How Should You Manage the Season When Sebum Secretion Increases?

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The season when sebum secretion increases,

how should you manage it?

Human Dermatology Clinic, Seoul National University Branch

Many people feel that their face suddenly becomes shiny and breakouts increase every time summer comes around. Even if you clearly washed your face neatly in the morning, oil often comes up again within a few hours, and makeup breaks down easily, which can make skin stress worse.

In particular, as the weather gets hotter, sebum secretion becomes more active, so concerns such as pores, blackheads, and acne can also get worse. That is why summer skin care is not just about removing oil, but about caring for the skin in a way that does not disrupt its balance.

Why does sebum secretion increase in summer?

When the temperature rises, the skin temperature also rises. As skin temperature goes up, the activity of the sebaceous glands becomes more active, and the amount of sebum secreted can naturally increase. In particular, people with inherently oily skin or those with pore concerns may notice bigger changes in summer.

Strong UV rays and high humidity can also affect the skin environment. The skin secretes sebum to protect itself from external irritation, but when this process repeats, it is more likely to lead to shine and clogged pores.

Be careful not to over-wash to reduce sebum

When oil increases, many people think they should wash their skin until it feels squeaky clean. However, excessive cleansing or strong cleansing products can instead weaken the skin barrier. When the skin feels dry, it may respond by trying to secrete even more sebum.

So in summer, it is important to cleanse while reducing skin irritation. Gentle cleansing morning and night, and care that reduces oil while maintaining skin moisture, can be helpful. In particular, if you feel that “the surface is shiny but the inside feels dry,” it is a good idea to also consider managing inner dryness.

Lifestyle habits and skin care are also important

In summer, lowering the skin temperature is also important. Prolonged exposure to hot environments, lack of sleep, and repeated stress can make sebum secretion even more active. Also, oily foods and a diet high in sugar can affect skin condition.

Depending on the skin condition, some people also consider treatments such as pore care, sebum-control treatments, or skin booster treatments to improve skin condition. However, rather than simply trying to reduce sebum at all costs, it is important to accurately understand your current skin type and the cause of breakouts, then decide on the direction of care.

An increase in sebum secretion in summer is a natural change, but depending on how you manage it, the condition of your skin can vary greatly. In particular, rather than trying to remove oil unconditionally, it is important to manage the skin barrier and moisture balance together.

If increased sebum is accompanied by clogged pores, recurring breakouts, or skin redness, it may be helpful to have your skin condition accurately checked by a dermatologist rather than trying to solve it with home care alone. Finding a care direction that suits your skin type can be the start of healthy summer skin management.