Oily skin might not feel like a blessing when you are battling grease, shine and acne breakouts, but, you won’t want to overlook the benefits of oily skin either, chief among which is its rumoured ability to age more slowly than other skin types. Is oily skin truly cushioned from the ravages of time due to the presence of fatty acids and higher reserves of collagen? We took our questions to Dr Madhuri Agarwal, founder of Yavana Aesthetics Clinic, and here’s what we learned:
For starters, it helps to identify your skin type accurately. “Oily skin is a type of skin that produces more sebum or oil. This skin type is characterised by its tendency to be greasy and shiny, especially in the T-zone area such as the forehead, nose and chin. Oily skin is also more prone to developing acne—whiteheads, blackheads and zits—and easy congestion of pores,” she explains.
However, this skin type is not without its benefits. Dr Agarwal seconds the notion that oily skin ages better and explains, “What you need to know about oily skin and ageing is that this skin type has a higher number of oil glands that work as a natural moisturiser to keep the skin hydrated and supple. Oily skin also has a more robust dermis, where collagen and elastin are located, and the presence of these rich reservoirs of collagen can also contribute to slowing down the process of skin ageing. Lastly, the presence of fatty acids forms a protective layer against external damage and slows down the visible signs of skin ageing.”
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How your skin ages, according to your skin type
The process of internal ageing is determined by genetics, while external skin ageing owes its credit to sun exposure or photoaging, pollution and lifestyle choices such as diet and smoking. If you are looking to watch out for and dial back the visible signs of ageing for your specific skin type, here’s what Dr Agarwal wants you to know:
Dry skin
This skin type shows signs of ageing in the form of early fine lines, wrinkles and dry skin. The skin tends to lack elasticity and can look older than its age due to dryness and dehydration.
Combination skin
This skin type shows mixed signs of oily and dry skin in different facial areas. Depending on the composition of oily and dry parts of the skin, this type can show accelerated wrinkles in specific areas.
Oily skin
This skin type starts showing ageing in the form of increased visibility and size of pores, while acne scars tend to be more persistent as well. The fine lines are not seen early, but the face may show coarseness.
“The precautions that are required for all skin types find common ground in a consistent skincare routine, with anti-ageing skin products involving retinol and antioxidants added as the skin gets more mature. A well-balanced diet, cutting down on processed foods, developing regular eating and sleeping habits, regular exercise, avoiding smoking and wearing sunscreen will help the skin defy the tides of time,” she signs off.
Tira Tip: Boost your anti-ageing skincare arsenal with these tried-and-tested products:
- Himalaya Oil Clear Lemon Foaming Face Wash
- The Derma Co C-Cinamide Radiance Sunscreen Aqua Gel With SPF 50 PA++
- ClayCo Rice and Sake Sleep Mask
- Avon True Nutraeffects Mattifying Day Cream SPF 15
- The Derma Co 2% Hyala Calamine Oil Control Face Wash
