Oily skin: Do you suffer from excessive oily skin? Why is that so?

Oily skin, particularly the face, is quite common. Especially in young people during hormonal changes.

In other cases, it is also a symptom of obesity and overweight.

In general, oily skin is characterized by enlarged pores, it appears oily and shiny, especially when talking about the face, where the most sebaceous glands are located.

Many times the result is excess sebum, which is produced in the sebaceous glands of the skin. These sebaceous glands are mostly on the forehead, nose, chin, and cheeks.

Oily skin is rather more lubricated.

Places with higher commonness of sebaceous glands:

• forehead
• nose
• chin
• shoulders
• cleavage
• back

In connection with the increased production of sebum, there is also a higher occurrence of inflammatory deposits. This is reflected in a higher occurrence of acne and other types of rashes caused by clogged pores of the skin.

The surrounding environment is also related to oily skin

The surrounding environment is also very important. Where the person lives also affects the skin. This for instance when it comes to the dry environment like wind, dry and cold weather, what has a direct impact on the increasing dryness of the skin.

The skin oiliness increases usually during the summer. The main cause of it is the dry hot air, but also excessive sun exposure, henceforth the sunbathing. This causes dryness and therefore makes it lubricated to a higher extent.

Such an effect is the same when using the air conditioning for cooling during the summer days. Air conditioning produces dry and cool air, which in return affects the skin condition. In addition to the skin, it also dries the respiratory tract, which causes the growth of microorganisms.

The natural defensive reaction of the body, and therefore the skin, is the formation of sebum to lubricate the skin. This will restore it to a dry protective layer. A very dry environment thus surprisingly affects a higher production of sebum.

Excessive hygiene, inappropriate hygienic products, cosmetics, and oily skin

Similarly, a higher level of sebum production is associated with cleaning manner. Excessive and frequent washing results in dry skin, which as a result gets lubricated to form a protective layer.

Frequent washing with high pH soap is not suitable. Although the skin dries for a short time after washing, the skin reacts again with higher sebum production. Even for hygienic needs, it is important to use the right kind of products for a particular skin type.

Various cosmetics, creams, masks, make-up, and skincare products thus affect the condition of the skin, hence oily skin. This also applies to shampoo. An unsuitable shampoo or whole-body shower gel causes an oily scalp.

Consequently, the formation of dandruff and oily hair increases. Itchy scalp may also be associated. Excessive oil of the skin for men and women has the same causes, namely poor skincare.

A suitable type of hygienic needs or cosmetics can be recommended by a beautician or a dermatology specialist.

Excessive amounts of makeup or powder are also bad. Similarly, sleeping with makeup or insufficiently cleansed skin have negative effects on the skin.

Lifestyle, diet, and oily skin

It is very important to maintain a proper lifestyle, and daily life, and therefore a healthy diet. It also includes a sufficient drinking regime,  enough exercise, and a balanced supply of energy in the form of food.

Likewise, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and poor lifestyle can contribute to the excessive production of sebum and the subsequent formation of oily skin.

Hormonal changes as a cause of oily skin

Hormones in the body have a great influence as well. Therefore, oily skin is often a present issue for pregnant women. The same is valid for young people during adolescence. Hormonal maturation has a great effect on increased sebum production.

During this period of hormonal changes, the occurrence of acne and rashes also increases due to oily skin. These are associated with increased sebum production, duct obstruction, and bacterial infection.

Deficiency or, conversely, excessive production, or increased levels of hormones in the body are also the reasons behind oily skin. This is also the case, for example,  with the use of hormonal contraception.

Oily skin is interconnected to overweight and obesity

Overweight people or people with obesity issues have an increased incidence of oily skin as well as oily hair. It is related to the accumulation of fat stores in the body. These also occur under the influence of hormonal disorders, disproportionate and unsuitable diet, or also from the lack of exercise.

In humans, this leads to increased production of fat stores in the body. Excess body fat is also reflected in increased sebum production and excretion through the skin pores. This creates oily skin on the face, as well as overall oily skin in the entire body.

What are the other causes of oily skin?

Increased production in the sebaceous gland can also be affected by some drugs or even psychological factors such as stress. Likewise, heredity and genetic predispositions can affect the excessive production of sebum in the sebaceous glands.

Similarly, even when there is a lack of a group of B vitamins, such as B2 or B5 in the body, it leads to skin lubrication. Even in this case, the solution is a proper lifestyle and a balanced food intake.