Why is My Skin So Oily? 7 Common Causes
If you’re seeing a lot more shine these days, you might be wondering why is my skin so oily all of a sudden? Or maybe your skin just always seems to be oily, and you’re looking for ways to control it. Whatever your situation may be, it’s either that you have an oily skin type or external factors are playing a role in making your skin oilier than normal.
Why is my face so oily all the time? Ahead, we discuss the main causes of oily skin and the best treatments for minimizing shine.
Why is My Skin So Oily?
Oily skin occurs when sebaceous glands produce too much sebum, the natural oil that moisturizes the skin. When these glands produce excess sebum, it can result in oily skin. Here are some common causes of oily skin.
1: It’s Just Your Skin Type
Why is my skin oily you ask? It could just be genetics. If your parents have oily skin, there’s a higher chance you’ll have an oily skin type too. Unfortunately, this cause of oily skin is the hardest to treat permanently. On the plus side, those with naturally oily skin have fewer fine lines and wrinkles, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).
If you have naturally oily skin, make sure you’re following a skincare routine that’s designed for your skin type. That includes an oil-free cleanser, astringent toner, and lightweight moisturizer. You can also turn to blotting papers to absorb excess oil throughout the day.
2: Hormones
When the hormones are out of balance due to puberty, pregnancy, or menopause, the skin can change too. Hormonal fluctuations can trigger increased sebum production. According to research, men have more sebum than women because of their higher testosterone levels.
If you notice that hormonal changes are making your skin oily, talk with your dermatologist or doctor about the possibility of medication to help regulate the hormone fluctuations.
It could also be stress that’s contributing to the oiliness. When you’re stressed, the body produces the hormone cortisol which can increase oil production in the skin. If you find yourself dealing with oily skin when you feel stressed, try practicing relaxing activities like yoga and meditation which can help to lower stress levels or wind down with an adaptogenic sleep mask.
3: Harsh, Stripping Skincare Products
Why is my skin so oily all of a sudden? It could be your skincare routine—or more specifically, the skincare products in it. Using harsh cleansers and toners can strip the skin of important oils that hydrate and protect the skin. In turn, this can cause the sebaceous glands to produce more oil, making your skin appear greasy.
For that reason, it’s essential to avoid over-drying the skin. Otherwise your oil glands think that the skin is dry and produce more oil to compensate. Stick to gentle, non-comedogenic products that won’t dry out or irritate your skin. And avoid harsh scrubs that can cause further dryness and irritation.
4: Overwashing
Thought the best way to combat oily skin was by washing it as frequently as possible? Nope. Overwashing can actually make your skin oilier. Washing your face too often strips the skin of natural oils, signaling to your oil glands that your skin is dry and needs more moisture (or oil). Consequently, those glands add more oil to your skin, thinking they’re doing you a favor.
Even with oily skin, you only need to wash your face twice a day (morning and night) to keep your pores clean and oiliness at bay. Dermatologists also suggest washing your face after sweating heavily.
5: Environment
Why is my skin so oily lately? If you’ve recently moved to an area with a warmer, more humid climate, this could increase your chances of having oilier skin. Hot and humid climates can cause the production of more sweat and stimulate sebum production.
To avoid these effects, minimize your exposure to these conditions and follow a skincare routine that addresses your skin concerns. You don’t need to wash your face more but it’s important to wash your skin when it feels especially sweaty.
6: Diet
Even diet can play a role in making your skin oilier than usual. According to health experts, consuming greasy or fried foods as well as sugar may worsen oily skin and even trigger breakouts for some people. These foods can increase oil production, contributing to an oilier complexion.
To improve skin health and prevent oily skin, follow a healthy diet low in fried food, refined carbohydrates, and sugars. Especially if you notice a connection between eating these foods and getting oily skin, just eating healthier may make a noticeable difference.
7: Skipping Moisturizer
Remember how we said that the sebaceous glands produce more oil when your skin is dry? In addition to overwashing your skin or using harsh products, skipping moisturizer can also lead to a parched—and consequently oily—complexion.
When your skin is well hydrated, your skin doesn’t need to compensate by producing more sebum. So even if you have oily skin, and you might think you don’t need it, always moisturize after cleansing and toning to lock in moisture and prevent your skin from getting dry.
Choose moisturizers that contain emollients and humectants like shea butter, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and jojoba oil as these will help to draw in moisture and lock it in.
Best Treatments for Oily Skin
Now you know the answer to “Why is my skin so oily?,” here are some of the best skincare routines and solutions for oily skin.
Truly’s Glass Skin Set
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Shiny skin? Large pores? This set features our Glass Skin Cleansing Balm + Glass Skin Facial Serum to tackle oily, blemish-prone skin in just two simple steps. While jojoba oil regulates sebum production, probiotics balance skin’s microbiome, and niacinamide hydrates and soothes. Together, they work to improve skin texture, prevent blemishes, and promote a clear, matte-like complexion.
Truly’s 24K Gold Black Soap Luxury Butter Impurity Cleanser
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This charcoal-infused cleanser absorbs excess oil and impurities while sloughing away dead skin cells and clearing blemishes with its powerhouse blend of African black soap, salicylic acid, and witch hazel. Skin feels instantly fresher (and smoother) from the very first use.
Truly’s Super Star Routine
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Get glowy, non-greasy skin with this 3-step kit. You get: a facial serum, face mask, and star pimple patches—powered by retinol, vitamin C, and hydrocolloid—to minimize oiliness, fix textural issues, and zap away zits. It’s the go-to routine for people with oily skin.
Why is my skin so oily recently? If you’re experiencing more shine than usual, it could be down to a number of factors, including hormonal fluctuations, diet, environment, or even your skincare routine. The good news is, there are steps you can take to lessen the oiliness. And on the plus side, oily skin tends to age more slowly compared to dry skin.
Feature photo by Sora Shimazaki, Pexels
