Oily Skin

Oily skin is a common problem many individuals encounter. It is the result of over active sebaceous glands. These glands produce sebum, an oily substance which protects and lubricates the skin. If you have oily skin, too much sebum is produced.

What causes oily skin?

The most common causes of oily skin are hormones &/or a genetic predisposition. It is most commonly seen in teenagers but can affect anybody, at any stage in life such as pregnancy & just before your monthly period.  The most common area affected is the face, especially the T-zone (forehead, nose and chin).

Oily skin care:

Cleanse: Pores are more prone to becoming clogged with oily skin, so a good cleanser is important. Look for one that is specifically designed for oily or combination skin. If you are prone to pimples or black heads, look for an antibacterial face wash.

Clean skin is important, but don't over do it, twice a day is ample. Too much cleansing will result in more sebum being produced, which just exacerbates the problem. Choose a good quality cleanser specifically for dry skin. It should be pH balanced.

Toner: Once cleansed, use toner on the skin. Again, look for one that is suitable for oily skin.

Exfoliate: Exfoliate once a week to remove dead skin that can clog pores.

Fingers off: Don't touch your face, you transfer more dirt and oils to the skin via your fingers.

Make up - Look for make up that is oil free. Always remove make up before going to bed.

Diet: Eat a healthy diet with lots of fruit, vegetables & plenty of water. The jury appears to be out on whether a greasy diet will make oily skin worse, however it stands to reason that   what you put into your body does show on the outside. Your skin will look better for a healthy & well balanced diet.

Oily skin moisturizer:

Oily skin can still benefit from a good moisturiser. Stay away from the thick ones, as these are more suited to individuals with dry skin. There are dozens of different moisturisers you can choose from, all of which do different things. Some absorb sebum while moisturising the face, others provide a matt cover.

If the moisturiser is for daytime use, look for one that also contains SPF.

Please note:

The medical articles on this site have not been written by a doctor & should not be considered a replacement for a doctor visit. The articles are provided for informative purposes only.

Always seek immediate medical advice for any problems.

While great care has been made in the creation of these articles, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or omissions on these pages. If in any doubt whatsoever, seek professional medical advice.