Causes for Oily Skin and How to Manage It

We all know what oily skin is, more often than not through experience. Shiny skin, clogged pores, comedones, and a greasy T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) characterise this skin type. However, understanding the reasons for oily skin and the right skin care routine for oily skin can help you achieve balanced and healthy skin.

Keynotes:

• Oily skin is caused by excessive sebum production, which could happen due to genetics, hormonal fluctuations, or harsh skincare habits.
• Oily skin shows up as a shiny T-zone, enlarged pores, and frequent makeup breakdown.
• A proper skincare routine, with cleansing, toning, serums, moisturising, and sunscreen, can help manage oiliness without over-drying.
• Key ingredients like salicylic acid, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid help control sebum and add balance to oily skin.

Oily skin isn’t a skin concern like acne, it’s simply a skin type. However, oiliness and excessive sebum can lead to clogged pores, breakouts, and even uneven texture. Once you know the reasons for oily skin and how to manage them effectively, you can pave your path to a balanced, clear, and radiant skin.

Oily skin occurs due to sebum. Sebum is a natural oil substance secreted by the sebaceous glands on your skin’s surface. While sebum plays a vital role in maintaining skin hydration, barrier function, and antimicrobial protection, excessive production of sebum can lead to oily skin.

Here are some common factors that trigger excessive sebum production:

• Genetics and Hormones: Genetics plays a huge role in determining your skin type. If oily skin runs in your family, you're more likely to have overactive sebaceous glands. Some individuals are genetically predisposed to produce more sebum than others, which means oily skin can persist even with the right skincare routine.

• Hormones: Hormonal fluctuations can also influence oil production. Hormones tend to fluctuate during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and sometimes menopause, triggering oily skin. People with hormonal imbalances, such as those caused by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), may also experience persistent oily skin and breakouts.

• Overwashing and Harsh Products: Ironically, over-cleansing and using harsh skincare products can worsen oily skin. Cleansers with high concentrations of alcohol or sulfates strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to a tight, dry sensation. In response, your skin compensates by producing even more sebum to restore balance.

Skincare habits that you may be following every day may be worsening your oiliness instead of treating it. If you’re making any of these common mistakes, it’s time to steer clear -

• Skipping moisturiser: If you have oily skin, you may be eager to avoid moisturisers, fearing they’ll increase shine and heaviness. However, skipping hydration can trigger your skin to produce more oil to compensate for the lack of moisture.

• Comedogenic products: Despite its many claims, if a product is comedogenic, it may not be cut out for your skin. Comedogens can clog pores, exacerbate oiliness, and trigger acne. It's important to go for non-comedogenic formulas while following oily face treatments.

• Layering heavy: Using numerous serums, creams, and occlusive products can overwhelm the skin, especially if they don’t suit your skin type.

• Skipping sunscreen: Unprotected sun exposure damages the skin barrier, prompting it to produce more oil as a defence mechanism. Some sunscreens are greasy, but many formulations are designed specifically for oily skin.

Recognising the signs and reasons of oily skin is crucial for choosing suitable skincare products and building an effective routine for your skin’s needs.

• Oily T-zone: One of the most noticeable characteristics of oily skin is a persistently shiny or greasy appearance, especially across the T-zone, which includes the forehead, nose, and chin.

• Large Pores: Another common indicator is the presence of enlarged or visibly dilated pores, particularly around the nose, cheeks, and sometimes the chin. These enlarged pores can become clogged more easily, leading to frequent skin concerns such as blackheads, whiteheads, and acne breakouts.

• Wash Off: People with oily skin may also notice that their makeup tends to wear off or break down more quickly throughout the day. Foundation and other products may appear to separate, slide off, or require frequent touch-ups due to excess oil on the skin’s surface.

• Greasy Skin: People with oily skin need to blot the face several times a day with oil-absorbing sheets or tissues. This is a typical habit for those with oily skin. This constant blotting is often necessary to manage shine and maintain a matte appearance.

Understanding these signs is the first step in creating a skincare regimen that helps balance oil production, minimise breakouts, and keep your skin looking healthy and refreshed.

Managing oily skin requires a balanced approach that controls sebum without stripping the skin’s natural moisture barrier. Here are some tips to help regulate oil production and improve overall skin health:

1. Step 1: Cleanse

   Cleanse with a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser twice daily. Look for ingredients like salicylic acid or niacinamide to remove excess oil and unclog pores. Avoid over-cleansing. Washing more than twice a day can dry out your skin and lead to rebound oiliness.
   
   We recommend: DermoPurifyer Triple Effect Cleansing Gel

2. Step 2: Tone

   Using a pH-balanced toner is crucial for removing any residual impurities, oiliness and maintaining the barrier strength of your skin.
   
   We recommend: DermoPurifyer Toner - Face Toner for Oily Skin

3. Step 3: Serum

   Use an oil-controlling or mattifying serum that helps you reduce the appearance of your pores while controlling sebum production.
   
   We recommend: DermoPurifyer Triple Effect Serum

4. Step 4: Moisturize

   Use a lightweight, oil-free moisturiser. Glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and squalane are excellent non-comedogenic hydrators.
   
   We recommend: Anti-Pigment Day Care SPF30

5. Step 5: Sunscreen

   Apply SPF 50 sunscreen every day. Choose gel-based or matte-finish sunscreens that won’t clog pores and don’t weigh down your skin.
   
   We recommend: Sun Face Oil Control Gel-Cream SPF50+

Tip: You can also exfoliate 1-2 times a week using a BHA (beta hydroxy acid) like salicylic acid, which penetrates oil and clears out pores.

When selecting skincare products for oily skin, it's crucial to look for formulations that balance sebum while supporting the skin barrier. Here are some skin actives that cater to the concerns of oily skin:

• Salicylic Acid (BHA): A beta-hydroxy acid exfoliant, salicylic acid penetrates pores, dissolves sebum, and reduces blackheads and acne.

• Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): Known for its gentle nature, niacinamide helps regulate sebum production, minimizes pore appearance, and strengthens the skin barrier in oily and sensitive skin types.

• Hyaluronic Acid (HA): You need not turn to heavy, creamy emollients to moisturize oily skin. With a lightweight formula and gentle hydrating effect, HA plumps up your skin without making it feel heavy.

While managing oily skin may seem challenging, following the right oily skin treatments can help you regulate sebum production, reduce breakouts, and improve overall skin clarity. Choose dermatologically-tested Eucerin products for oily skin and inch closer towards clear, acne-free skin.

1. What causes oily skin?

   Oily skin is caused by overactive sebaceous glands, which produce excess sebum. Your genetics, hormonal changes, and skincare habits are some of the most common oily skin reasons.

2. Can diet affect oil production in the skin?

   Yes, according to research, high-glycemic foods may lead to increased oiliness and acne in some individuals. A balanced diet rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and low-GI foods may help reduce oiliness.

3. Are oily skin and acne always connected?

   While oily skin is more prone to acne due to clogged pores, not all individuals with oily skin develop breakouts.

4. How can I reduce oiliness without over-drying my skin?

   You can use cleansing gel, toners, and oil-controlling sebum to reduce excessive oiliness. You can also layer your skin regimen with a lightweight day cream to keep your skin moisturized.

• Healthline - What Are the Causes of Oily Skin?
• AAD - How to control oily skin
• PubMed Central - Oily Skin: A review of Treatment Options