Oily skin is often indication by an overproduction of sebaceous glands that cause excess oil to secrete from the skin. While many people with oily skin are often frustrated by the amount of greasiness and slickness on their face, there are actually some compelling upsides, such as having a natural protective barrier that keeps your looking more youthful longer, having more protection from the sun, or even requiring less skin care products.
Though you may think that oily skin is something that is a teenager’s problem, this skin type is also often found in adulthood and can sometimes cause topical concerns, such as blackheads and acne. While oily skin is often genetic, there are many factors that can cause one to have a slicker appearance than desired so here are some reasons you may have oily skin and how to balance it out.
Genetics
The more sebaceous glands that one has in their skin, the more likely they will have an oily complexion. Genetics play the biggest role in skin type and is often handed down from parents. So, if your mother or father had oily skin, then chances are, you may also. The downside of this fact are there is essentially nothing you can do to change your skin type. However, if having oily skin is becoming a problem for you, there are many solutions to alleviating the severity of the oiliness, such as looking at your environment, stress levels, and what you are eating, etc.
Unhealthy Eating
As the saying goes, you are what you eat, so consuming a diet of unhealthy fats, refined carbohydrates, sugar, and dairy can all trigger your sebaceous glands to produce more oil because many processed foods will cause hormones to spike. Dairy foods are often high on the glycemic index and causes hormones to spike, therefore leading to an increase in oily skin and blemishes. Instead, eat the rainbow of fresh produce, nuts, and healthy fats that are found in fish, as well as drinking plenty of water to flush out toxins and keep the skin as balanced and clean as possible.
Poor Skin Hygiene
Sleeping in makeup and washing your face sporadically will put you on the fast track to uneven, blotchy, oilier skin. Even worse, bacteria, dirt, and debris can also creep into large pores and become a breeding ground for acne and blackheads. For this reason, it is important to wash your skin morning and night to prevent any potential problems in the future. It is also important to wash your skin with products that are beneficial for your skin type. A cleanser and moisturizer that contains gentle ingredients is the best way to go as to clear away excess oil without over-drying your skin.
Medication
If you are using an over-the-counter drug, then this may be affecting your skin. Whether you may be taking oral contraceptives or hormonal-balancing medicine, sometimes these can inadvertently create an unbalanced flora that leads to acne. Multivitamins can also impact your complexion, especially if said vitamin contains a potent amount of B12 so it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor about issues that arise and ways you can alleviate skin symptoms.
Stress
Stress is one of the biggest factors for illnesses that are affecting Americans everyday. While some stress is normal, too much stress can be dangerous. As your body’s stress levels increase, oil production is also increased, along with potential acne, with then also makes things more stressful. For this reason, it is important to practice self-care methods, such as exercise, meditation, yoga, or other calming rituals to keep your mental, emotional, and physical well-being in top shape.
The Wrong Products
When you have oily skin and are using cleansers and moisturizers that are actually meant for someone with dry skin, this could lead to potentially more oily skin. Products that are designed for dry skin tends to be more emollient, thicker, and hydrating to make up for the lack of oil and moisture within the skin. Therefore, if your skin is already oily and you are topping it with heavy, oily products, clogged pores and blemishes are likely to occur. Instead, utilize products intended for oily skin so that your complexion remains the most balanced. Oil-free products that gently cleanse are ideal as they wick away excess oil and dirt, while keeping your skin appropriately hydrated and moisturized.
The Environment
If you live in a humid, warm climate, your skin is likely to become more oily as the sebaceous glands are more stimulated in this type of climate. Utilizing an exfoliant, such as our Bio-Fruit Gel Exfoliator is very important after cleansing, to dislodge dead skin, oil, and dirt. Your skincare should also be lighter, yet still hydrating, so utilizing a cleanser and moisture that contains hyaluronic or an alpha-hydroxy acid will help to improve the look and feel of the skin, overall.
Though oily skin is thicker, it still needs a tender loving care to keep it in shape. Keep these tips in mind so that your skin stays balanced and fresh.
