What is Oily Skin?

Oily skin is characterized by an overproduction of sebum, a natural moisturizer produced by the sebaceous glands located right under the skin’s surface. These glands and the pores that sebum is secreted through tend to be larger for people with oily skin. Since oil also serves to preserve and protect the skin, there are advantages to having oily skin: it tends to be softer, smoother, and less wrinkly. But excess oil creates shine, and wider pores can let in more impurities, so it’s best to apply specialized skin care for oily skin.

Model with light skin applying moisturizer

What Causes Oily Skin?

Like all skin types, there’s a genetic component to what causes oily skin. While this may make you more prone, you should learn how to reduce oily skin to not exacerbate it. Additional factors include environmental triggers like heat and humidity, hormonal shifts during pregnancy or certain courses of medication, and using the wrong products for oily skin.

Tips for Oily Skin

  • Go easy: Do not over-wash oily skin; it strips away natural oils and winds up producing more sebum.
  • Focus: Find an effective skin care routine for oily skin and be diligent about using it regularly.
  • Be prepared: Toss a small pouch of blotting wipes in your bag to remove excess oil during the day.
  • Keep it clean: Prevent clogged pores with noncomedogenic cosmetics and clean makeup brushes.

Makeup brushes on a flat surface

Top Ingredients for Oily Skin

Oily Skin Tips & How-Tos

Women with oily skin

Why Do I Have Oily Skin All of a Sudden?

Conquer that occasional shine with gentle but effective skincare products that are specially formulated for oily skin.

Young Hipster Women On Road Trip Having Fun Taking Selfies High

Oily Skin: How to Appear Shine-Free in Photographs

No one wants to stick out in a picture as the person with the greasy skin. If you’ve ever had this shining moment, we have advice for you.

Close-up of a person applying a dark grey charcoal mask to their cheek.

The Benefits of Charcoal for Oily Skin

Learn about deeply purifying activated charcoal, its benefits for skin—and how it can help improve oily skin.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • Why is my skin so oily?
  • Can oily skin types only use oil-free products?
  • Can makeup block pores and make oily skin worse?
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