Seborrhea treatment

Seborrhea treatment is a set of therapies aimed at regulating the sebaceous glands and reducing the symptoms of oily skin — excessive shine, enlarged pores and a tendency toward imperfections. At the Dr Kuschill MEDESTETIS clinics (Krakow and Warsaw) the plan combines in-office treatments (e.g. peels, mesotherapy) with appropriately selected care and, if needed, dermatological treatment.

Sebum is produced by the sebaceous glands and serves an important, protective function for the skin. The problem arises when its secretion is excessive — this is favored by hormonal balance (androgens) and genetic predisposition, among others, and the severity of seborrhea can also be linked to seborrheic dermatitis and the proliferation of Malassezia yeasts. That is why effective therapy begins with determining the cause.

Because seborrhea and oily skin have a medical basis and can be chronic, the qualification and choice of method is led by a doctor; in many cases we start with a dermatological consultation. The goal is to control the symptoms and improve skin comfort, not a one-time „cure” — which is why we do not promise permanent removal of seborrhea.

We consider the therapy for people with oily skin and symptoms of seborrhea. Typical indications are:

• excessive oiliness and shine of the skin (especially the T-zone)
• enlarged pores and uneven skin texture
• a tendency toward blackheads and imperfections
• seborrhea of the face and scalp
• a matte, „thick” complexion requiring cleansing and regulation
• a desire to organize care for oily and combination skin

If seborrhea is accompanied by inflammation, acne lesions, flaking or itching (possible seborrheic dermatitis), a dermatological consultation and treatment targeting the cause is advisable.

We start with a consultation: the doctor assesses the skin type and condition, the severity of seborrhea and any coexisting lesions, and then sets a plan. If needed, they refer you for diagnostics or a dermatological consultation when a disease-related basis is suspected.

The plan may include normalizing and cleansing treatments, such as peels (e.g. acids) or mesotherapy that improves skin condition, as well as home care selected by the doctor and — if necessary — topical dermatological treatment. The treatments are usually performed in a series, at intervals of a few weeks.

We assess the effects and the skin's tolerance at follow-up visits and modify the plan as needed. Once improvement is achieved, maintenance care is usually recommended, because the tendency toward seborrhea can be persistent.

The goal of the therapy is to reduce oiliness and shine of the skin, cleanse and narrow the appearance of the pores and limit imperfections — the skin becomes more matte, smoother and better oxygenated. Effects appear gradually, usually after a few weeks of systematic treatment.

Because seborrhea has a hormonal and genetic basis, among others, the effect requires maintenance, and the treatments themselves are supported by daily, appropriate care. The result is individual and depends on the cause, which is why we focus on realistic control of the symptoms, without a guarantee of permanent resolution of the problem.

The recommendations depend on the specific treatment (especially after peels), but most often we ask that you:

• use sun protection (SPF) — mandatory after peels
• avoid the sauna, solarium, pool and intense exertion for 1–2 days after the treatment
• do not scratch or pick at the flaking epidermis after a peel
• gently cleanse and moisturize the skin as recommended by the doctor
• avoid strong exfoliating cosmetics between treatments, if the doctor so advises
• use home care selected for oily skin

Transient redness, a feeling of tightness and flaking after peels are typical. Intense or unusual symptoms are worth consulting with the clinic.

Contraindications (depending on the type of treatment):

• pregnancy and breastfeeding (some treatments and products)
• active skin infection at the treatment site (e.g. herpes, purulent lesions)
• active, severe inflammation or skin irritation
• fresh tan (applies to peels)
• taking photosensitizing medications or treatments or oral retinoids (individual assessment)
• hypersensitivity to the components of the products used
• a tendency toward keloids

The final qualification, choice of treatments and any dermatological treatment is set by the doctor during the consultation.