Everyone’s skin produces oil, which is essential for maintaining its health and wellbeing. The correct term for this oil is sebum, a substance naturally produced by the sebaceous glands in the body to nourish and protect the skin.

So, when is a skin type considered oily? Oily skin is defined by the excess production of sebum. When the glands produce too much, it can result in greasy skin, clogged pores, and a range of skin concerns – most commonly acne.

Oily skin can be caused by a variety of factors. The most common is genetics – if your parents’ sebaceous glands overproduced sebum, you’re more likely to experience the same.

Age is another key factor, closely linked to hormonal changes. Many people experience oily skin during certain life stages, particularly in their teenage years and early adulthood.

Climate also plays a role. In hot and humid conditions, the skin tends to produce more oil, which is why oily skin is more common during the summer months.

Lastly, skincare habits can contribute to excess oil production. Using products that aren’t suited to your skin type or being too aggressive with treatments – such as over-cleansing or over-exfoliating – can strip the skin, prompting it to produce even more sebum to compensate..

As with any skincare routine, the first step is to cleanse twice daily – morning and evening – using a cleanser formulated for oily or combination skin. Many people with oily skin mistakenly believe that they shouldn’t apply anything after cleansing, but skipping moisturiser can actually cause the skin to produce even more oil to compensate.

That’s why it’s essential to follow cleansing with a moisturiser suited to oily skin – ideally one that’s lightweight and non-comedogenic.

Another important aspect of treating oily skin is avoiding certain ingredients, particularly occlusive ones like coconut oil, cocoa butter, and petroleum jelly, as these can clog pores. It’s also important to avoid touching your face throughout the day, as this can transfer bacteria and oil.

If your skin becomes very shiny, use blotting sheets to gently absorb excess oil without disrupting your skincare.

Having an oily face can be frustrating, but there are several effective ways to keep it under control. In addition to tailoring the right skincare routine for oily skin, it’s important to include targeted treatments at least once a week – such as a purifying face mask that helps clear out pores and leaves the skin feeling refreshed.

To help regulate oil production, consider making lifestyle adjustments. Reducing stress, incorporating more fresh fruits and vegetables into your diet, and limiting alcohol consumption can all contribute to healthier, more balanced skin.