Oil, or sebum, is naturally produced by your skin to protect and hydrate itself. Beneath each one of your pores is something called a sebaceous gland. If you have oily skin, sebaceous glands tend to overproduce oil, which can lead to shiny, greasy skin as well as blackheads and other blemishes. Figuring out what is causing your oily skin is the first step in creating a skincare routine for oily skin.
If your skin exhibits some or all of the following signs, you most likely have an oily skin type:
If you think that you have oily skin, pay particular attention to your T-Zone, the region of the face that consists of your forehead, nose, and chin. The T-Zone tends to produce more oil than other areas of your face. If you have oily skin, this area and other areas of your face may look shiny or greasy. On the other hand, if you notice that only your T-Zone is oily, but other areas of your face—like your cheeks—are dry or normal, you likely have combination skin.
The top causes of oily skin can come down to your genetics, your local weather, and lifestyle choices. In your efforts to get rid of oily skin, you can update your skincare routine to improve the look and feel of your skin. One of the most important steps in addressing excess oil is to identify what’s causing oily skin.
Oily skin generally has a genetic component. If members of your immediate family had oily skin growing up, then you’ll likely have it as well, due to shared genetics.
Where you live can also make a difference in the oil production of your skin. If you live in a tropical or in a humid climate, you are more likely to have oily skin compared to someone living in a dry environment. Your skin may also appear oilier in the summer months compared to winter or fall months.
While oily skin may give you the urge to wash your face multiple times a day, overwashing can cause your pores to go into overdrive. When you remove too much oil from your skin, your pores go into crisis mode and produce more oil to protect your skin from dryness. Only wash your face twice a day, once in the morning and once at night. If you notice your skin getting oily throughout the day, carry gentle cleansing cloths with you to help remove excess oil without overwashing your skin.
Certain medications, like birth control or hormone replacement pills, can impact the condition of your skin. Other medications, especially those that contain steroids, can also cause oily skin. Ask your doctor if you are uncertain about the side effects of your medications.
It’s a widely circulated myth that moisturizers can cause greasy skin. In fact, using a daily moisturizer is an essential part of a good skincare routine. To moisturize oily skin, choose an oil-free moisturizer to help hydrate your skin without clogging your pores.
When shopping for makeup, look for products labeled as oil-free and non-comedogenic. These types of products are designed to prevent clogged pores and are ideal for oily skin types. At the end of the day, make sure to remove all your makeup with a makeup removing wipe as part of your nighttime skincare routine.
While it may be difficult to resist foods that contain sugar, dairy, and carbohydrates, these foods can wreak havoc on your skin. Consuming too much of these foods can lead to overactive sebum production and the oily skin that comes along with it. Try to find a healthy balance so you can enjoy your favorite foods and take care of your skin.
Oily skin is manageable and there are some things you can do to help get rid of oily skin. Discover how you can rid your skin of excess oil once and for all with these tips:
While there is no easy fix for oily skin, there are things you can do to help manage oily skin before it starts. Read more below to learn more tips and tricks to help prevent excess oil production on your skin.
Some causes of oily skin are out of your control, but there are still plenty of things you can do to help alleviate oily skin. Resist the urge to over wash your skin to get rid of excess oil and only use cosmetics and cleaners that are oil-free and non-comedogenic. Additionally, practicing self care by living a healthy lifestyle can also help to balance out any imbalances that may be causing excess oil on your skin.
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