Everyone has sebaceous glands under their pores which secrete the sebum that moisturizes and protects the skin. People with an oily skin type simply have a higher density of sebaceous glands than others, or their glands are larger and more active. This leads to excess oil production which tends to concentrate around the T-zone, the area encompassing the forehead, nose, and chin.

Oily skin isn’t inherently problematic. After all, the extra oil helps protect the skin against dryness and dehydration. People with oily skin tend to have fewer fine lines and wrinkles for this reason. In some cases, however, oily skin leads to enlarged pores, excessive shine, and an increased risk of breakouts.

Let’s explore some of the most common causes of oily skin before diving into the different steps you can take to balance it.

The first step in balancing excessive sebum production is determining the underlying cause. For example, you could be skipping an essential step in your skincare routine. Even if your oily skin isn’t caused by something you can change, however, there are still things you can do to keep your skin healthy and minimize breakouts. Here are the 7 most common causes of oily skin.

1. Genetics

Whether you have oily skin, dry skin, or combination skin is largely a matter of genetics. You can’t easily change your skin type but you can learn to understand it and make smarter selections when building out your skincare routine. Genetics determine the size of your pores, as well.

• The Solution: Learn to love your skin! Oily skin is less prone to dryness and may be slower to show the visible signs of aging.

2. Hormones

Men tend to have more oily skin than women due to higher androgen levels, but natural hormonal shifts in both men and women can cause oil production to change over time. Fluctuating hormones can stimulate the sebaceous glands, triggering an increase in oil production during puberty, for example. In women, it also tends to happen during menstruation (particularly ovulation), pregnancy, and menopause.

• The Solution: Keep your skincare routine consistent to avoid putting additional stress on your skin during hormonal shifts. In some cases, your doctor may recommend medical treatment for hormonal imbalances or prescription medications for severe skin concerns.

3. Stress

Even if you don’t have naturally oily skin, you might find your skin produces more sebum during periods of increased stress. When you’re stressed, your body produces a hormone called cortisol which stimulates the sebaceous glands and triggers inflammation. On top of making your skin more oily, high cortisol levels can disrupt your skin’s natural protective barrier, making it more prone to sensitivity, redness, or acne.

• The Solution: Follow a gentle skincare routine, prioritizing cleansing and moisturizing, and implement spot treatments as needed for breakouts. Try out different stress-reduction techniques like exercise, meditation, or breathing exercises to see what works best for you.

4. Environment

The weather and climate where you live can have a significant impact on your skin. Hot, humid climates tend to correlate with increased oil production. Even if you live in a cool or temperate climate, you might find your skin is more oily in the summer than in the winter.

The Solution: Avoid the temptation to skip the moisturizer and opt instead for a lightweight, mattifying formula. It also helps to keep blotting sheets handy to remove excess oil as needed throughout the day.

5. Skincare Habits

No matter your skin type, stripping your skin of its natural oils can cause your sebaceous glands to work overtime trying to correct the issue. This can happen if you use harsh cleansers or over exfoliate your skin. Wearing makeup or skincare products that clogs your pores can make matters worse and increase your chances of breaking out.

• The Solution: Stick to a simple skincare routine of daily cleansing and moisturizing, choosing products appropriate for oily skin types and its seasonal hydration requirements. Try applying moisturizer while your skin is still damp to trap a little extra moisture inside it.

6. Diet

Some people find that certain foods make oily skin worse or even trigger breakouts. If your diet is high in sugar, dairy, and refined carbohydrates, it might be contributing to oily skin issues by increasing inflammation and oil production. Heavily processed foods, fried foods, and salty foods may also contribute to excessive oil production.

• The Solution: Moderate your intake of sugary, salt, and fatty foods. You don’t necessarily need to eliminate these foods entirely, but limiting your intake might help. Try to build your diet around whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean protein with moderate amounts of healthy fats.

7. Medications

Certain medications can increase oil production, especially those that affect hormone levels or cause dehydration. Some common culprits include corticosteroids, some oral contraceptives, and mood stabilizers. These medications can trigger shifts in hormone levels (particularly androgens) or dry out the skin, leading to an increase in oil production.

• The Solution: Talk to your doctor if you suspect your medication is causing an increase in oil production. You might be able to adjust the dosage or try an alternative therapy.

Whether you’re sick of shine or tired of battling breakouts caused by oily skin, making a few simple adjustments to your skincare routine could make a big difference. While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, here are a few tips to get you started:

• Select skincare products formulated for oily skin. These products tend to be lightweight, oil-free, and non-comedogenic (won’t clog your pores). It may also help to avoid alcohol-based formulas and synthetic fragrances.
• Cleanse your skin twice daily. Start and end your day with a gentle cleanse to remove excess oils along with any makeup, dead skin cells, and accumulated impurities. If you're prone to breakouts, consider a clarifying cleanser like Murad Acne Control or La Roche-Posay Effaclar Dual Action Acne Cleanser.
• Spritz on some toner after cleansing. Applying toner after cleansing gives your skin a boost of hydration, especially if you apply moisturizer while the toner is still damp on your skin. Choose a toner with hydrating ingredients like niacinamide or witch hazel and avoid any that contain alcohol.
• Apply lightweight moisturizer twice daily. After cleansing (and toning, if desired), apply a lightweight moisturizer while your skin is still damp. Moisturizing lotions and gel formulas are preferable to heavier creams for oily skin. You might even consider an AM/PM duo like EltaMD Restore for convenience.

When it comes to managing oily skin, it’s all about balance. The goal is to take advantage of the moisturizing benefits the extra oil gives your skin while mitigating any potential negative effects, like clogged pores and breakouts. There isn’t a standard skincare regimen that works perfectly for everyone with oily skin, so you’ll need to find the combination that works best for you.

As you’re developing your own personalized oily skin regimen, take advantage of Exclusive Beauty Club benefits with free rewards.