Everyone has oil in their skin that makes the skin shine. 

However, there's a difference between a shiny, precisely placed highlight and having a greasy coating on your T-zone. That excess of oil in your skin is produced by the sebaceous glands (oil-producing glands). 

As a matter of fact, people with an oily skin type just have excess oil being produced by the sebaceous glands. If you do not take proper care of your oily skin, your pores can become clogged and enlarged. 

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about skincare for oily skin. They are as follows:

1. How do you take care of oily skin? 

  • Wash your face twice a day. 

  •  Use oil-free cosmetics. 

  •  Use moisturizers selectively. 

  •  Don't over-wash your face.    

  •  Be mindful of what touches your face.

2. How do you get rid of oily skin naturally? 

  • Wash your face with warm water and gentle soap. This may reduce the amount of oil on the skin.   

  • Use a toner. Astringent toners that contain alcohol tend to dry out the skin.

  • Pat the face dry.

  • Use blotting papers and medicated pads.

  • Use a facial mask.

  • Apply moisturizers daily.

3. Is It good or bad to have oily skin?

Oily skin is not necessarily unhealthy but can clog your pores and lead to acne. 

However, oily skin also has many benefits. These are:

  • Oil nourishes your skin and makes it smoother.

  • Oil makes your skin more resistant to wrinkles.

  • It prevents dry or flaky skin.

  • It acts as a natural barrier against air pollution, wind, and sun.

4. Does oily skin age better?

When you have oily skin, breakouts may never stop as you age. 

But oily skin does have certain advantages:

  • It wards off wrinkles better than dry skin because the oils keep skin moist and smooth.

  • It helps reduce fine lines and you may not need to invest in anti-ageing creams, products, or treatments.

5. Why is my nose so oily?

An oily nose is a common problem and here are its primary causes:

  • The skin around your nose has a high concentration of sebaceous glands. 

  • The nose is the prime area for sweat build up which makes it a hot spot for oil, even on an otherwise non-oily face. 

  • Pores on the nose are naturally larger than other pores on the face.

6. What foods cause oily skin? 

Certain foods can stimulate your oil glands and cause an increase in sebum production, resulting in breakouts. They are as follows:

  • Dairy products have a high hormone content that can clog your skin pores and cause oily skin.  

  • Fried foods are high in omega-6 fatty acids which can worsen your skin condition. 

  • Salty foods can dehydrate your skin, leading to an increased production of sebum which will result in oily skin. 

  • Alcohol consumption can make your skin dry and dehydrated. This may result in higher oil production to compensate for the loss of water. It also causes more sweating, which can clog your pores.

  • Sugary foods can cause inflammation in your body, which can harm the skin and make it oily.

7. What hormones cause oily skin?

Hormones and oily skin seem to go hand in hand. Androgens are the main hormones, mostly responsible for oil production, and sometimes they can fluctuate, stimulating an increase in sebum production. 

This often happens before menstruation, during pregnancy and during menopause. However, these hormones are also present in men and are a major cause of oily skin.

8. Why is my face so oily in the morning?

Your skin starts to lose more water during the night, causing the sebaceous glands to work in conjunction with sweat glands and produce more oil. 

This oil is thicker than the oil produced by your body during the day and is not so easily lost through sweat. Thus, your face looks more oily in the morning. 

The thickening of the sebum can also be caused by a condition called sebaceous hyperplasia (where the sweat glands are damaged and produces more sebum) or triggered by makeup or some other airborne pollutant. 

Following a regular skincare routine is the best approach to prevent breakouts and manage oily skin. Consult a dermatologist if you have severe acne and other skin problems. Your doctor can help determine the best method to protect your skin and avoid any major problems.



Disclaimer: This article is written by the Practitioner for informational and educational purposes only. The content presented on this page should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. Please "DO NOT SELF-MEDICATE" and seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns. Practo will not be responsible for any act or omission arising from the interpretation of the content present on this page.