Oily Skin

OILY SKIN

All skin has oil in it, and in fact this is what keeps your skin happy, healthy, and hydrated. Under each pore, there is a sebaceous gland that produces natural oils that are called sebum. This sebum is not a bad thing, however sometimes the sebaceous glands go into overdrive and produce too much of these natural oils, resulting in oily skin.

Having too much oil on the skin can make it feel greasy, shiny and require blotting several times a day, and breakouts are more likely to occur, as the sebum mixes with dirt and dead skin cells to block up the pores in your skin.

The causes of oily skin

Genetic

If your parents have oily skin, it is likely you will have inherited this trait. In fact, a link between oily skin and overproduction of the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) has been found, and this can trigger an excess production of sebum in the skin.

Environment

If you live in a hot climate, or even during the summer months, the heat and high humidity can cause the skin to go into overdrive and increase oil production in the sebaceous glands. The sun may temporarily make your skin feel dry; however, it may trigger an injury response in the skin, which increases oiliness as a way of soothing damaged skin caused by the sun.

Hormones

Hormones fluctuations affect our skin a lot, and it is not just during puberty. Hormonal fluctuations occur regularly as women age, through pregnancy, menopause, or every month during the menstrual cycle. Androgens are mainly responsible for our oil production, and when they fluctuate, oil production is increased.

Harsh Products

By using harsh skin care products that strip the skin, making it feel ‘squeaky’ clean may work for a brief period of time, however, it can cause your sebaceous glands to go into overdrive, and produce more oil than you initially had. Always choose gentle, light skincare products that clean, but do not strip the skin, to help protect its barrier, and keep those sebaceous glands happy.

Benefits of oily skin

Although, having oily skin might not feel like a benefit, and it may seem like a hassle to deal with, there are benefits to having this skin type, so next time you are wiping away your oils, remember to thank them for all that they do.