Unlike combination skin, which has dry patches on the cheeks and temples, with oily skin, the skin appears oily all over due to sebum, a substance secreted by the sebaceous glands. Designed to protect the skin from drying out and create a barrier for bacteria, sebum is normally found in small amounts on the surface of the skin, similar to a thin protective film. When sebaceous glands produce an excess of sebum, known as hyperseborrhea, the skin will appear oily and shiny. Despite this extra layer of protection, the skin below the oil remains sensitive and can easily dry out or become irritated. Finding the right balance is key to maintaining your skin’s optimal appearance. It may be worth investing in mattifying formulas that control excess sebum without depriving your skin of the hydration it so badly needs, such as our Pure Balancing Gel, a balancing gel-cream that quickly penetrates the skin and offers the lasting benefits of a cream, without leaving a greasy residue that can cause breakouts.