Seborrheic dermatitis is not a serious condition, but it can be bothersome. It not only affects appearance but also poses a risk to skin health.

The most annoying skin problem is undoubtedly excess "oil"! It persists over time and can be quite troublesome, affecting not only appearance but also skin health. Typically, people directly address oil control and cleansing, but did you know that excessive measures can exacerbate the issue?

Myths of excessive oil control:
Many people consider strengthening cleansing, removing surface oils, and keeping the face dry as the primary methods, but this refreshing feeling is only a temporary illusion. Oil control and moisturizing must complement each other. If you only focus on oil control and absorption without replenishing moisture, the skin may produce more oil spontaneously to compensate, leading to a vicious cycle of "the more you control, the oilier it gets." Therefore, after oil control, it's essential to follow up with moisturizing products. The condition of "external oiliness and internal dryness" occurs due to skin dehydration, leading to surface oiliness. Imbalance in skin oil and water levels can result in various issues such as blackheads, acne, and enlarged pores. Therefore, alongside oil control, it's crucial to remember to moisturize and care for your skin.

Causes of oiliness:
Excessive skin oil production is related to factors such as hormones, environment, emotions, stress, and constitution. Changes in temperature, humidity, psychological stress, and dietary factors, like consuming too much saturated fat or sugar, can increase skin oil secretion. Intense external stimuli signals transmitted to skin cells and nerves trigger sebaceous glands to produce more oil, causing skin oiliness.

Peak periods:
Seborrheic dermatitis exhibits a unique phenomenon, with peaks in infants and adults. In adults, the peak occurrence of seborrheic dermatitis is between 30 and 40 years old. Imbalances in oil secretion not only affect makeup application but also lead to enlarged pores, accompanied by blackheads and pimples. Therefore, balancing sebum secretion is crucial for an effective seborrheic dermatitis skincare routine.

Possible causes of seborrheic dermatitis:
- Abnormal skin metabolism and keratinization
- Excessive sebum secretion
- Proliferation of Malassezia yeast
- Inflammation of sebaceous glands

Seborrheic dermatitis often occurs in areas with more sebaceous glands. Currently, many doctors believe that seborrheic dermatitis is related to sebum secretion, fungal infection, and inflammation. Although Malassezia yeast is a normal human skin symbiotic fungus, research has not proven that individuals with seborrheic dermatitis have higher densities of Malassezia yeast on their skin. Observational studies suggest that the inflammation response in some cases of seborrheic dermatitis may not necessarily be directly related to Malassezia yeast infection. Instead, it might be associated with the fatty acids, enzymes, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) secreted by Malassezia yeast, stimulating a reaction on the skin.

In conclusion, treatment should focus on controlling sebum secretion, suppressing fungal infections, and reducing inflammatory responses. Consult a doctor for proper treatment, and maintain a 5-minute morning and evening skincare routine to soothe the skin, nurture and repair the sebum membrane and stratum corneum, and preserve skin protection to effectively control seborrheic dermatitis.

Skincare tips: Emphasize basic moisturizing and keep both product and moisturizing steps simple.
1. Cleanse - Solve oil secretion issues by starting with gentle cleansing. Choose amino acid-based facial cleansers with moisturizing factors and avoid excessive cleansing in the morning and evening.
2. Tone - Select moisturizing lotions (oils) containing soothing, anti-inflammatory, and calming ingredients to alleviate facial redness and inflammation.
3. Nourish - Apply medical-grade skincare products to repair and nourish the skin, promoting keratin metabolism.

Why choose amino acid-based cleansers over soap or soap-containing facial cleansers with stronger degreasing capabilities? While the skin may appear oily, excessive removal can strip away the protective membrane from flaky skin, preventing proper skin rest and potentially leading to dryness and exacerbation of the issue. Seborrheic dermatitis often presents as "both dry and oily," making it crucial to adopt good hygiene habits, remove oiliness without harming the sebum membrane, and rebuild the sebum membrane using essential oils for skin protection.

How to care for and prevent seborrheic dermatitis outbreaks on different parts of the body:
Daily care for seborrheic dermatitis follows the principles of "moderate cleansing," "avoiding irritation," and "reducing stress." Practical measures include:
1. Use gentle cleansers.
2. Avoid excessive cleansing of the face.
3. Wash hair and bathe with lukewarm or cool water, not hot water.
4. Avoid spicy and irritating foods.
5. Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption, as well as other stimulating and addictive substances.
6. Avoid excessive soaking in hot baths or saunas to prevent skin irritation.
7. Limit sun exposure and use sunscreen appropriately.
8. Use moisturizing products with simple ingredients, especially in dry seasons like autumn or winter.
9. Reduce stress and maintain mental well-being. If stress-related mental health issues arise, consult a psychiatrist.

Seborrheic dermatitis is not a severe disease; instead, it reflects individual constitution, personality, lifestyle, and work status, reminding us to examine our habits. If the skin is already damaged and peeling, it's essential to actively rebuild skin health, repair the sebum membrane, and enhance keratin metabolism.