What causes oily skin?

What causes oily skin?

Oily skin is a skin type characterized by excessive sebum production, marked shine, dilated pores and sometimes imperfections such as pimples or blackheads. While it can be uncomfortable to manage, understanding the causes of oily skin is the first step to adopting an adapted routine and regaining balanced skin.

In this article, we'll take a look at the main causes of oily skin and the aggravating factors you need to be aware of in order to regulate it more effectively.

1. Excessive sebum production

The main cause of oily skin is seborrhea, i.e. overproduction of sebum by the sebaceous glands. Sebum is a natural and essential substance: it protects the skin, maintains its hydration and forms a barrier against external aggressions.
However, when produced in excess, it makes the skin shiny, encourages the appearance of blackheads and can clog pores.

This overproduction can be linked to a number of internal and external factors, such as hormones, stress and poor lifestyle habits.

2. Hormonal influence

Hormones play a major role in sebum regulation. Androgens, hormones present in both men and women, stimulate the sebaceous glands.
This is why periods of hormonal change (puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, stopping or taking the pill, menopause) are often accompanied by oilier skin.

In some women, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can also cause severe seborrhea associated with acne.

👉 Tip: If you notice significant variations in your skin according to your cycle, it may be useful to consult a dermatologist or doctor to check whether the origin is hormonal.

3. Genetics

Genetic predisposition is another common cause. If your parents have oily or acne-prone skin, chances are you've inherited the same tendency.
Genetics influence pore size,sebaceous gland activity and sebum composition.

This doesn't mean that it's impossible to regulate your skin, but rather that you need to adopt a regular maintenance routine and suitable skin care products to keep your skin under control.

4. An unsuitable care routine

Using products that are either too aggressive or, on the contrary, too rich is a frequent cause of worsening oily skin. Scouring cleansers or alcoholic lotions temporarily dry the skin, but then provoke a defensive reaction: the skin starts to produce even more sebum.
Conversely, creams that are too nourishing can clog pores.

👉 The ideal:

  • A gentle cleanser morning and night.

  • A light, non-comedogenic moisturizing cream.

  • Purifying treatments based onsalicylic acid, niacinamide or zinc.

A consistent, minimalist routine helps skin regain its natural balance.

5. Stress and fatigue

Chronic stress disrupts hormonal functioning, notably by increasing cortisol levels, a hormone that indirectly stimulates sebum production.
In addition, lack of sleep slows cell regeneration and promotes inflammation, which can worsen skin imperfections.

Taking care of your mental health and giving your body the rest it needs therefore also contributes to skin balance.

6. Feeding

An unbalanced diet can have a direct impact on skin quality. Fast sugars, ultra-processed products and saturated fats stimulate sebum production and promote skin inflammation.
Conversely, certain nutrients such as omega-3s, vitamins A, C and E, zinc and antioxidants help to regulate the skin.

👉 To improve the appearance of oily skin, favor :

  • Fresh fruit and vegetables, rich in water and antioxidants.

  • Oily fish (salmon, mackerel).

  • Oilseeds (walnuts, almonds).

  • And limit sugary drinks and dairy products if your skin is sensitive to them.

7. Environmental conditions

Climate andenvironment strongly influence sebum production.

  • In hot, humid weather, the skin shines more, as heat stimulates the sebaceous glands.

  • In winter, on the other hand, cold, dry air can cause dehydration, prompting the skin to produce more sebum to defend itself.

What's more, urban pollution clogs pores and can accentuate imperfections. Hence the importance of regular cleansing and antioxidant skin care to protect the skin.

8. Medicines and treatments

Certain medications can have the side effect of increasing sebum production. This is the case with certain hormonal contraceptives, anabolic steroids and corticosteroid-based treatments.
If you notice a worsening of your oily skin after a treatment, it's best to talk to your doctor before making any changes.

9. Poor lifestyle habits

Smoking,alcohol, lack of exercise and lack of hydration are all factors that upset the skin's equilibrium. These habits reduce microcirculation, slow skin regeneration and promotesebum oxidation, making skin look greasy and dull.

Adopting a healthy lifestyle, with good hygiene, sufficient hydration and regular sleep, naturally helps to regulate oily skin.

10. Occlusive make-up

Finally, certain unsuitable make-up products can be responsible for aggravating oily skin. Thick foundations, compact powders and oily formulas clog pores and prevent the skin from breathing.
Always opt for non-comedogenic, oil-free products, and remove your make-up carefully every evening to avoid the accumulation of impurities.

Conclusion: understanding to better treat oily skin

Oily skin is the result of a multifactorial imbalance: hormonal, genetic, environmental or lifestyle-related. While some causes can't be totally eliminated, it is possible to limit the effects of oily skin through an adapted routine, a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.

The aim is not to eliminate sebum completely, but to regulate its production so that the skin remains protected, supple and luminous.
With consistency and the right gestures, including deep cleansing with an appropriate skincare product, oily skin can become healthy, radiant skin, far from shine and imperfections.

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