Every skin produces oil. Sebaceous glands produce this oil under the skin, and it keeps the skin healthy and hydrated. However, these glands produce way too much oil in some people making their face oily.
In this article, you will find out why you have an oily face and what you can do to maintain healthy skin.
Why Is Your Face Oily?
If your face always looks shiny or uses a lot of blotting sheets during the day, you probably have oily skin. People with oily skin type tend to have skin conditions such as breakouts or acne. They might also have trouble with makeup, as it just doesn’t stay on.
There are several reasons you might have oily skin, and in this section, you will find out the possible cause of this.
1. Genetics
It might just run in the family. If one or both of your parents have oily skin, then it’s likely that is where you got it from. This trait can be handed down through generations and inherited by offspring.
2. Your Age
This is an essential factor that determines how oily your skin is. As you age, the skin tends to produce less oil, thereby making your face less oily. The skin composition varies as you grow older, which means your skin might have a slightly different composition when you are in your 30s than when you are in your teens. You might experience oilier skin when you are younger.
3. The Weather
Your skin might produce more or lesser oil, depending on the climate you are in. According to researchers, the skin produces more oil in the summer months with relatively higher temperatures and humidity. This might cause you to have an oily face. Likewise, during the winter months, the skin might feel dry.
So, depending on where you live and the climate condition, you might experience oilier skin. Your face is more prone to breakouts during summer weather due to oil and sweat that clog the pores.
Adjusting your skincare routine to the climate condition of where you live can help maintain healthy skin.
4. The Wrong Skincare Products
Using the wrong skincare products on your face might be the main reason it’s always so oily. While some skincare products work for all skin types, others do not. If you use a skin care product meant for dry skin on your face, it might cause it to dry out or produce more oil. It is essential you find out your skin type before buying skincare products.
You might have to alternate between skincare products depending on the weather. The right skincare product will help regulate the amount of oil your face produces, making it healthier.
5. Hormonal Changes
You might be experiencing oily skin because of your hormones. The hormone responsible for producing oil is called Androgen, and sometimes it tends to fluctuate, which might make the skin produce more sebum. This is common during puberty, while menstruating, or during pregnancy. Stress can also contribute to hormonal changes.
These hormones cause the skin to produce more oil, which clogs the pores on your face when mixed with sweat.
6. You Don’t Moisturize
Many people with oily skin tend to skip moisturizing in their skincare routine. However, moisturizing is essential for all skin types. The skin might be prompted to produce even more oil when it doesn’t get enough hydration. There are various moisturizers meant for oily skin you can try out.
What Can You Do About Your Oily Face?
Having too much oil on your face can cause skin problems like acne, clogged pores, pimples, or breakouts. This can be frustrating; however, oily skin can be maintained with regular and proper skincare habits.
In this section, you will find ways to take care of your oily skin and reduce its symptoms.
1. Wash Your Face Regularly
If you have oily skin, it is essential you wash your face regularly. Wash your face with warm water and soap. It is advisable to use water with a temperature of around 34 degrees to wash your face. Using heated water can age the skin faster and make it wrinkle. Ensure you use a gentle soap on your face and avoid soaps that can irritate your skin and cause it to produce more sebum. Gently tap dry with a towel after washing.
Although, washing the face helps reduce its oil content, make sure you do not overdo it. Too much washing can irritate the skin, thereby increasing oil production. You should consider washing your face in the morning and at night before going to bed.
2. Use a Toner
Most toners contain alcohol which might dry out your skin. However, natural astringent toner is a better option mainly because it soothes the skin. The Witch Hazel is a great choice as it is a natural astringent. It contains high amount of tanning and has anti-inflammatory properties. Natural astringent toners help remove excess makeup or product that may clog the skin pores.
However, this toner might not work for you. It is advisable to test out toners on a small skin area before using them on your face. This is to avoid irritation that may cause the skin to produce more sebum making your face oily.
3. Use a Facial Mask
Using a facial mask is a great way to reduce oil content on your face. Facial masks offer certain benefits when used on oily skin. There are various types of face masks that contain ingredients such as Cosmetic Clay, Honey, and oatmeal.
Healing clay is commonly referred to help treat various skin conditions and absorb oil when applied to the face. It mostly comes in powder form.
Here are simple steps in applying it:
- Add some water to a teaspoon of clay, mix it well
- Apply this mixture to your face and leave it to dry.
- Wash off with warm water and pat your face dry.
Honey is another natural remedy used to treat various skin problems; it can also help with oily skin. It has antibacterial properties and is a natural humectant. Using honey as a facial mask benefits oily skin by keeping it moist.
Here are simple steps in applying it:
- Apply a thin spread of honey on your face
- Leave for about 10 minutes
- Wash off with warm water
You can use various other face masks on your face, such as oatmeal mask, egg whites and lemons, almonds, and Aloe Vera mask. They all benefit the skin and helps absorb excess oil. Apply the mask to your face and rinse off with warm water.
4. Use Oil-Free Products
If you have oily skin, it’s not advisable to use oil-based skincare products on your skin. This will only increase the oil content on your skin, making it more prone to acne or breakouts. Try out Oil-free skin care products, especially for products you leave on the skin like moisturizers and sunscreen. Check the label to know if the product is oil-free.
You can also use water-based products in place of oil-based products. They are an excellent option for people with oily skin.
5. Avoid Scrubbing Your Face
You might be tempted to scrub the face to remove excess oil and dirt from the pores. Avoid doing this as it will only irritate the skin further. This might make the skin secrete more oil, leading to even oilier skin. Use gentle washcloths or pads when washing your skin, and gently tap dry with a towel when you are done.
6. Use Blotting Paper
Even if you cannot change your natural skin composition, you can regulate the amount of oil present on your face. Blotting papers are designed to absorb excess oil from the skin. They can be used throughout the day to absorb excess oil.
However, ensure you do not overuse the blotting paper. Using too much blotting paper in a day will absorb too much oil from the skin. Oil is also essential for healthy skin; avoid taking away most or all of the oil content on your face.
You can use the blotting paper 1 – 3 times per day to help regulate the oil content on your face.
7. Apply Moisturizers
Many people believe using moisturizers on oily skin will make it greasier, so they tend to skip it in their skincare routine. However, moisturizer is essential for all skin types. People with oily skin should consider using an oil-free moisturizer.
Natural moisturizer such as Aloe Vera is also great for oily skin. Aloe Vera has a soothing effect when used on the skin.
Conclusion
Although it is rather difficult to get rid of oily skin, giving the skin proper maintenance will help prevent skin problems and keep the skin healthy. When you get an oily face, avoid using products that will make it even oilier and not cover it up with makeup. Doing this will only clog up your pores and might cause acne.
Try out the above methods in maintaining your skin. You can also check with your dermatologist to find out the kind of skincare products appropriate for your skin type.
