How to Reduce Sebum and Blackheads Naturally

How to Manage Sebum and Prevent Blackheads

If you're constantly battling oily skin and blackheads, you're not alone. These are two of the most common skin concerns that people struggle with. Excess sebum (oil) production can make your skin appear shiny, clog your pores, and lead to blackheads. But don’t worry, with the right skincare routine and some simple lifestyle changes, you can reduce sebum and prevent blackheads from coming back. In this post, we’ll cover what sebum is, why it leads to blackheads, and, most importantly, how you can manage both with easy-to-follow steps.

What is Sebum and What Causes It?

Understanding Sebum

Sebum is a natural oil that your skin produces to keep it soft and protected. It’s like the skin’s natural moisturizer. However, sometimes your skin can produce too much of this oil. When that happens, your face can start to look shiny and greasy, and the extra oil can mix with dirt and dead skin on your face. This mixture can get trapped in your pores, causing them to become blocked. When your pores are blocked, it can lead to blackheads or even acne.

Why Does My Skin Produce Excess Sebum?

There are several reasons why your skin might produce more oil than necessary:

• Hormones: Hormonal changes like those during puberty, pregnancy, or stress can increase sebum production. Hormonal imbalances caused by conditions such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) or thyroid disorders can also lead to excessive oil production.
• Genetics: If oily skin runs in your family, there’s a good chance you’ve inherited it too. Genetics play a big role in determining how much oil your skin produces.
• Diet: Some studies suggest that high glycemic foods (like sugary snacks) and dairy may increase insulin levels, triggering more oil production. However, this varies from person to person, and not everyone will see improvements with dietary changes.
• Wrong Skincare Products: Using products that are too harsh or drying can make your skin think it’s not producing enough oil. In response, it will overcompensate and produce even more sebum. This is why it’s important to choose the right products for your skin type.

What Are Blackheads and How Do They Form?

Blackheads are a type of acne that forms when a pore (a small opening on your skin) gets clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and dirt. Unlike other pimples, blackheads don’t have a layer of skin covering them, so they stay open to the air. The stuff inside the pore turns black because it reacts with the air, similar to how a cut apple turns brown when left out.

How to Reduce Sebum and Prevent Blackheads

Now that we know what causes excess sebum and blackheads, let’s talk about how to reduce them. There are several things you can do to keep your skin balanced and clear.

1. Cleanse Your Skin Properly

The most important part of any skincare routine is washing your face with the right product. To reduce oily skin and blackheads, you need to clean your pores without drying out your skin.

• Look for a gentle, water-based cleanser that is formulated for oily skin. Strong cleansers can dry out your skin, which makes it produce even more oil.
• You can try the "double cleansing" method, which is popular in Korean skincare. This means using two cleansers: first, an oil-based one to remove makeup and sunscreen, and then a water-based one to clean the dirt and oil from your pores. This method helps keep your pores clean without causing blockages.

Product Tip:

• COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser – This gentle yet powerful cleanser helps to clear pores and reduce excess oil without irritating the skin.
• Numbuzin No.1 Easy Peasy Cleansing Oil – This oil cleanser is perfect for the first step in a double-cleansing routine. It removes makeup, sunscreen, and excess oil without stripping the skin, leaving your pores clean and refreshed.

 

2. Exfoliate Regularly

Exfoliating is important to remove dead skin cells and keep your pores clean, which helps prevent blackheads. But don't do it too often, as that can irritate your skin and make it produce more oil.

• Use a special exfoliating ingredient like salicylic acid (called BHA). This ingredient is great for oily skin because it can go deep into your pores and clear out the oil and dead skin cells that cause blackheads. You can find this in some Korean toners or exfoliating pads.
• Only exfoliate two to three times a week. Doing it more often can dry out your skin, which makes it produce even more oil.

Product Tip:

• Some By Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner – A gentle chemical exfoliant that works deep in your pores to help control sebum and clear blackheads.
• Meebak Cica Cleansing Water Pads – Convenient and easy-to-use exfoliating pads that gently scrub away dead skin while keeping your pores unclogged.

 

3. Keep Your Skin Hydrated

A common misunderstanding is that oily skin doesn’t need moisture. But if your skin is not properly hydrated, it will actually make more oil to make up for it. The trick is to use the right kind of moisturizer.

• Choose a lightweight moisturizer that won’t block your pores. Products that don’t block your pores are called "non-comedogenic."
• Ingredients like hyaluronic acid are great for keeping your skin hydrated without making it oily. Hyaluronic acid is able to hold a lot of water, which helps keep your skin moist and balanced.

Product Tip:

• Isntree Onion Newpair Essence Toner – This toner is enriched with onion extract, which helps fade dark spots, soothe the skin, and hydrate without clogging pores. It’s perfect for maintaining hydration while helping to control sebum production and heal acne-prone skin.
• Purito Deep Sea Pure Water Cream – A lightweight, non-comedogenic cream that hydrates deeply without clogging pores or causing breakouts.

 

4. Use Products That Won’t Clog Your Pores

When choosing your skincare products—whether it’s your moisturizer, foundation, or sunscreen—you’ll want to make sure they won’t block your pores. Products that clog your pores can lead to blackheads and make oily skin even worsen.

