Oily skin is a skin condition characterized by excessive production of sebum [1], which is an oily substance produced by the sebaceous glands in the skin. This condition can be influenced by several factors and understanding the underlying causes is essential to identifying the most effective treatments.
In this article, we will explore the causes and specific treatments for various types of oily skin, starting with a clear definition: how can it be distinguished? How is it different from combination or dry skin? We often talk about the causes and remedies for keeping dry skin well hydrated, but now it's time to shift our attention to oily skin, and the care it requires.
What is oily skin?
Usually, "oily skin" refers to a type of skin in which the sebaceous glands in the epidermis produce an abnormal amount of sebum, an oily substance that, in the right amount, serves to protect and moisturize the skin [2], maintaining the normal hydrolipidic film. But comedones, commonly known as blackheads, can produce sebum in excessive quantities, especially if stimulated by external agents such as bacteria and dirt [5]. This abundant secretion of sebum can lead to various symptoms, including the presence of a shiny or oily appearance on the surface of the skin and visibly enlarged pores. In addition, oily skin usually develops a greater propensity for acne, pustules and blemishes [3].
What types of oily skin exist?
Oily skin is not a uniform condition, but can present different shades and subtypes depending on the symptoms and characteristics of each individual [4]. If we wanted to attempt a classification, we could divide oily skin into the following types.
- Normal oily skin. This is a relatively balanced subtype of oily skin: sebum production is increased, but not excessively so, and the skin may appear slightly shiny in the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin), but not particularly noticeable. This is a condition common to many individuals.
- Combination oily skin. Combination skin can also be classified as a subtype of oily skin, because it is characterized by the presence of different areas on the same surface of the face or body. Typically, the T-zone is more oily, while the cheeks can be normal or dry. This subtype requires specific care for different areas of the face.
- Oily skin with enlarged pores. It is not uncommon for the sebaceous glands to produce excess sebum, resulting in an unusual enlargement of the pores, particularly noticeable in the T-zone.
- Oily skin with acne. Excessive sebum production can increase the risk of acne: clogged pores with sebum and dead cells can promote the development of pimples, blackheads and other types of blemishes [5].
- Oily shiny skin. This subtype is characterized by a dull complexion and a noticeable shine on the surface of the skin, which appears almost immediately after cleansing and often requires the use of specific products to control sebum production throughout the day.
- Oily skin with blemishes. High sebum production can increase the likelihood of developing pimples, blackheads, and other types of blemishes. This subtype often requires targeted attention to blemish management.
It is important to note that oily skin types can vary from person to person and can also change over the course of a lifetime due to factors such as age, hormones, environment, and skin care. Identifying your oily skin subtype can help you select the right products and treatments to address the specific challenges of this skin condition.
Common causes of oily skin
The main cause of oily skin is linked to the activity of the sebaceous glands [6], which are particularly active in areas of the skin such as the forehead, nose and chin (also known as the T-zone). These glands produce sebum, a substance that has the task of keeping the skin hydrated and protected; however, when the production of sebum is excessive, the skin can appear greasy, asphyxiated and shiny.
Several factors can influence sebum production and the tendency to have oily skin. Among the main ones are genetic factors, which can predispose some people to a higher level of sebum; oily skin can also be associated with certain conditions, such as seborrheic dermatitis. Hormones also play a crucial role: during adolescence, for example, the increase in sex hormones, such as androgens, can stimulate the production of sebum, leading to the typical oily skin of the teenage age. Likewise, hormonal changes related to pregnancy, the use of contraceptives or conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can continue to influence oily skin even in adults.
It should also be remembered that climate and environmental conditions are also decisive factors in the development of oily skin: humidity and heat, in fact, can stimulate the sebaceous glands, contributing to greater oiliness of the skin. Finally, among the most common causes of oily skin, there is inadequate hygiene of the epidermis: using aggressive or inappropriate products on the skin can damage the natural balance of sebum. Not only that: excessive use of aggressive detergents for cleansing the skin of the face can lead to an even greater production of sebum in response.
