Sebum is something you have to manage throughout your life. I used to have such a shiny nose and forehead that I used to use blotting papers several times a day. But after trying various methods, I realized that sebum isn't something you just try to get rid of, but rather something you need to manage. So today, I'd like to share my secrets for managing sebum that I've consistently found effective.
The first thing I changed was my cleansing habits. I used to scrub my face morning and night, thinking I had a lot of sebum, but that only made it oilier. Now, I use a mildly acidic cleanser, lathering it well, and gently wash my face. In the morning, I just wash with water or use a very light cleanser. The key is to avoid overly dry skin.
Second, never forget to moisturize. I used to hate oily skin, so I just applied toner and left it at that, but I later realized that this only irritated my skin more. Now, I replenish my moisture with a light moisturizing essence or gel-type cream. Because my skin is moisturized from the inside, the amount of sebum that rises to the surface has definitely decreased.
Lastly, my lifestyle was also quite important. On days when I ate a lot of oily or sweet foods, I inevitably had more sebum. So, I made sure to drink plenty of water and consciously cut down on touching my face. I occasionally exfoliate, but not too often, just lightly once a week. Reducing irritation and maintaining balance are key to my sebum management. While it's not perfect, I've definitely reduced the amount of shine I used to feel.