saturated fats and refined carbohydrates work well for oily and acne-prone skin. To reduce sebum production, try a Paleolithic diet (rich in fruits, veggies, nuts, and lean meats) or a Mediterranean-style diet (rich in fruits, veggies, fish, olive oil, and legumes).
While you don't necessarily grow out of oily skin, your skin will indeed produce less sebum as you age. Aging skin loses protein, such as collagen, and the sebaceous glands slow down. This is why many people who have aging skin also have dry skin.
In addition, vitamin A can regulate skin tone and reduce the red, purple and brown colouring that acne can leave on the skin. It can also reduce the size and productivity of your oil glands, meaning that your skin produces less acne-causing oil.
Over-the-counter medications, creams, and face washes that contain retinol may help clear clogged sebaceous glands. Some people may find that regularly washing the skin with a cleanser containing salicylic acid can help dry-oily skin and prevent clogged glands.
Green Bentonite Clay
In addition to unclogging pores and even shrinking them, it also helps to control the overproduction of sebum — making it a powerful oil-control ally.
Salicylic and mandelic acid are still integral to my routine as they are both oil-soluble acids that can clear our pores and keep them clean. They're also anti-inflammatory and less irritating than say glycolic acid..
Skin can become oily in your 40s due to an overproduction of sebum by your sebaceous glands. Multiple factors can cause sebum excess. It could be hormonal fluctuations linked to perimenopause, genetics, increased stress or following the wrong routine for your skin type.
Many patients with severe acne notice that they have had oily skin. While on isotretinoin, your skin is not as oily as it had been. Usually the skin oiliness does return, but may not completely return to the degree it was before. Most patients find this is an additional benefit of the treatment.
A dose of 0.5–1.0 mg/kg/day dramatically reduces sebum excretion by the order of 90% within 6 weeks.
The oil production is reduced while the patient is on the Isotretinoin, but returns to normal after the Isotretinoin is stopped.
Accutane is able to decrease the size and activity of sebaceous glands, reduce the amount of sebum produced and reduce the amount of keratin that clogs the pores. Accutane can actually cure acne in about 80% of patients (which means little to no acne for 5-15 years).
Do not give isotretinoin capsules to children under the age of 12 years or before puberty. If you have diabetes, talk to your doctor before beginning treatment with isotretinoin capsules. You may need extra monitoring while you take this medicine because it can cause your blood sugar levels to rise.