Even using oil-free makeup and cosmetics (especially mattifying ones) can be helpful in treating oily skin: it is also important to remember to cleanse thoroughly and remove all traces of makeup before going to sleep.
What are the most effective treatments for oily skin?
Managing oily skin requires a very balanced approach, starting with regular cleansing with gentle cleansers [9] to help remove excess sebum and impurities without causing excessive dryness. Hydration and sun protection are also important for oily skin [7], but it is advisable to use a light, non-comedogenic cream [9] that will not clog pores. It is recommended to start with a proper cleansing, washing your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser formulated for oily skin. After cleansing, it is a good idea to use a light moisturizer to keep the skin supple and healthy, by applying a thin layer with your fingers and gently massaging. During the day, you can use paper towels to dab your face and remove excess sebum, without rubbing [9].
Additionally, using products containing salicylic acid or clay (especially kaolin clay) can help control excess sebum and prevent blemishes. These ingredients gently exfoliate the skin, helping to remove dead skin cells and prevent sebum from building up in the pores. If these products aren't enough, you can consider professional treatments , such as chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy, which can help improve oily skin by reducing sebum production and improving its texture.
Of course, diet and lifestyle also influence the well-being of the skin [6]: a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle can influence some aspects of the skin, such as hydration, the appearance of impurities and blemishes, which are also reflected in the production of excess sebum. Drinking plenty of water, eating plenty of fruit and vegetables, avoiding foods high in sugar or saturated fats and managing stress can contribute to healthier and more balanced skin. In some cases, you may resort to the use of drugs or food supplements: it is always essential to read the label, whose specific requirements are regulated by Directive 2002/46 / EC [8], in order to understand if the product is suitable for the specific type of skin. In case of doubts and uncertainties, or if oily skin is particularly problematic, consulting a doctor or dermatologist can be useful to determine the most appropriate treatment for the individual case.
Since different types of oily skin can have different characteristics and specific needs, it is important to choose the right products and treatments to get the best results. For example, if a good cleansing and moisturizing routine is enough for normal oily skin, for combination skin it is necessary to use specific products on the different areas of the face, differentiating at least the T-zone, which tends to be oily, from the cheeks, lip contour and eyes, which tend to be dry. For oily skin with dilated pores, salicylic or glycolic acid-based treatments can be particularly useful, in addition to the use of clay masks. Oily skin with acne requires a separate treatment, for which it is necessary to consider the use of topical products prescribed by a dermatologist, such as retinoids or antibiotics, aimed at treating more severe acne.
In short, it is important to choose treatments based on the specific needs of your skin and consult a dermatologist if you have any doubts or serious problems related to oily skin. A dermatologist can provide personalized advice and recommendations to achieve the best results in the treatment and care of oily skin.
Sources
[1] Treccani Encyclopedia, Sebo , https://www.treccani.it/enciclopedia/sebo/
[2] Treccani Encyclopedia, Cute , https://www.treccani.it/enciclopedia/cute/
[3] Istituto Dermoclinico Vita Cutis, What are the causes of oily skin?, https://dermoclinico.com/news/cause-pelle-grassa-trattamenti-dermatologo/
[4] IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Normal, combination or oily skin: how to recognize it and how to treat it, https://www.humanitas.it/news/pelle-normale-pelle-grassa/
[5] Swisse, Pimples on the face and body: causes and remedies to eliminate them completely , https://it.swisse.com/blogs/inestetismi-della-pelle/brufoli-su-viso-e-corpo-cause-e-rimedi
[6] Veronesi Foundation, Healthy and young skin is also earned at the table , https://www.fondazioneveronesi.it/magazine/articoli/alimentazione/pelle-sana-e-giovane-a-partire-dalla-tavola
[7] Blog of dermatologist Antonino Di Pietro, Oily skin: doubts and most common solutions , https://www.antoninodipietro.it/1997/01/pelle-grassa-i-dubbi-le-soluzioni/#Anche_la_pelle_grassa_ha_bisogno_di_irrigazione
[8] EFSA, Food supplements , https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/topics/topic/food-supplements
[9] American Academy of Dermatology Association, How to control oily skin , https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/dry/oily-skin