Lawrence A. Schiffman, D.O., FAOCD - Board Certified Dermatologist

Lawrence A. Schiffman, D.O., FAOCD - Board Certified Dermatologist

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What Does It Mean When You Have Excess Skin Oil?

Published February 8th, 2022 by Thepracticeagency

The global cosmetic skincare industry reached $145.3 billion in 2020. By 2027, the market could reach $185.5 billion. You don't have to spend time and money on ineffective products or treatments, though.

If you have oily skin, it helps to understand the root cause of your concerns. Otherwise, oily skin can cause clogged pores, acne, and other issues.

Not sure why you have excess skin oil? Is oily skin bad? Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about oily skin. 

Learning more about your skin's condition can help you make informed decisions in the future. Read on to learn more about oily skin today.

What Causes Oily Skin?

Everyone has oil on their skin. Beneath your pores are sebaceous glands. These glands produce natural oils called sebum.

Sebum is meant to keep your skin hydrated and therefore healthy. Unfortunately, your body might produce more oil than necessary. You can develop oily skin as a result. 

Even after washing your skin, it could look greasy and shiny. You might break out more often when dead skin cells and sebum mix, too. These cells can get trapped within your pores. 

The symptoms of oily skin can vary between people. The severity of these symptoms can vary as well.

Excess skin oil usually affects the face. However, it might impact other areas of your body as well. 

In addition to excess skin oil, you might also experience:

  • Large or obvious pores
  • Skin that looks rough and thick
  • Clogged pores and blackheads
  • A shiny or greasy appearance
  • Persistent or occasional pimples

Before you can learn how to get rid of oily skin, you need to know what's causing the problem. What causes these symptoms, exactly? Here are a few factors that might have an impact. 

1. Age

You can't exactly grow out of oily skin. However, your skin might produce less sebum over time.

As you get older, your skin will lose protein like collagen. Your sebaceous glands might slow down as a result.

Most people with aging skin have dry skin. Fine lines and wrinkles can become more noticeable due to a lack of sebum and collagen, too.

If you have oily skin, it might prove a little beneficial. You might not show signs of aging as quickly as others.

Make sure to evaluate your skin health as you grow older. The problems you experience now might not persist into your 30s.

You can visit a dermatologist to learn more about your skin health and needs. 

2. Genetics

Excess skin oil might run in your family. Determine if your parents have oily skin. If they do, ask what oily skin products have worked for them.

It's likely you have overactive sebaceous glands if they do as well. 

3. The Wrong Products

Talk to a dermatologist or anesthesia about your skincare routine. It's possible you're using the wrong skincare products for your skin type.

For example, it's possible the creams you're using are too heavy.

You might need to adjust the oily skin products you use throughout the year, too. For example, your skin might feel dry during the winter. In the summer, you might need lightweight moisturizers instead. 

Choosing the right oily skin products can make a major difference on your skin. 

4. Environment

Where you live, along with the time of year, can impact your skin health as well.

You might have oily skin if you live in a hot, humid climate. You're also more likely to notice excess skin oil in the summer months. 

Consider adjusting your routine to minimize skin oils. Try to avoid high heat and humidity.

Otherwise, use blotting sheets throughout the day to minimize the excess oil on your skin. You can use foundation or moisturizer to soak up extra oils, too. 

5. Neglecting Sunscreen

As part of your skincare routine, make sure you're wearing sunscreen throughout the day. Without it, your skin might dry out. When your skin dries, your body reacts by producing more oily.

Make sure you apply sunscreen every day. If you sweat it off, reapply it. 

6. Large Pores

Your pores can start to stretch due to breakouts, weight fluctuations, and age. Large pores are more likely to produce excess skin oil.

You can't shrink your pores, though. Instead, take extra care to blot your face throughout the day. 

7. Overdoing It

Once you develop your skincare routine, make sure to avoid overdoing it. Otherwise, washing and exfoliating too often can cause oily skin.

When you wash and exfoliate, you're stripping away oil from your skin. Your sebaceous glands might go into emergency mode as a result. They might try to make up for the loss by creating more oil.

You could develop oily skin as a result.

Make sure you're only washing your skin twice a day.

8. Neglecting Moisturizer

Some people make the mistake of thinking moisturizer causes oily skin. That's not the case.

If you're using products that contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, your skin could dry out. You need to use a good moisturizer.

Otherwise, your skin will produce more oils.

Look for a lightweight, water-based moisturizer. These oily skin products can help you avoid excess oil production. Look for products that are labeled as "oil-free," too.

9. Hormonal Changes

Androgens are hormones that can fluctuate, leading to increased sebum production. This can occur during puberty or before menstruation. 

10. Poor Diet

Try to avoid indulging in foods that are high in refined carbs, dairy, and sugar. Otherwise, these foods can lead to overactive sebum production. 

Treatment

Want to put an end to your excess skin oil? Consider consulting a professional dermatologist.

They can assess your skin health and help you develop a customized plan with your medical and cosmetic needs in mind.  

Goodbye, Excess Skin Oil: Discover Healthier Skin Today

You don't have to keep living with excess skin oil. Instead, take the time to determine what's causing your oily skin. Then, make lifestyle changes to help you minimize oil production.

Remember, consulting a dermatologist can help.

Eager to schedule your first appointment? We can't wait to see you.

Contact us today to get started.

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