Why Is Your Skin Oily Year-Round?

In a lot of cases, skin is oily year-round because of the person’s genetics or where they live. Have you noticed that members of your family have seborrhoea and are always complaining about it? Did your Aunt Matilda complain that her already oily skin got worse when she moved to her retirement home in Florida? Those who live in places where it’s hot and humid all the time tend to have oilier skin.

Skin usually becomes less oily when the environment gets cold and dry in the winter, but for some people, their oily skin persists. There are others whose skin changes depending on their age, their skin care regimen or their lifestyle choices. You may have noticed your skin was oilier when you were a teenager, when you were pregnant or going through menopause or during a time when you were stressed. Other individuals with skin that seems oily all the time may be suffering from a poor diet, medical disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome or toxins in their environment.

In this article:

1. What Is Oily Skin?
2. What Are Signs of Oily Skin?
3. What Can Be Done?
   • Wash Your Skin Twice a Day
   • Use Noncomedogenic Products
   • Use an Astringent Toner
   • Moisturize Your Skin
   • Eat Healthy
4. Final Thoughts

Believe it or not, if you use harsh, astringent products on your oily skin, you can make it worse. These products just irritate your skin and stimulate your body to make even more oil.

Want to learn how to prevent your skin from being oily all year long? Read on!

What Is Oily Skin?

All healthy skin contains sebaceous glands; these are found in the dermis, the layer of skin below the epidermis. They are most often found near hair follicles and use the same blood supply. These glands secrete an oily, fatty substance called sebum, which uses the hair shaft to rise to the top of the skin. When the sebum arrives there, it spreads out to form a protective layer. In some people, the sebaceous glands produce more oil than they would probably like. The technical term for this is seborrhoea.

What Are Signs of Oily Skin?

If you have excess skin oil, you often have shiny areas on your face; these shiny patches may become more noticeable in the afternoon, during hot weather or if you’re stressed. You may have enlarged pores, especially on your nose, chin and cheeks. Unfortunately, your pores can be clogged with dirt and the dead skin your body constantly produces, which can lead to breakouts. The good news about excess skin oil is that people who have it tend not to wrinkle as much as people with normal or dry skin because the oil keeps the skin hydrated.

What Can Be Done?

Even if your excess skin oil is the result of hormone eruptions or your genetics, there are things you can do to keep it under control. Among them are the following:

Wash Your Skin Twice a Day

Wash once in the morning and then at night before bed. This keeps your pores clear and keeps sebum from building up. Cleanse your face gently and make sure to rinse the cleanser thoroughly from your skin.

Use Noncomedogenic Products

Noncomedogenic is a fancy word for a product that doesn’t clog your pores. They are mostly over-the-counter products, and it will say they are noncomedogenic on the label.

Use an Astringent Toner

An astringent is a chemical that causes your bodily tissues to close up or shrink, and astringent toners usually have rubbing alcohol, witch hazel, salicylic acid and solvents like resorcinol. You should dab on an astringent throughout the day if your skin feels oily, especially if you have been sweating. This helps clear out your pores. Just make sure that the astringent isn’t too harsh because that will irritate your skin and lead to breakouts. One tip is to carry a little spray bottle of astringent with you and give yourself a spritz now and then, especially on a hot day.

Moisturize Your Skin

People with oily skin are often surprised to learn they should still moisturize. In their case, it’s best to use a light, oil-free, water-based lotion instead of the creams used by individuals with dry or normal skin. The good news is that people with excess skin oil do not have to moisturize every day.

Eat Healthy

Though foods may not lead directly to oily skin, the overall health of your body has a bearing on the shape your skin is in. Avoid processed foods, which are foods that are high in unhealthy fats, sugar, salt and additives. These foods can lead to inflammation that can then cause breakouts.

Final Thoughts on Oily Skin

Oily skin does not have to be a scourge, and it doesn’t take an intensive, expensive beauty regimen to keep it under control. These are just a few tips you can use if your skin is oily throughout the year. Don’t hesitate to read more of our skin care articles.