Press Room

We all want skin that naturally glows, but excessively oily skin does not equate to radiant skin. Not only can oily skin be an embarrassment, it can also cause persistent acne flare-ups. Unfortunately, the summer heat only exacerbates the situation, causing the sebaceous glands to work overtime to produce excess oil, making slickness more prevalent than usual.

The shine-free facial
A favorite of acne-prone actresses, the FIX Signature facial at FIX Spa in Malibu, CA, is a customized treatment that targets specific skin concerns. “It’s really a great treatment for oily skin or skin that’s congested as a result of wearing a lot of makeup all the time,” says spa founder Rebecca Giles, MD. “It incorporates a deep pore cleansing with a unique powder exfoliant, followed by light microdermabrasion for exfoliation, a toning and tightening mask, and a hyperbaric oxygen infusion of a mild hydroxy acid and green tea serum that helps to quell oiliness and fight acne.” The facial also includes a face, neck, arm and shoulder massage, a hydrating hand treatment and extractions. “Clients see results immediately, and the glow and firmness of the skin lasts for several days,” says Giles. “Depending on your skin type, adding on a light peel after the facial can help fight oiliness for even longer.” $250.00 fixmalibu.com

The prescription protocol
Studies have shown that topical retinoids can shrink the oil glands and decrease oil production when used on a daily basis. “My first choice for treating oily skin is usually a prescription-strength topical retinoid like Retin-A, Differin or Tazorac,” says Orlando, FL, dermatologist Kathleen Judge, MD. For excessively oily skin that’s coupled with acne, Dr. Judge performs in-office photodynamic treatments, which involve the application of a liquid medication called ALA. “The ALA, which is selectively absorbed by the oil glands, remains on the skin for an hour, and then the area is treated with one of several lasers and/or a blue or red light,” she says. “This treatment, usually done in a series, can shrink down oil glands and improve acne and the texture of the skin.”

Laser Light Therapy and Oily Skin
Laser Light Therapy can be used in patients with all types of skin, including oily skin, but the effects of the treatment may be less visible than in patients with other skin types. There may also be certain side effects in people with oily skin.

Laser Light Therapy for Oily Skin
Laser Light Therapy is suitable for use in patients with oily skin. Patients with oily skin are more prone to developing acne, and these patients may seek various types of treatment. Laser Light Therapy can be useful in reducing acne, especially when applied in several sessions.

In patients with oily skin, Laser Light Therapy is not applied differently than in other skin types, but the specialist may use a cleansing solution that is created for oily skin to remove the impurities from the skin just before the treatment. The light will affect the mesoderm (the middle layer of the skin) and will reduce the amount of the sebum produced and secreted on the surface of the skin, which will reduce the chances of developing acne.

Patients with oily skin will experience fewer side effects, but the skin can be more dry for a few days after the procedure.