You observe there is little oil on your skin, and it gives shiny look. That’s natural. As we know that skin is made of different layers and each layer has its own constituents. The Dermis or middle layer has oil glands known as Sebaceous Glands: glands that produce oil or sebum. Sebum is composed of fats, oils, waxes, and cholesterol. This oil gives a shiny look to our skin as it prevents dehydration. Moreover, this oil prevents the formation of wrinkles on the face by hydrating the skin.
But sometimes, the skin produces extra or too much oil. And you have to say why my skin is so oily? You observe too much oil on the specific parts of the skin, like the nose or any other. Even skin becomes oily after some time of cleansing the face. There are different factors and causes behind oily skin. It may be related to genetics or due to misuse of skincare products.
In this post, you will get a complete guide about why my skin is so oily? And how can I treat it?
How to diagnose Oily Skin
Oil mostly affects the face and more specifically some parts of the face like the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin). If you observe the following symptoms, it means you have oily skin.
- Shiny appearance
- Clogged or enlarged pores
- Blackheads like on the nose
- Acne or pimples on the skin
- Makeup peels off in layers
Depending upon the oil production on specific areas of the face, different skin types are observed. If you exactly don’t know your skin type, consult a doctor or dermatologist.
Causes of Oily Skin
There are different causes of oily skin ranging from genetics to the environment. Oily skin can be normal or severe depending upon the intensity of oil production. Pores may clog with dust or debris and can cause acne breakouts. If you have too much oily skin, look for the causes and then head for treatment. These are the main causes of oily skin.
Genetics
The major cause of oily skin finds its roots in genetics. If your family history has oily skin like your mother or father, you are likely to develop it as well. Oily skin tends to run in families and passes the genes of extra sebum to the next generations. It means you have inherited the disease from your family.
External Environment
Oil production also depends on environmental conditions and temperature. In a hot or humid environment, sebaceous glands produce more sebum causes the skin to be oily. Similarly, in dry conditions like cold weather, oil production reduces and skin becomes dry.
Age Factor
Aging causes variation in skin type and composition. As you grew older, sebaceous glands also get affected. In your teenage, glands produce enough oil to keep skin healthy. But with age oil production decreases and skin starts drying out. You get more wrinkles on the face even maybe in the ’30s. Aging of skin loses collagen and sebum and causes fine lines on the skin.
Hormonal Imbalance
Hormonal imbalance during diseases or changes at different stages of life can cause oily skin. During diseases hormones ratio is disturbed and male hormones (androgens) are produced in excess quantity. These hormones trigger the production of excessive sebum and the skin becomes too oily. Hormonal changes at different stages like puberty, menstruation, or menopause also cause excessive oil production. Because hormones’ concentration fluctuates and androgens are secreted in more quantity. Additionally, stress or depression also changes hormone production and can be responsible for oil production.
Diet
Diet is a significant contributor to sebum production. A proper and healthy diet makes your skin young and healthy. While poor diet has different effects on the skin. Like dairy products or fast food lead to acne on the skin by increased oil. Also, sugary foods or salty food tend to the skin to be oily. Be careful while choosing the diet. Because your skin will reflect what you are eating, either a poor diet or a healthy diet.
Medicines
Certain medicines or medicated treatments increase oil on the skin. Because many medicines have side effects on the body and oily skin may be one of them. Hormonal treatment medications can change the hormones causing the skin to be oily. Steroids can also associate with oily skin.
Skincare Products
Always choose skin care products according to your skin type. Don’t focus on buying more products, but choose the product that is of high quality and good for your skin. If you use poor quality products, it can damage and result in dry skin. Products opposite to your skin type: if your skin is oily and you use dry skin products, the oil of the skin can be increased.
It is best to consult a doctor to use the right skincare products, otherwise, the products will not benefit you. American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends choosing the products (cleansers and face wash) with the label of oil-free to reduce acne.
Moisturizer
From washing to moisturizing, the skin is affected. Over-washing the face with harsh soaps and cleansers and rubbing the face with a towel can stimulate the glands to produce more oil. It is not true that moisturizers cause oil on the skin, in fact, skipping moisturizers dries the skin. Choose the right moisturizer to keep the skin healthy.
Best Treatment for Oily Skin
Treatment for oily skin may be at home or you need to consult a dermatologist depending upon the intensity or severity of oil on the skin. If you have moderate oil on the skin, you can treat it home by following these ways.
Face Wash
AAD recommends washing the face twice a day in the morning, evening, or after exercise. Wash regularly with gentle soaps to remove excess oil. Do not use fragrance based soaps they can irritate the skin. Washing the face will clean the pores to prevent acne and oil.
If general soaps do not work, get some medicated face wash. Washing the face with a good cleanser and soap is the basic step in eliminating oil from the skin. Facial cleansers also go a good in hand in the treatment of oily skin.
Use Blotting Sheets or Medicated Pads
Blotting papers or sheets is a temporary treatment for oily skin. Place the blotting paper in front of your skin but don’t rub it, it will irritate the skin. Blotting sheet will remove the excess oil and reduce shine but don’t give permanent treatment for oil. In the same way, medicated pads or cloths have cleansing ingredients like glycolic acid to clean the pores. They remove excess oil from the skin.
Homemade Masks
You can treat oily skin naturally with homemade facial masks. These masks are effective in reducing oil on the skin. And these masks don’t have side effects on the skin and help to maintain a natural glow or shine on the skin. You can use these masks for the treatment of oily skin:
Cosmetic clay: It is an easy way of cleaning and reducing oil on the skin. Take some clay in a bowl and add rose water and mix. Apply the whole mixture to the face and wash with warm water when it dries. Cosmetic clay mask works better than peel-off masks.
Honey: Honey is known as a natural cleanser or antiseptic for the skin. It removes excess oil from the skin and keeps it moist. Apply a thin layer of honey on the skin and leave for 10-15 mins and then wash gently. You will feel a natural glow on the skin without too much oil.
Tomato Mask: Tomato makes an excellent exfoliating mask with oil-absorbing capacity and cleans the pores. Mix 1 tablespoon pulp and sugar in a bowl and apply it on the whole face in a circular motion and wash with warm water.
Besides these masks, you can also use other things like jojoba oil, aloe Vera, almond, and eggs white. All these masks reduce oil on the skin in a natural way without drying the skin.
If you don’t get any benefit after using these treatments, then check for a doctor to treat the oily skin.
So, that’s it for my guide to oily skin.
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Tell me by leaving a comment.