Definition

Oily skin, or sebaceous hyperplasia, occurs when the skin produces excessive natural oil called sebum. Sebum is produced by sebaceous oil glands under each skin pore and helps keep the skin moisturized and healthy.

Causes

Excessive sebum production causes oily skin. Generally, people with oily skin do not have any other underlying medical issues. However, some medical problems can be associated with oily skin, such as Parkinson's disease, which occurs due to a decrease in the level of dopamine in the brain, and acromegaly, which is an increase in the growth hormone level.

Furthermore, oily skin in women can also be a sign of elevated androgen hormone, which could be caused by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or rarer conditions such as congenital adrenal hyperplasia (congenital enlargement of the adrenal gland).

Risk factor

Here are some risk factors for oily skin:

1. Genetic factors

Oily skin tends to run in families. If one of your parents has oily skin, you have higher chances of having oil skin.

2. Age

Your skin produces less sebum as you age, resulting in drier skin and more noticeable wrinkles.

3. Environment and seasons

Skin tends to be more oily in hot and humid climates. In addition, skin also tends to be more oily in dry climates or summer compared to the rainy season, fall, or winter.

4. Enlarged pores

Skin pores can enlarge due to aging, weight fluctuations, and skin irritation, increasing oil production.

5. Misuse of skincare products 

Oily skin can also occur due to not using the right skincare products. Some people may also misinterpret their combination skin for oily skin, and in turn, they use too much too much creams.

6. Excessive skin care routine

Oily skin can be caused by washing your face or exfoliating (removing dead skin cells) too often. This may sound strange because face washing and exfoliation are done to remove oil. If these two things are done too often, the amount of oil on the skin will remain too little. This causes the oil glands to produce more oil to compensate for the deficiency.

Symptoms

The following are the symptoms of oily skin:

• A shiny or oily appearance of the skin
• Overly visible or large pores on the skin 
• Skin that looks thick or rough
• Occasional or recurrent acne
• Clogged pores and blackheads (dark bumps)

The severity of oily skin varies from person to person. Additionally, the symptoms and severity of oily skin can change due to age, place of residence, hormones, and stress.

Diagnosis

Oily skin can be diagnosed by observing and inspecting the facial skin. In addition, doctors may ask you about risk factors concerning oily skin, such as family history, place of residence, and skin care products you use daily. This information can help your doctor diagnose your disease and determine the proper treatment for your skin condition.

Management

Oily skin cannot be eliminated entirely, but this condition can be controlled. To control oily skin, you are advised to:

1. Wash your face every morning, every evening, and after exercise

When you wash your face, you must refrain from rubbing it too hard, even if it's to remove makeup. Rubbing your face too hard can irritate your skin, making it look worse.

2. Choose skin care products labeled "oil-free" and "noncomedogenic"

This means choosing skincare products that will not clog your pores or cause acne breakouts, including cleansers, moisturizers, and makeup. Don't use oil-based or alcohol-based facial cleansers, as these can irritate your skin. The makeup products you choose should also be oil-free and water-based.

3. Use a gentle, mild, and foaming facial cleanser

Many people believe they should use a robust facial cleanser for oily skin to help dry their skin. However, facial cleansers that are too harsh on your skin can irritate and increase sebum production. You could look for mild and gentle facial cleansers for your skin.

4. Apply moisturizer every day

Although you have oily skin, you still need to use a moisturizer to keep your skin moisturized. To protect your skin from the sun, look for moisturizers containing sunscreens with an SPF of 30 or above.

5. Use sunscreen when you do outdoor activities 

Sunscreen can protect your skin from sun damage that leads to age spots, wrinkles, and even skin cancer. To prevent acne breakouts, you could use sunscreens that contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide but do not use sunscreens that contain perfumes or oils.

6. Use blotting papers every day 

You can use blotting papers by pressing the papers gently against your face, then leave the paper for a few seconds so the paper can absorb the sebum. Do not rub the paper on your face, as this will spread the sebum to other parts of your face. Also, make sure you permanently remove your makeup before going to bed.

7. Avoid touching your face throughout the day

The temptation to touch your face may be hard to avoid. Touching your face can spread dirt, oil, and bacteria from your hands to your face. You should only touch your face when washing, moisturizing, applying sunscreen, or putting on makeup. When you are about to do these things, you should wash your hands first.

Suppose your oily skin is severe and causes complications. In that case, your doctor may prescribe certain medications such as retinoids or isotretinoin to treat acne, as well as anti-androgen hormone therapy for women. These medications should not be taken if you’re not prescribed these medicines by your doctor.

Complications

Oily skin can cause complications, including a higher risk of acne, as the skin gets dirty more easily and pores clog. Parts of the face that are too oily can also appear reddish, greasy, and scaly, which are symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis.

Prevention

Oily skin, linked to genetics and hormones, can be challenging to prevent. The best way to avoid oily skin is by finding the proper skincare routine that works for you and sticking to it without changing products frequently. For those with oily skin, it can be helpful to use makeup to conceal it. However, it is important to be cautious when selecting makeup products. Avoid using oil-based products, which can exacerbate oily skin symptoms and clog your pores. Instead, opt for water-based makeup products or consider not wearing makeup if it is better for your skin.

To prevent oily skin, it's important to control your diet. Drinking an adequate amount of water every day helps keep your face moisturized. Additionally, it's recommended to avoid foods that are too oily or contain trans fats. Instead, opt for nutrient-rich foods from crops to maintain healthy skin.

When to see a doctor?

Oily skin may not lead to serious health problems, but it can affect confidence and cause embarrassment. If you are worried about the condition of your oily skin, it is advisable to seek advice from a doctor or dermatologist. This is especially important if you have tried other treatments with no success.

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