Oily skin: causes of excess oil and proper skincare methods

Oily skin is characterized by increased sebum production. Sebum is the natural oil produced by the sebaceous glands to help protect the skin’s surface and maintain its elasticity. But when sebum production increases, the face may become shinier, pores may appear more noticeable, and some people may be more prone to blackheads and pimples.

Having oily skin doesn’t mean you need to dry it out or use harsh products to remove all its oil; your skin needs a natural amount of oil to maintain its protective barrier. So proper skincare relies on gentle cleansing, suitable moisturizing, and sun protection, along with choosing products that suit your skin’s needs.

At Dar Beauty, we’re committed to providing information that helps you understand your skin’s needs and choose the right skincare products. That’s why this guide covers the causes of excess oil production and how to care for oily skin without disrupting its natural balance.

What is oily skin?

Oily skin is a skin type characterized by increased activity of the sebaceous glands and sebum production. Sebum is a natural oily substance that helps reduce moisture loss and form a protective layer on the skin’s surface.

Excess oil production most often appears on the face, particularly the forehead, nose, and chin, and may also extend to the cheeks. The amount of sebum varies from person to person; some people experience a slight shine, while others notice a distinctly oily appearance within a few hours of cleansing their face.

It’s important to know that oily skin is not a health problem in itself, but a skin type. It doesn’t necessarily require strong treatments, but rather products that help cleanse it and maintain its balance without weakening its natural barrier.

What are the signs of oily skin?

Oily skin can be identified by a number of recurring signs, though the presence of just one sign is not always enough to determine skin type.

• Frequent shine: Noticeable shine appears on the face, especially on the forehead, nose, and chin.
• Visible pores: Pores may appear more noticeable, especially in areas that produce more oil.
• Oily appearance returns quickly: You may notice shine returning some time after cleansing your face.
• Prone to clogged pores: Some people with oily skin may develop blackheads or whiteheads.
• The need to adjust product texture: You may prefer lightweight formulas that don’t feel heavy on your skin.

If you are unsure of your skin type, you can refer to Dar Beauty’s guide on how to identify your skin type to learn about the signs that can help you distinguish between different skin types.

What causes increased oil production in the skin?

Oil production is not caused by one factor; several factors work together to determine the activity of the sebaceous glands. The main ones include:

1. Genetic factors

Genetics play a role in determining skin type and the activity level of the sebaceous glands. That is why you may notice oily skin in more than one family member, despite differences in skincare routines and products.

2. Hormonal changes

Hormones, especially androgens, affect the activity of the sebaceous glands. Skin oil production may increase during certain stages of puberty or with hormonal changes women experience, which may explain why the skin’s appearance changes from time to time.

If you notice a sudden, significant increase in oiliness along with other changes, such as unusual acne breakouts, it is best to consult a specialist to assess your condition rather than assuming skin type is the only cause.

3. Age and life stage

The amount of oil your skin produces may change with age and hormonal changes. As a result, your skin may be oilier at one stage, then its needs may change later.

4. Climate conditions

Hot weather and high humidity can make your face look shinier or increase feelings of sweatiness and stickiness. However, sweating does not necessarily mean increased sebum production; they are two different processes.

5. Using unsuitable products

Some heavy products or formulas that do not suit your skin’s needs may leave it feeling excessively oily or contribute to clogged pores for some people. Harsh cleansers and excessive exfoliation can also irritate the skin and weaken its protective barrier.

That is why it is not recommended to try to remove all oil with harsh products; the goal is to cleanse the skin without causing dryness or irritation.

What is the difference between oily and combination skin?

Oily and combination skin may both look shiny on the nose and forehead, but the main difference is how oil is distributed across the face.

If your forehead, nose, and chin are oily while your cheeks seem dry or normal, you may have combination skin rather than entirely oily skin.

You can also read Dar Beauty’s guide to identifying your skin type to learn about the differences between the various skin types.

How can you care for oily skin properly?

Oily skin does not need a complicated routine or a large number of products. What matters most is choosing essential steps that help remove dirt and excess oil while keeping your skin comfortable and protecting its natural barrier.

1. Gentle cleansing

Choose a gentle cleanser suited to oily skin, ideally one that feels lightweight and doesn’t leave your skin feeling tight or dry after use.

You can wash your face morning and evening, and after heavy sweating if needed. Avoid scrubbing hard or washing repeatedly to remove all the oil; over-cleansing can cause irritation and won’t address the underlying causes of oil production.

2. Don’t skip moisturizing

A common misconception is that oily skin doesn’t need moisturizer. In fact, producing sebum doesn’t mean your skin doesn’t need water or that its protective barrier doesn’t need care.

Choose a lightweight moisturizer, ideally labeled non-comedogenic or oil-free. Keep in mind that these terms are guidelines, not a guarantee that a product will suit everyone.

You can learn about the role of ingredients that support hydration in Dar Beauty’s article about ceramides for skin.

3. Use sunscreen daily

Oily skin needs protection from UV rays just like all skin types. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and a comfortable texture that doesn’t leave a heavy layer on your face.

If shine bothers you, you may prefer lightweight or matte formulas, but don’t skip sunscreen because of your skin type.

4. Managing shine during the day

If your skin gets shiny during the day, you can gently press blotting papers onto shiny areas without rubbing your face or excessively removing oil.

You can also choose lightweight makeup that suits oily skin, and remove it before bed.

How to choose products for oily skin

Choosing the right product isn’t just about the words “for oily skin” on the packaging. Consider its texture, formula, and how well it suits your skin’s needs.

