Volume Two: Understanding Skin Concerns

 Chapter Five

 

Oily Skin: Why Your Skin Produces Excess Oil

 

“Healthy skin isn’t oil-free skin. The goal isn’t to remove your skin’s natural oils—it’s to restore balance.”

 

Welcome

One of the biggest myths in skincare is that oily skin needs to be dried out.
It doesn’t.

In fact, many people with oily skin unknowingly make their skin worse by over-cleansing, over-exfoliating and using harsh products that damage the skin barrier.

Healthy skin isn’t about removing every trace of oil.

It’s about understanding why your skin produces oil in the first place—and helping it function normally.

What Is Oily Skin?

Oily skin produces more sebum than the skin requires.
Sebum is a natural oil produced by sebaceous glands.

It plays an important role in:

* Protecting the skin barrier
* Preventing moisture loss
* Lubricating the skin
* Supporting a healthy microbiome

Oil itself isn’t the problem.

Problems occur when excess oil combines with dead skin cells, bacteria and inflammation.

What Causes Oily Skin?

Several factors influence oil production.

Genetics

Some people naturally have larger or more active sebaceous glands.

Hormones

Hormonal changes are one of the biggest drivers of excess oil.
Oil production often increases during:

* Puberty
* Menstrual cycles
* Pregnancy
* Perimenopause
* Menopause (for some women)
* PCOS

Climate

Hot, humid weather often increases oil production.

Incorrect Skincare

Ironically, stripping the skin with harsh cleansers or alcohol-based products can leave the skin dehydrated.

When this happens, the skin barrier becomes compromised and the skin may feel tight while still appearing shiny.

Oily Skin vs Acne

Although they’re often linked, they aren’t the same condition.

Many people have oily skin without acne.

Many people with acne don’t actually produce excessive oil.

Acne develops through several contributing factors:

* Oil production
* Blocked pores
* Cutibacterium acnes bacteria
* Inflammation
* Hormonal influences

Healthy skin management looks at all of these—not just oil.

Signs You May Have Oily Skin

You may notice:
* Shine appearing within a few hours of cleansing
* Enlarged pores
* Congestion
* Blackheads
* Frequent breakouts
* Makeup wearing off quickly

Common Mistakes

Washing Too Often
More cleansing doesn’t reduce oil production.
It often damages the skin barrier.

Skipping Moisturiser
Oily skin still needs hydration.
A lightweight moisturiser helps support normal barrier function.

Over-Exfoliating
Using multiple acids or scrubs every day often increases irritation rather than improving oil control.

Treating Every Product Like an Acne Product
Not everyone with oily skin needs strong acne treatments.

Ingredients That Can Help

Niacinamide
Supports barrier function while helping regulate excess oil and reducing visible pores.

Salicylic Acid (BHA)
Oil-soluble and excellent for helping unclog pores.

Azelaic Acid
Helps reduce inflammation while supporting clearer, calmer skin.

Retinoids
Can help normalise skin cell turnover and reduce congestion over time.

Clay Masks
Can temporarily absorb excess surface oil but should not replace a consistent skincare routine.

Building a Routine for Oily Skin

A balanced routine usually includes:

Morning
* Gentle cleanser
* Antioxidant or balancing serum
* Lightweight moisturiser
* SPF 50+

Evening
* Gentle cleanser
* Active ingredient (if appropriate)
* Moisturiser

Consistency almost always performs better than aggressive treatments.

Professional Guidance Matters

Not all oily skin behaves the same. Some people are genetically oily.

Others appear oily because their skin barrier has become dehydrated and irritated.
Understanding the cause determines the correct treatment.

A professional consultation allows your skincare to be tailored to your skin rather than simply treating the shine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does oily skin age better?

Generally - Yes.  Oily skin may develop fine lines later than dry skin because sebum provides some natural lubrication. However, oily skin is still affected by sun damage, collagen loss and lifestyle factors.

Should I avoid moisturiser?

No.
Even oily skin needs hydration and barrier support.

Is oily skin caused by eating greasy food?

Not directly.
Diet may influence some people’s acne, but oily skin is primarily driven by genetics, hormones and sebaceous gland activity.

Will washing my face more reduce oil?

No.
Over-cleansing usually irritates the skin and may make it feel even oilier.

Continue Your Skin Journey

Understanding oily skin is only part of the picture.
For many people, hormones play a major role in how the skin behaves throughout life.

Next Chapter: Teenage Skin – Hormones, Acne & Prevention

Discover why puberty changes the skin, why acne becomes more common during the teenage years, and how building healthy skincare habits early can support clearer skin for life.

Or, if you’d like personalised advice, Book a Skin Consultation at The Skin Code and let our experienced skin therapists create a treatment and skincare plan tailored specifically to your skin.