Everything You Need To Know About Oily Skin

Overview

Oily skin has historically—and sometimes injuriously—been referred to as a “problematic” skin type that needs to be fought, controlled, matted, or completely wiped out. However, the reality is that oily skin cannot be substituted for another skin type, and neither should we want to. Oily skin may be a problem, but it is not always an issue. Wondering how oily skin can benefit anyone? Well, here is everything you need to know about oily skin, starting from skin types, signs of oily skin, its causes, benefits, and tips to manage it. 

Everyone has different skin types; thus, it is best to consult a skin expert for the best care.

Table of contents

1. Types of skin
2. The Science of oily skin
3. Signs of an oily skin
4. Causes of oily skin
5. Benefits of oily skin
6. Tips for oily skin

Types of skin

Not every individual has the same skin type. Some may have dry skin, oily skin, normal skin, or a combination of dry and oily skin. Your skin type is determined by the amount of oil produced by your sebaceous gland. 

• Normal skin: This skin is just the right amount of dry and oily. It doesn’t require special maintenance, has a regular texture, is free of flaws, and has a clean, soft appearance.
• Sensitive skin: Sensitive Skin is more likely to react to stimuli than skin that is normal won’t. It is a thin skin that frequently causes uncomfortable sensations like heat, tightness, redness, or itching.
• Dry skin: When your skin produces less sebum than what is required, your skin ends up being dry. It is generally caused due to genetics and is permanent. However, it can be temporary and caused due to external factors like low air humidity, weather, and hot water.
• Oily skin: Oily Skin appears porous, humid, and bright. Sebaceous glands produce an excessive amount of fat, which is typically influenced by genetic and/or hormonal factors.
• Combination skin: You may have a combination of skin types; some parts of your face can be oily or dry, while some may be normal. Generally, people with combination skin have an oily T-zone and normal or dry cheeks.

The Science of Oily Skin

Your skin contains numerous sebaceous glands across the surface. The function of the sebaceous glands is to produce sebum that helps moisturize and nourish your skin. Sebum also protects your skin surface from dryness and flakiness. Removing dead skin cells helps your skin look young, fresh, and healthy. The overactivity of the sebaceous gland leads to the overproduction of sebum on your skin, making it look oily. The overexcretion of oil blocks the skin pores leading to other problems like acne.

Signs of an Oily Skin

Identification of oily skin is a very easy task. If you notice certain signs on your face, that indicates oily skin. The signs to look for include the following:

• Shiny or greasy face on a long day
• Makeup slides off if setting spray is not used
• Recurrent pimples, blackheads, and acne on the oily parts of your face
• Enlarged and visible pores on the forehead, nose, and chin

Causes of Oily Skin

Several factors can contribute to an oily skin. You may have oily skin due to genetics, lifestyle, or environment. Following are some of the major causes of oily skin.

• Genetics: You are most likely to get oily skin if someone in your family has oily skin.
• Enlarged pores: The larger your pores, the more sebum production will be. The pores may enlarge due to weight, age, and skin breakouts.
• Age: You may have more oil production during your young age. As you age, collagen production decreases, reducing the sebaceous gland’s activity.
• Climate: It is more likely to have oily skin in hot and humid climates. Therefore, if you live in a place with a larger summer season, you are more likely to have oily skin.
• Skin care products: If you use cosmetics that don’t suit your skin, you may end up increasing the sebum production leading to oily skin.
• Excessive skincare regime: It is good to have a strict skincare regime. However, excess of anything is bad and the same goes for skincare routine. So overdoing your skincare routine can also make your skin oily.
• Eliminating moisturizer: Moisturiser is an important part of any skincare regime. People with oily skin often tend to skip moisturiser, which can further worsen your skin texture.

Benefits of Oily Skin

While people with oily skin often consider it a skin problem, it can be a blessing in disguise. Yes, you read it right. Oily skin can be advantageous for you. Here is a list of benefits of oil on skin:

• Wrinkle resistance: Oily skin can make you look less aged due to its resistance to the appearance of wrinkles. The over-secretion of sebaceous glands also increases the level of antioxidants in your skin, resulting in fewer fine lines and wrinkles as compared to dry skin. 
• Stronger defense mechanism: The overactivity of sebum also boosts your skin’s defense system. It protects your skin from infection and other environmental contaminants. Antioxidants and vitamin E act as defense mechanisms for your skin’s surface.
• Perfect makeup: The best part is that makeup sits very well on oily skin. On the contrary, dry skin can leave your make-up flaky and temperamental. However, you may require a setting spray to keep your make-up in place but that is always better than patchy make-up. 

Tips for Oily Skin

Now that you know you cannot reverse oily skin to normal skin, taking good care of your skin is better. Here are certain tips you need to take care of to get healthy, glowing oily skin.

•  Do not use harsh cosmetics like cleansers, toners, and mattifying products as it can actually increase the production of sebum in your skin.
• Washing your face, again and again, can damage the skin barrier initiating an inflammatory response.
• The skincare routine for oily skin must contain an appropriate moisturizer.
•  Use mild acids like glycolic acid and salicylic acid as it exfoliates your skin gently.
• Insulin is essential for sebum production, therefore, if you reduce your sugar intake, you can control oil production naturally.
• Use blotting paper to remove oil from your face.
• Use cool products, that is, you may keep your products in a refrigerator and apply them cold on your skin to keep your skin temperature low.
• Avoid using silicone-based make-up products like primers and liquid foundations.

The final word

Oily skin is not bad at all times. You will thank your skin later when it delays your ageing or prevents your make-up from getting patchy at an event. Oily skin needs more care than normal skin to look healthy and flawless. So make sure you follow the tips for healthy skin and have an oily skin-friendly skincare regime.

Positioning of Aayna

Skin problems are one of the most common issues that pop up especially if you have oily skin. So if you are also dealing with skin issues, the AAYNA clinic is the best stop for you. We are a group of knowledgeable and experienced aestheticians committed to providing patients with services tailored to their needs like hydra facials, chemical peels, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Should people with oily skin use oil-free cosmetics?

Well, it is not compulsory that oil-free cosmetics provide you with the skincare you require. Instead, go for non-comedogenic cosmetics that will suit your skin as well.

• Is aloe vera good for oily skin?

Aloe vera is an excellent option for oily skin as it is cool and keeps your skin temperature low. Also, it absorbs very easily into the skin, making it ideal for people with oily skin.

• Should people with oily skin use rose water?

Yes, people with oily skin can use rose water as it balances oil production, removes dead skin cells, nourishes the skin, prevent pore clogging, and reduces the risk of breakouts.