Each individual possesses a certain amount of oil on their skin. Beneath every pore lies a sebaceous gland responsible for generating a natural lubricant known as sebum, which hydrates and nourishes the skin. Nonetheless, the glands may often generate an excessive amount of oil, resulting in oily skin.
It is easy to identify oily skin if your complexion appears shiny, and you must use multiple blotting sheets each day. In addition, your skin may feel greasy soon after cleansing. Oily skin can lead to acne since sebum mixes with dead skin cells and accumulates in your pores. Various factors, including genetics, environment, and lifestyle, contribute to oily skin. Although not curable, you can reduce oiliness by pinpointing the root cause. These seven fundamental causes can help you in your endeavor.
Genetics
It is common for oily skin to have a genetic connection. Should one or both of your parents have excessive oil production, there is a high likelihood that you, too, will experience the same condition due to overactive sebaceous glands.
Age
Although oily skin may persist, the production of sebum decreases with age. The sebaceous glands slow down as the skin loses protein, including collagen. As a result, many individuals with aging skin experience dryness. Fine lines and wrinkles become more noticeable due to the reduced levels of collagen and sebum during this period. The younger you are, the more likely you are to have oily skin.
Environment and Seasons
Although genetics and age play a significant role in causing oily skin, factors such as geographical location and seasonal changes can also contribute to it. Research indicates that individuals residing in hot and humid areas tend to have oilier skin. Additionally, during summer, people are more likely to experience oily skin compared to fall and winter. Moving to a different location may not be feasible, but adopting a daily routine to manage high humidity levels can be helpful.
Enlarged Pores
At times, your skin pores may expand because of factors such as aging, weight changes, and past acne breakouts. Furthermore, larger pores can result in more sebum production. While it is impossible to shrink your pores, you can opt for extra care by regularly blotting enlarged pores on your face throughout the day.
Ineffective Skin Care Products
Using improper skincare products can cause oily skin, particularly when wrongly identifying skin type and applying heavy creams. During the winter months, when skin is typically drier, a skincare routine change is often necessary, opting for lighter moisturizers and gel-based cleansers in the spring and summer. With the correct skincare products, excessive oil buildup on your face can effectively be addressed.
Too Much Skin Care
Washing and exfoliating your skin too much can ironically lead to more oil production. By removing too much oil, your skin’s sebaceous glands can go into overdrive and produce even more oil. To prevent this, limit cleansing to twice a day. Additionally, skipping sunscreen can dry out your skin and cause an increase in sebum production. Protect your skin from the sun by wearing sunscreen every day. Some moisturizers and foundations that contain sunscreen tend to be less oily but may still need to be reapplied throughout the day.
Lack of Moisturizer
It is a common misconception that moisturizer contributes to oily skin. In truth, if you are using acne treatments like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, a good moisturizer is essential to prevent dryness. Every skin type is prone to drying out without moisturizer, so the key is to choose the right one. Opt for water-based moisturizers that are lightweight, and use them as the last step after cleansing and toning. To keep pores clear, select products that are labeled as “oil-free” and “non-comedogenic.”
Ultimately, the key to managing oily skin is finding the right balance. With the right understanding and knowledge, you can effectively reduce oily skin. At Summers Laboratories, we know that oily skin is an unfortunate condition that many people suffer from. That’s why we offer Sebasorb Oil Absorbing Lotion to help combat oily skin. If you have any questions about Sebasorb or you’d like to learn more about any of the other conditions we help treat, contact us today for more information.