A sealing system for a flow channel is disclosed. The sealing system includes a mandrel; a swellable element disposed about the mandrel; and a swell control element disposed on a surface of the swellable element and configured to delay swelling of the swellable element. The swell control element contains a polymeric matrix that is impermeable to oil, water, or a combination thereof; and a channel inducer dispersed in the polymeric matrix, the channel inducer including carbon nanotubes, a hollow fiber, an oil swellable material, or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing.