Oily Skin Causes & Skincare Routine

If you've ever found yourself blotting away excess shine or grappling with unwanted breakouts, you're not alone. Oily skin is a common concern that affects many individuals, regardless of age or gender. But fear not, for understanding the underlying oily face causes is the first step towards achieving a balanced, radiant complexion.

So, what causes oily face? We spoke to many dermatologists and were given the following reasons.

1. Genetics

If your parents or close relatives have struggled with oily skin, chances are you might inherit the same predisposition. Genetics influence our skin's sebum production levels, determining whether you’re likely to have overactive sebaceous glands.

2. Hormonal Fluctuations

During puberty, hormonal changes kick into high gear, often leading to an increase in sebum production. This surge in oil can persist into adulthood for some individuals, particularly women who experience hormonal fluctuations during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause.

3. Environmental Factors

One of the main casues of oily skin can be environmental factors. Our skin, like a chameleon, adapts to its surroundings. Environmental factors such as humidity levels, pollution, and even seasonal changes can influence our skin's oil production.

In humid climates, our skin may overcompensate by producing more oil to maintain hydration levels, leading to that dreaded greasy sheen. Similarly, exposure to pollutants and harsh weather conditions can trigger the skin to produce excess sebum as a protective mechanism.

4. Skincare Routine Gone Awry

Ah, the irony – in our quest for clearer skin, we may inadvertently exacerbate the very issue we're trying to combat. Overzealous cleansing or using harsh, stripping products can disrupt your skin's natural balance, prompting it to produce more oil to compensate. Likewise, skipping moisturizer under the misconception that oily skin doesn't need hydration can backfire, causing the skin to produce even more oil in an attempt to hydrate itself.

5. Stress

Stress is one of the big causes of oily skin. When we're stressed, our bodies release cortisol, also known as the stress hormone. Elevated cortisol levels can stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce more oil, leading to increased shine and potential breakouts. While we can't always eliminate stress from our lives entirely, practicing stress-relief techniques such as meditation, exercise, or simply taking time for self-care can help mitigate its effects on our skin.

6. Diet and Lifestyle Choices

Consuming excessive amounts of sugary, processed foods or dairy products can exacerbate inflammation in the body, potentially leading to increased oil production and breakouts.

Additionally, habits such as smoking or excessive alcohol consumption can impair circulation and oxygen delivery to the skin, contributing to a dull, oily complexion. Opting for a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids, coupled with regular exercise, can work wonders for achieving a clearer, less oily complexion.

7. Medical Conditions

Certain medications, such as hormonal contraceptives or corticosteroids, can influence your skin's oil production levels. Likewise, medical conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or hormonal imbalances may contribute to oily skin as a secondary symptom.

Skincare Routine for Oily Skin

Crafting a skincare routine tailored to oily skin can work wonders in managing excess shine and maintaining skin health. Here are the essential steps of a skincare routine designed to keep oily skin in check.

1. Cleanser

Use gentle, foaming cleanser formulated specifically for oily skin as your first line of defense against excess oil and impurities. Look for ingredients such as salicylic acid or clay, known for their ability to unclog pores and regulate sebum production. Ratrani Clay Face Wash from Nourish Mantra is an excellent choice to try.

2. Toner

After cleansing, use a balancing toner to help further refine pores and remove any lingering traces of dirt or oil. Opt for an alcohol-free toner infused with glow imparting ingredients like Vitamin C and glycolic acid. Our Radiant Glow Toner contains both these ingredients and is knowln for giving glowing skin.

3. Serum

Next up, a lightweight, oil-free serum packed with potent antioxidants and hydrating ingredients can work wonders for oily skin. Look for serums containing ingredients like vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, or niacinamide to help brighten the skin and regulate oil production.

Facial Glow Serum by Nourish Mantra contains the goodness of Vitamin C and hyaluronic acid to help take away skin dullness and give you that plump glowy skin without the added stress of oil.

4. Moisturizer

Contrary to popular belief, oily skin still requires hydration to maintain its moisture barrier and prevent overproduction of oil. Opt for a non-comedogenic, oil-free moisturizer with a lightweight texture that won't clog pores or feel heavy on the skin.

Try Urban Rani Daily Moisturizing Cream from Nopurish Mantra. It contains hyaluronic Acid, niacinamide and sea buckthorn that deeply nourish the skin, without making it oily. It is known for improving skin texture with time.

5. Sunscreen

Last but certainly not least, sunscreen is a non-negotiable step in any skincare routine, especially for oily skin prone to sun-induced damage and pigmentation. Choose Ray Rescue Sunscreen from Nourish Mantra. It is a SPF 50 broad-spectrum sunscreen with a lightweight, non-greasy formula that won't exacerbate oiliness or clog pores.

To Sum It Up

Oily skin is influenced by a myriad of factors, from genetics and hormones to environmental triggers and lifestyle choices. By understanding the underlying causes and adopting a tailored skincare routine, you can work towards achieving a balanced, healthy complexion.

Remember, skincare is not a one-size-fits-all approach – what works for one person may not necessarily work for another. So, embrace your skin's unique quirks.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why does my skin get so oily?

Your skin may produce excess oil due to factors such as genetics, hormonal fluctuations, and environmental influences like humidity and pollution. These factors can stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum, resulting in an oily complexion.

2. How do you stop oily skin?

To manage oily skin, maintain a consistent skincare routine with products formulated for oily skin types, such as gentle cleansers, oil-free moisturizers, and non-comedogenic sunscreen. Additionally, incorporate lifestyle changes like managing stress levels, staying hydrated, and avoiding pore-clogging products.

3. What foods cause oily skin?

While there's no direct link between specific foods and oily skin, consuming a diet high in processed foods, sugary snacks, and dairy products may exacerbate inflammation in the body, potentially leading to increased oil production and breakouts.