The Paradox of Oily Malnourished Skin

Oily skin (seborrhea) is a common cosmetic problem that occurs when oversized sebaceous glands produce excessive amounts of sebum giving the appearance of shiny and greasy skin. Oily skin is at the same time malnourished because excessive amounts of sebum wash out the protective and hydrating skin factors, such as natural moisturizing factor, and therefore dual treatment is necessary, which consists of meticulous cleaning of the excessive sebum and profound nourishment of the skin. Skin microcirculation plays a significant role in the skin homeostasis. Dermal venules are important for waste removal from the skin, whilst dermal arterioles are important for the transportation of gases and nutrients towards the skin. Improvement of the skin microcirculation might be a useful tool in the maintenance of healthy skin and additional treatment for oily skin, acne, accelerated aging and wrinkles. Demodicosis causes the vicious circle of the oily skin: excessive amounts of sebum lead to more severe demodicosis, which then aggravates acne and increases the production of the sebum.