Oily skin: understand the mechanism before acting
Oily skin is not “dirty” or neglected skin. It is skin whose sebaceous glands produce excess sebum, often under genetic, hormonal or environmental factors. Sebum itself is not an enemy: it protects the skin barrier and naturally hydrates the skin. The problem arises when its production becomes excessive and the natural balance is broken.
Understanding this mechanism is essential for choosing the right products. The temptation to “degrease” the skin at all costs — with aggressive detergent products — is counterproductive: it stimulates reactive sebum overproduction, creating a vicious cycle.
Signs of oily skin
Oily skin is recognised by several characteristic signs: shiny appearance, especially on the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin), visible and often enlarged pores, tendency to comedones (blackheads) and imperfections, makeup that holds poorly and disappears within hours, and thick texture to the touch.
Morning routine: prepare and protect without weighing down
In the morning, the goal is to cleanse without stripping, then create a light protective film. Start with a gentle gel cleanser — like Zactigis SkinFoam — that removes night impurities without destroying the hydrolipidic film. Avoid cleansers containing aggressive sulphates (SLS, SLES). After cleansing, apply light non-comedogenic care. Fluid or gel textures are preferable. Integrate a regulating active like niacinamide or zinc, which reduce sebaceous production without aggressing the skin.
Evening routine: regulate and purify deeply
In the evening, the skin regenerates and actives penetrate more effectively. This is the ideal moment for regulating and purifying care. Apply a fermented white willow lotion or serum to oily areas: it accelerates cell renewal and regulates sebum production. Once or twice a week, use a purifying clay mask to absorb excess sebum and unclog pores. Zactigis SkinNight is specifically formulated for this step: it works overnight to rebalance oily skin without drying it.
Actives to favour for oily skin
Several actives have demonstrated effectiveness on oily skin. Zinc pyrithione and zinc gluconate regulate sebaceous secretion and have antibacterial properties. Niacinamide (vitamin B3) reduces apparent pore size and regulates sebum. Fermented white willow accelerates cell renewal and prevents pore obstruction. Lactoferrin controls bacterial proliferation and modulates inflammation. These actives, present in Zactigis formulas, can be used alone or in synergy for a complete and progressive regulating action.
What to absolutely avoid with oily skin
Some common mistakes aggravate the problem. Washing the face more than twice a day destroys the skin barrier and stimulates sebum overproduction. Using “mattifying” products based on alcohol dries the skin on the surface without solving the problem in depth. Neglecting hydration for fear of weighing down the skin is a mistake: dehydrated skin produces more sebum to compensate. The Zactigis approach is founded on balance: regulate without aggressing, purify without drying, protect without clogging.
