Aroma Essentials : Sebum Control Gel

Sebum is made up of squalene, triglycerides and wax esters. One of the main roles of sebum is its purpose as a waterproof barrier on our skin it keeps our skin healthy and protected by fighting bacterial and fungal infection. However excess sebum production can lead to unsightly blackheads and acne. 

ABOUT THE BRAND

Learn more about Aroma Essentials HERE!
 
KEY INGREDIENTS & THEIR BENEFITS

• Aloevera Gel: An antipruritic (relives or prevents itching), it’s a great way to hydrate, moisturize and rejuvenate the skin and increase skin elasticity through collagen and elastin repair (1). Aloevera have also been shown to have antibacterial properties against P. Acnes bacteria. (To learn further benefits of aloe vera, CLICK HERE).

• Essential Oil of Tea Tree: Works well on a wide range of skin problems including blemishes, rashes, warts, athlete's foot, fungal infections & wounds (2). Tea tree oil has antibacterial & antimicrobial properties that helps reduce skin's sebum production and fights off the acne producing bacteria without causing dryness and reduces redness and swelling (3).

• Essential Oil of Thyme: Has anti-microbial properties and mildly astringent, healing, and soothing effects on the skin (4). Thyme oil can help tone aged skin, helping microcirculation and prevent acne outbreaks due to its anti-bacterial properties against Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) bacteria (4).

• Essential Oil of Lavender: An anti-inflammatory and circulatory stimulant, it reduces inflammation thereby causing less skin redness and blotchiness making skin appear evenly colored (5). Enhances circulatory system by causing an increase in blood flow and subsequently an increase in nutrients to the skin along with much needed oxygen to the cells (5). This is essential to healthier cells, and benefits more frequent cell turnover.

• Salicylic Acid: This is a Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) which has excellent exfoliating properties (6). Often found in cleansers and products designed to treat acne/excess oil production, salicylic acid works to break down skin cells, which stick together in the inner lining of the skin pore, it physically decglogs pores by breaking down/exfoliating filaments, blackheads, whiteheads from the inside – keeping the pore clear (6). Salicylic acid can stimulate circulation of oil out of pores, relieve inflammation and redness (6).

The sebum control gel comes in a 35 gm white opaque container with a screw on top. The base (aloe vera ) is a clear lightweight gel, with a sticky consistency and smells of tea tree and lavender. 

To use, after cleansing and toning, I take a tiny amount of the gel  and massage it primarily to my nose but at times use it on the rest of my face too.

The gel goes on clear and gets quickly absorbed leaving no sticky residue. I prefer a product containing salicylic that is left on the skin such as a spot treatment, serum or moisturizer as opposed to a cleanser which is washed off before the ingredient gets to do its thing. Usually, one needs to be careful using any products with this ingredient in as it can dry out the skin, but not this one.

Generally my skin is dry/dehydrated with occasional acne bouts. My nose on the other hand is oily and is frequently plagued by black/white heads & sebaceous filaments. I purchased this product to deal with the sebum over drive frequently formed on my nose.

The gel works efficiently to control sebum and treat acne without drying the skin. I haven't seen much of an effect on black/white heads, but that could be due to the low concentration of salicylic acid used (this is just a guess as I am unsure about the % used). The only beef I have with this product is the lack of ingredient listing on the label.

In general a product with great efficacy and would work miracles for those tormented by acne and oily skin tones.