Learn about the dreaded rebound effect and how to properly treat oiliness

If you love reading about skincare and are always on the subject, you’ve probably heard about the rebound effect. However, it is common to find people saying that the effect is a myth and others saying the opposite. To clarify everything on the subject and help us treat oiliness, we talked to dermatologists Dr. Fabiola Tasca (CRM-PR 20830/RQE12891) and Dr. Luiza Bertholdi (CRM-PR 37487/RQE 26686). Follow up!

What is rebound effect

Dr. Luiza explains that “the rebound effect would be an increase in the production of sebum by the skin to compensate for the use of cleaner products”. In addition, Dr. Fabiola told us that many products that remove oil have a very high alcohol content and this ends up drying the skin.

In this way, the body tends to return the oil removed so as not to leave the skin dry. “The latest studies show that oily skin needs hydration as well. And that often it already produces oil because it has a dryness along with it, which is masked by the oiliness”, adds Fabiola.

Causes of the rebound effect

Excessive oiliness has several causes. So, here are the main factors that make your skin more oily:

Use of astringent products: Fabiola says that many of these products have alcohol in their composition. This ends up removing the oiliness, but, at the same time, leaves the skin dry because they remove its natural hydration;

Excessive exfoliation: “exfoliating soaps in excess will end up exfoliating the skin too much, they will end up drying and the skin will produce more oil”, explained Fabiola;

Hormonal cause: Hormones also influence the production of oil. According to Fabiola, young skin is at the height of hormone production, so it tends to be more oily skin. In addition, mature skin suffers more from the effects of the years and menopausal women may experience drier skin and enlarged pores.

The dermatologist Luiza says that there is still no scientific proof that explains a greater production of sebum to cause the rebound effect. According to her, what happens is a capillarity mechanism in which “that sebum that had already been produced and that was stored ends up rising to the surface of the skin by a capillarity mechanism and replacing part of that sebum that had been removed”.

How to avoid the rebound effect

The oiliness of each organism is different. This is because it varies according to several factors such as sex, age, diet, climate, etc. And since no one likes to have oily skin, dermatologists have indicated some ways to avoid the rebound effect. Check out:

Using oil-free products in your skincare routine

Dermatologist Fabiola recommends the use of products that promise to remove oil, but that have moisturizing components. Generally, these products are based on salicylic acid, sulfur, glycolic acid and it says on the packaging that they are oil-free. That is, they are oil free, but have mattifying and moisturizing substances.

Avoid using products with a high alcohol content

Very astringent products have a high alcohol content in their composition. This ends up removing the oil, but also results in the loss of the skin barrier of the skin. Thus, the skin becomes dry and without the natural protection, making the body compensate for this effect by returning the oil to the skin.

Never forget to use sunscreen

For Fabiola, it is important to combine oil removal with hydration and sun protection. “One of the causes of worsening oiliness is the sun and artificial lights. So, from the moment we use sunscreen, we are protecting the skin from external aggressions and (…) preventing skin dehydration”, explained the dermatologist.

Finally, Dr. Luiza concludes: “the use of a proper skincare routine, peelings, lasers and even botulinum toxin (the “botox”) can help in the control of oiliness.(…) It is essential to consult with a dermatologist to let him indicate the most appropriate treatment for you”.

Now that you know how to take care of oiliness, how about knowing more about retinol? This asset improves skin texture, fights aging and helps to improve acne.