A Guide to Understanding and Embracing Oily Skin
Updated: Oct 7
Oily skin is a skin type characterised by higher sebum production. It commonly appears shiny, particularly through the forehead, nose and chin, and may also be associated with more visible pores and a greater tendency towards congestion or breakouts.
Sebum isn't inherently bad for your skin. It helps lubricate the skin's surface, but when produced in greater amounts it can leave the skin feeling greasy and make managing shine more difficult.
In this guide, we'll explain how to identify oily skin, what can influence sebum production and how to build a skincare routine that manages excess oil without unnecessarily stripping or irritating the skin.
How to Identify Oily Skin
Common characteristics of oily skin include:
Noticeable shine or oiliness, particularly through the T-zone.
Pores that may appear more visible in oilier areas.
A greater tendency towards congestion, blackheads or breakouts.
Skin that becomes oily again relatively quickly after cleansing.
Oiliness can vary throughout the day and with factors such as hormones, climate and skincare products. An occasional shiny T-zone doesn't necessarily mean you have oily skin; look at how your skin typically behaves over time.
What Causes Oily Skin?
Sebaceous glands produce sebum, an oily substance that helps lubricate the skin and contributes to its surface environment. People with oily skin tend to produce more sebum, although the amount can vary considerably between individuals and over time.
Several factors can influence how oily your skin becomes:
Genetics: Genetics influence sebaceous-gland activity and are an important factor in determining how much sebum your skin naturally produces.
Hormones: Hormonal activity can influence sebum production, which is one reason oiliness often changes during puberty and at other times of hormonal change.
Climate and environment: Temperature and humidity can affect how oily your skin feels and how noticeable shine becomes.
Skincare products: Products that are too heavy for your skin may leave it feeling greasier, while harsh cleansing or excessive exfoliation can cause dryness and irritation. Rather than trying to remove all oil, aim for a routine that leaves your skin clean and comfortable.
Age: Sebum production can change throughout life, so skin that was very oily when you were younger may behave differently as you age.
How to Care for Oily Skin
Caring for oily skin doesn't mean trying to remove as much oil as possible. The aim is to manage excess oil while keeping the skin comfortable and supporting the skin barrier.
Cleanse Gently
Use a cleanser that removes excess oil, sunscreen and other build-up without leaving your skin feeling excessively tight or dry. Cleansing in the evening is particularly useful, while whether you also need to cleanse in the morning will depend on your skin and the products you use.
Exfoliate Carefully
Exfoliation can help remove dead skin cells and may be useful for skin that is prone to congestion, but more isn't necessarily better. Excessive exfoliation can leave the skin irritated or uncomfortable.If you use exfoliating acids such as salicylic acid, introduce them gradually and follow the product's instructions rather than assuming oily skin needs frequent exfoliation.
Don't Skip Moisturiser
Oily skin can still benefit from moisturisation. Look for a formulation that feels comfortable on your skin rather than assuming that oilier skin should avoid moisturisers altogether.Lightweight formulations may be preferable if richer products leave your skin feeling excessively greasy.
Can You Use Face Oil on Oily Skin?
Having oily skin doesn't automatically mean you need to avoid facial oils. Oils act primarily as emollients, helping soften and condition the skin, although some formulations may feel too rich for particularly oily skin.If you choose to use a face oil, start with a small amount and see how your skin responds. Our [Skin Oil] is a waterless blend of plant oils including jojoba and argan and can be applied in a small amount to slightly damp skin.Facial oils shouldn't be relied upon to “balance” or regulate your skin's natural sebum production. Their suitability depends on the formulation and how your individual skin responds.
Use Sun Protection
Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30. If you have oily skin, you may prefer a lightweight formulation that feels comfortable and doesn't leave your skin excessively greasy.
Introduce Products Gradually
Oily skin doesn't necessarily need an aggressive or complicated routine. Introducing new products gradually makes it easier to understand how your skin responds and identify anything that causes irritation or congestion.
Seek Professional Advice When Needed
If oiliness is accompanied by persistent or painful acne, significant irritation or other ongoing skin concerns, consider speaking to a dermatologist or other qualified healthcare professional.
Final Takeaway
Oily skin is characterised by higher sebum production, but that doesn't mean oil needs to be eliminated from your skin.
A simple routine based around gentle cleansing, appropriate moisturisation, careful use of exfoliating products and daily sun protection can help manage excess oil without unnecessarily irritating the skin.
Pay attention to how your skin responds rather than trying to make it completely oil-free. If you experience persistent or painful breakouts or significant irritation, consider seeking advice from a dermatologist or other qualified healthcare professional.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have oily skin?
Oily skin tends to become noticeably shiny or greasy, particularly through the forehead, nose and chin. You may also notice more visible pores and a greater tendency towards congestion or breakouts.
Why is my skin so oily?
Sebum production is influenced by factors including genetics, hormones, age and environmental conditions. Skincare products can also affect how oily or greasy your skin feels.
Should oily skin use moisturiser?
Yes. Oily skin can still benefit from moisturisation. If richer products feel too heavy, a lightweight moisturiser may be more comfortable.
Can oily skin be dehydrated?
Yes. Oiliness relates to sebum, while dehydration refers to insufficient water in the skin. This means oily skin can still become dehydrated.
Can I use face oil on oily skin?
Yes, although whether a facial oil suits you depends on the formulation and your individual skin. Start with a small amount and see how your skin responds. Facial oils can provide emollient conditioning, but they shouldn't be expected to regulate your skin's natural sebum production.
How often should I wash oily skin?
There isn't one schedule that suits everyone. Cleansing in the evening helps remove excess oil, sunscreen and daily build-up. Some people with oily skin may also prefer to cleanse in the morning, provided their cleanser doesn't leave the skin excessively tight or irritated.