• Look for products labeled as “non-comedogenic”. This means they’re designed not to block your pores, which helps prevent breakouts and keeps your skin clear. Many Korean and Japanese skincare brands focus on these kinds of products, making them great for managing oily skin and preventing blackheads.
• Niacinamide helps control oil production and calm inflammation, while centella asiatica is great for soothing and healing the skin. These ingredients are perfect for anyone dealing with oily or acne-prone skin. In our next blog, we’ll go deeper into which specific ingredients work best to reduce oil and prevent blackheads, so you’ll know exactly what to look for in your skincare routine!

Product Tip:

• Dr. Oracle Antibac Moisturizing Gel Cream – A lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizing gel that hydrates the skin without adding excess oil, perfect for oily and acne-prone skin.

5. Clay Masks: A Great Way to Reduce Oily Skin

Clay masks are great for soaking up extra oil from your skin and giving your pores a deep clean. They are especially helpful for people with oily skin who want to avoid blackheads.

• Look for clay masks that contain ingredients like kaolin or bentonite. These special ingredients help pull out dirt, oil, and other impurities from your skin.
• Use a clay mask once a week, depending on how oily your skin is. These masks help keep your pores clean and can also help control the amount of oil your skin produces.

Product Tip:

• Barulab Black Clay Mask – This powerful clay mask contains ingredients like kaolin and bentonite, which help draw out impurities, control excess oil, and refine pores, leaving your skin feeling refreshed and balanced.
• Barulab 7-in-1 Total Solution Mint Clay Mask – This multi-solution clay mask not only absorbs oil and clears pores but also cools and soothes irritated skin with mint extract. It’s perfect for those with sensitive, oily, or acne-prone skin.

 

Lifestyle Changes to Control Sebum

In addition to using skincare products, making small changes in your daily habits can help control how much oil your skin produces. Here are a couple of tips:

1. Pay Attention to Your Diet

What you eat affects your skin. Foods high in sugar or dairy (like milk and cheese) can make your body produce more oil, which can lead to oily skin and blackheads. Changing your diet may help.

• Try eating foods that don’t cause your blood sugar to spike, such as leafy greens, whole grains, and lean proteins. These foods help keep your insulin (a hormone that affects oil production) stable, which can reduce how much oil your skin makes.
• Add foods rich in omega-3s to your meals, such as salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts. Omega-3s can reduce inflammation and help balance oil production in your skin.

2. Manage Your Stress

Stress can make your body release a hormone called cortisol, which causes your skin to produce more oil. Reducing stress can help keep your skin balanced.

• Try stress-relieving activities like yoga, meditation, or even simple deep breathing exercises. These can help lower stress levels.
• Regular exercise is also a great way to manage stress, and it can help keep your skin in better condition.

 

How to Safely Remove Blackheads

Blackheads can be tough to get rid of, and while it might be tempting to squeeze them, it’s best to avoid doing that. Squeezing blackheads with your fingers can leave scars, cause infections, and even lead to more pimples. Here’s how you can safely remove blackheads:

1. Try At-Home Methods for Removing Blackheads

There are a few ways you can try to remove blackheads at home without hurting your skin:

• Steam Treatment: Steaming your face helps open up your pores, which makes it easier to remove blackheads. After steaming, you can gently use a clean tool designed for blackhead removal.
• Charcoal Masks or Pore Strips: You can also use special charcoal masks or sticky pore strips to pull out blackheads from your pores. But be careful not to use them too often, as they can irritate your skin if overused.

2. Think About Professional Treatments

If you still have blackheads that won’t go away, you might want to try professional treatments:

• Facials with Extractions: Many skincare clinics offer facials where a professional will remove blackheads for you, safely, without damaging your skin.
• Chemical Peels: These treatments use special ingredients (like AHAs or BHAs) to gently remove dead skin and clear out blackheads. You can get chemical peels at a clinic.
• Microneedling: This treatment uses tiny needles to create micro-injuries in the skin, which boosts collagen and reduces oil production over time.

 

Reducing Sebum and Blackheads Takes Time

Getting rid of excess oil (sebum) and blackheads doesn’t happen instantly. The most important thing is to be patient and stick to a good skincare routine. It’s also important to change your routine based on how your skin reacts. Here are some tips to help keep your skin clear in the long run:

1. Stick to a Regular Skincare Routine

Consistency is key when it comes to skincare. You need to follow a routine both in the morning and at night that includes cleaning, moisturizing, and using the right products for your skin.

• Morning Routine: Start by gently washing your face. Then, use a toner with ingredients like salicylic acid (which helps clear pores). After that, apply a lightweight moisturizer and finish with sunscreen to protect your skin.
• Evening Routine: In the evening, clean your face twice (double cleanse) to remove makeup and dirt. After that, use a treatment product (like retinoids or salicylic acid) to target skin issues, and then apply a moisturizer that won’t clog your pores (non-comedogenic).

2. When to Visit a Dermatologist

If you’ve tried all of these steps and still have problems with blackheads and oily skin, it might be time to see a dermatologist or skincare professional. They can recommend stronger treatments, such as retinoids or special peels, to help control your skin issues.

Final Thoughts

Dealing with oily skin and blackheads can be frustrating, but with the right skincare routine and a few lifestyle changes, you can improve your skin. By using the correct cleansers and moisturizers, and even making small changes to what you eat, there are many ways to manage oily skin and prevent blackheads.

The most important thing is to stay consistent with your routine. Everyone’s skin is different, so it may take some time to figure out what works best for you. But with patience and persistence, you can achieve clearer, healthier skin!

Stay tuned for our next blog post, where we’ll go into detail about the best ingredients to help reduce oil and prevent blackheads. You won’t want to miss it!