The right cleanser

Look for a gentle cleanser that removes dirt and excess oil without leaving your skin feeling tight or dry. If you’re prone to clogged pores or blackheads, some products containing salicylic acid may be a suitable option, depending on your skin’s needs and how you use them.

One option is Cetaphil cleanser for oily, combination, and sensitive skin, which is designed to remove excess oil and cleanse the skin without drying it out.

To learn more about this ingredient, read the article Salicylic Acid: Benefits and How to Use It.

The right moisturizer

Choose a lightweight moisturizer that helps keep skin hydrated without feeling heavy. Gel or lotion formulas may suit you, but texture alone doesn’t determine a product’s quality; what matters most is the overall formula and how well your skin tolerates it.

One option to explore is SKIN1004 Centella Light Gel Cream, a lightweight gel-textured option for those who prefer moisturizers with a refreshing feel.

The right sunscreen

Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, preferably one that feels comfortable for daily use and doesn't clog your pores or irritate your skin. Try a texture that suits you, and follow the amount and directions for use on the package.

One option for oily skin is Anua Matte Finish Sunscreen SPF 50, designed for oily and combination skin.

Serums and supportive ingredients

Some ingredients can be incorporated into an oily skin routine depending on your goals, but you don't need to use several serums at once.

For example, niacinamide may be included in products designed to address the appearance of oiliness and support the skin barrier. Read Dar Beauty's article on Niacinamide, Its Benefits, and How to Use It to learn more.

If acne is your main concern, it's important to distinguish between caring for your skin type and treating acne; they are related, but they are not the same thing. You can read our guide to Acne: Causes, Treatment, and Skincare to learn more.

What mistakes should you avoid when caring for oily skin?

Some habits can irritate your skin or make shine feel more noticeable, even if the goal is to reduce oil. Some common mistakes include:

1. Washing your face too often

Oily skin doesn't mean you need to wash your face constantly. Over-cleansing can cause dryness and irritation, so gentle cleansing morning and evening is usually enough, with an additional cleanse after sweating if needed.

2. Using harsh products to dry out your skin

Harsh products may create a temporary feeling of dryness, but they can weaken the skin barrier and cause redness and tightness. Choose products that cleanse your skin without stripping away its natural comfort.

3. Skipping moisturizer

Skipping moisturizer just because your skin is oily may leave it feeling uncomfortably dry, especially when using exfoliants or acne products.

4. Combining too many active ingredients

Using several exfoliants and potent serums in the same routine may increase the risk of irritation. Start with one new product at a time, and watch how your skin responds before adding another.

5. Scrubbing your face or squeezing pimples

Scrubbing hard does not help control oil, and squeezing pimples can increase inflammation and the risk of marks or scars.

How do you care for oily skin in hot climates?

In areas with high temperatures and humidity, shine and sweating may become more noticeable, and heavy products may feel less comfortable during the day.

So, here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing your daily skincare:

• Choose a lightweight texture for your moisturizer and sunscreen if it feels more comfortable on your skin.
• Cleanse your face after heavy sweating without scrubbing or using harsh cleansers.
• Use sunscreen regularly and reapply it according to the product instructions and your sun exposure.
• Avoid layering too many heavy products if they feel uncomfortable.
• Don’t confuse sweating with increased oil production; they serve different functions.

Remember that your skin’s needs may change with the weather and seasons. You can adjust the texture of your products when needed without changing your entire routine or using harsh products just because temperatures have risen.

Frequently asked questions about oily skin

Does oily skin need moisturizer?

Yes, oily skin needs moisturizer just like other skin types. Choose a lightweight formula that suits your needs, preferably one that won’t clog pores.

Why does skin become oily after washing your face?

This may be due to the nature of the sebaceous glands and how active they are, not necessarily because you didn’t cleanse well enough. Harsh cleansers can also cause dryness and irritation, so don’t try to remove all the oil by washing repeatedly.

Is oily skin prone to acne?

Oily skin may be more prone to clogged pores and breakouts for some people, but excess oil alone doesn’t necessarily mean you have acne. Other factors also contribute to breakouts.

Can oily skin be dry?

Yes, oily skin can also experience dryness or a weakened protective barrier. Oil production and the skin’s ability to retain water are not the same thing, so having oily skin doesn’t eliminate the need for a suitable moisturizer.

How many times a day should you wash oily skin?

Washing your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser is usually enough, with an additional cleanse after heavy sweating if needed. Avoid washing too often or scrubbing hard.

Can oily skin change over time?

Yes, your skin’s nature and needs can change with age, hormonal changes, and climate conditions. So it’s helpful to reassess your skin type and needs from time to time.

Does oily skin not need sunscreen?

No, oily skin needs sunscreen just like all skin types. Choose a comfortable formula that’s suitable for daily use, and don’t skip protection from UV rays because of shine.

In summary: How can you keep oily skin balanced?

Caring for oily skin doesn’t mean eliminating all oil. It means managing excess oil while maintaining the skin’s natural barrier. Gentle cleansing, suitable moisturization, sunscreen, and choosing products that meet your needs can help you build a balanced daily routine.

Knowing your skin type and distinguishing between oily and combination skin can also help you choose products more precisely, instead of relying on random trial and error or using too many active ingredients.

Explore the skincare options available at Dar Beauty and choose products that suit your skin’s needs, taking into account their formulas, how to use them, and how well your skin tolerates them.