SKIN CARE

2 min read

The Root of Oil Evil: Top 7 Causes of Oily Skin

May 18, 2017

Are you perplexed by your shiny complexion that persists, no matter how thoroughly you cleanse? Here are the most likely reasons.

Genetics

If your mom or dad have oily skin, it’s likely you will have inherited the trait. Oily skin can be passed on through your genes, as having larger sebaceous glands that produce excess oil is a hereditary attribute that can be handed down the family tree.  

Environment

Humidity and hot weather tend to stimulate the secretion of sebum, leading to more oil on the skin. Conversely, in arid or cold climates, skin can dry out, causing oil glands to go into overdrive to compensate.  

Over-Washing

If your skin is looking shiny, the last thing you want to do is over wash your face using harsh products. Scrubbing too hard with washcloths, other abrasive tools or with coarse exfoliators will strip the skin of moisture, causing glands to overproduce oil - that’s why gentle cleansing is so important.  

Medication

Oral contraceptives and hormone replacement medication can cause an increase in oil production, and acquiring oily skin is one of the possible side effects associated with taking certain kinds of steroids. Many medications can also cause dehydration that leads to a production of excess oil.  

Cosmetics

It’s important to always use skincare products that are appropriate for your skin type, are of a high quality and are labeled as either oil-free or noncomedogenic. For example, if you use a product for combination skin or dry skin when your skin type is actually oily, you can either dry out your face, causing more oil production, or use a product that is too greasy. Poor-quality cosmetics tend to be harsher, damaging the skin and making the sebaceous glands pump out more oil.  

Hormonal Changes

Hormones and oily skin seem to go hand in hand. Androgens are the hormones mostly responsible for oil production, and sometimes they can fluctuate, stimulating an increase in sebum production. This often happens during puberty, just before menstruation, during pregnancy and during menopause. Stress and illness can also prompt extra hormones to be released, and with those hormones comes more oil.  

Poor Diet

It may be difficult to not indulge in foods that contain sugar, refined carbohydrates and dairy. But be warned - tasty as these foods may be, consuming them too frequently may lead to overactive sebum production and the greasy sheen that accompanies it.  

Prevention or Treatment?

If your oily skin is caused by diet, makeup and over washing, there are several things you can do to prevent your oily skin from reoccurring.  However, outside factors we have no control over, such as hormones, genes and environment, may just as likely be the causes as well. If prevention is not an option, there are many ways you can treat oily skin, and take the next step towards attaining the complexion you desire. https://youtu.be/Hl1UwDtD0mo

Comments

53 comments

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Luciana 23/10/2022
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Same problem here

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Maggie 03/11/2020
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My dad is so oily he says it’s because he runs so much. He read that eating bananas help your skin be less oily. He eats a banana everyday but it never seems to help. What can he do?

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carly 03/11/2020
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Hi Maggie, This may be due to genetics as your dad seems to lead a healthy lifestyle however recommend these tips to him as it may help him to combat the excess oil.

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Kim 17/12/2020
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Just recently dealing with oily skin for at least 6 months n don't know y never had it before I've got a few health problems don't know if there the cause or not or if it's something else that's causing the problem can U please help me as it's very frustrating dealing with it .

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carly 19/12/2020
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Dear Kim, Thank you for your post! This could be caused by changes in Hormones or general health. It's always best to consult your dermatologist or GP if such changes happen suddenly to be assured. I hope this helps.

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fithungama 30/12/2020
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Thanks a lot for this beneficial website

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carly 15/02/2021
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Thank you for your kind words and we glad you like our post :)

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Steven Prisk 28/01/2021
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I'm a 55 year old man. I never had such a problem with my face , neck, ears , scalp and i think my entire body creating so much oil. 10 minutes after washing i begin creating oil . I feel that i have tried every way with no success . I have been under tremendous stress and anxiety that is not going to stop for a long time . It's very uncomfortable, what possibly can i do ? I have spent over $500. On acne products.

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carly 17/02/2021
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Dear Steven, Thank you for your post and sorry to hear of your struggles with the excess oil. In this case, we would recommend contacting your local GP or dermatologist to see what is the route cause of the excess oil produced. We hope this helps and wishing you all the best.

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Ted 12/02/2021
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I'm a 65 going on 66 Male. The palms of my hands are always greasy and have been for several years. What causes this?
Thank you

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