Overview

In some people, though, the sebaceous glands can produce too much oil. This creates oily skin. A 2014 study published in the Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology found that high levels of androgens (reproductive hormones) in the skin and sebaceous glands can accelerate sebum production in the week before menstruation. Without a moisturizer, the skin becomes dry, which actually causes the glands to produce more sebum, which in turn leads to more sebum production.

Oily skin happens when the sebaceous glands in the skin make too much sebum. Sebum is the waxy, oily substance that protects and hydrates the skin.

What is oily skin?

Oily skin is the result of the oil (sebaceous) glands in the skin producing large amounts of oil. People with oily skin tend to have larger pores throughout their face. Enlarged pores produce excess oil. These pores can become clogged or blocked with sebum and dead skin cells, leading to whiteheads, blackheads, and other blemishes. 

What causes oily skin?

The skin naturally produces oil (sebum) to coat, moisturize and protect itself. However, several factors can cause the sebaceous glands to produce excess sebum, resulting in oily skin that is more prone to breakouts. In addition to genetics, your environment or daily habits may be causing your skin to produce excess sebum. 

Certain types of makeup can aggravate the condition of the skin, dry out the face and cause more sebum to be produced. Some lower quality products tend to be more aggressive towards the skin, causing it to secrete more sebum. 

Certain medications, such as birth control pills or hormone replacement pills, can affect your skin. The use of hormonal contraception and hormone replacement therapy can lead to excess sebum production, while other types of drugs can cause dry skin, causing the skin to overcompensate and produce too much sebum. Other medications can cause dehydration, overloading the sebaceous glands and making the skin oily. 

The use of hormonal contraception and hormone replacement therapy can lead to excess sebum production, while other types of drugs can cause dry skin, causing the skin to overcompensate and produce too much sebum. Other medications can cause dehydration, overloading the sebaceous glands and making the skin oily. 

Stress triggers an influx of a host of other chemicals, including androgens, male hormones that trigger sebum production, and inflammatory chemicals that also lead to flare-ups. Chronic stress raises levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which increases sebum production, leading to oily skin, clogged pores, and rashes. A stress-related hormone, corticotropin-releasing hormone, is known to bind to the skin's sebaceous glands and increase sebum production. Hormones affect sebum production, so hormonal imbalances can cause or worsen oily skin.

Can the time of year make a difference in skin?

Yes. people often experience oily skin problems in hot and humid climates, while colder temperatures can lead to dry skin. Oily skin can change with the seasons or weather due to fluctuations in temperature and humidity. According to a study published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the skin can become especially oily during the summer months when the temperature and humidity are high. Even dry skin can contain too much oil, resulting in what is known as a mix of oily and dry skin types. If you don't provide enough moisture to your skin, it can cause your skin to produce too much sebum.

How to reduce oily skin?

To care for oily skin, you need to clear it of excess oil. You should wash your face in the morning, at night, and after you exercise. Be careful to avoid overly harsh cleansers, which can irritate skin and trigger oil production.

People with oily skin should still use a moisturizer, as dry skin signals the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum. Using the right moisturizer can keep your skin hydrated so the glands don't produce more sebum.  While many people with oily skin avoid moisturizing creams out of fear that their skin will become greasy, using the right moisturizer can benefit this skin type.

Takeaway

People with oily skin often have overactive sebaceous glands, which can lead to breakouts when sebum (natural oil) combines with dead skin and clogs pores. Generally, the larger your pores, the more oil your skin will exude.

Oily skin can have many complex causes. But when you’re empowered with information, effective products, and the will to stick to a healthy skin care routine, you’re on your way to clearer, more balanced skin.

DISCLAIMER              

Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice.