The Ultimate Guide to Oily Skin: Causes, Skincare and How to Manage It

Oily skin is one of the most common skin types and is often associated with a shiny complexion, enlarged-looking pores and excess oil throughout the day. While it can sometimes feel frustrating to manage, oil plays an essential role in keeping our skin healthy.

Understanding what causes oily skin and how to care for it can make a real difference to your skincare routine. Rather than trying to remove every trace of oil, the aim should be to gently cleanse, maintain hydration and support the skin's natural protective barrier.

In this ultimate guide to oily skin, we'll explore what oily skin is, why it happens, how to recognise it and the best ways to care for it, including the ingredients and skincare products worth considering.

What Is Oily Skin?

Oily skin is a skin type characterised by increased production of sebum, a natural oily substance produced by the sebaceous glands within our skin.

Sebum is made up of a mixture of lipids, including triglycerides, wax esters and squalene. It forms part of the skin's surface oils and helps maintain the skin's natural protective environment (Picardo et al., 2009).

Although sebum is important for healthy skin function, some people naturally produce more than others. This can result in a shiny or greasy appearance, particularly across the forehead, nose and chin, commonly known as the T-zone.

Oily skin is not necessarily unhealthy skin. In fact, producing sebum is a completely normal biological process. The key is finding a skincare routine that helps manage excess oil without unnecessarily disrupting the skin barrier.

What Are the Signs of Oily Skin?

Oily skin can present differently from person to person, but there are several common characteristics.

• A shiny complexion: The face may develop a noticeable shine, particularly as the day progresses.
• Excess oil: Skin may feel greasy or oily to the touch, even shortly after cleansing.
• Visible pores: Pores may appear more noticeable, particularly around the nose, forehead and cheeks.
• Blackheads and congestion: Excess sebum can contribute to blocked pores when combined with dead skin cells.
• Makeup becoming shiny: Foundation and other complexion products may become shiny or move throughout the day.

It's important to remember that having visible pores or occasional blemishes doesn't automatically mean you have oily skin. These characteristics can occur across different skin types.

What Causes Oily Skin?

The amount of sebum our skin produces is influenced by several factors, including genetics, hormones, age and environmental conditions.

1. Genetics

Genetics plays an important role in determining skin type. Some people naturally have more active sebaceous glands, meaning their skin produces greater amounts of sebum.

If oily skin runs in your family, you may be more likely to experience it yourself.

2. Hormonal Changes

Hormones, particularly androgens, influence the activity of sebaceous glands and sebum production.

This is one reason oily skin is particularly common during puberty, although hormonal changes throughout adulthood can also affect how oily the skin feels.

3. Age

Sebum production often changes with age. It typically increases during puberty and may gradually decline later in adulthood, although this varies between individuals.

4. Weather and Humidity

Environmental conditions can influence how oily skin looks and feels. Hot or humid weather may increase the appearance of shine and can affect sebum levels measured at the skin's surface.

5. Skincare Products

Using products that are too harsh, overly drying or unsuitable for your skin can contribute to irritation and discomfort.

Although stripping the skin doesn't necessarily cause sebaceous glands to produce more oil, it can disrupt the skin barrier and leave skin feeling tight, dry or irritated while still appearing oily.

6. Stress

Stress can influence several biological processes within the skin. Research suggests that stress-related hormonal pathways may affect sebaceous gland activity, although the relationship is complex and varies between individuals.

7. Underlying Skin Conditions

Some skin conditions, including acne and seborrhoeic dermatitis, are associated with oily skin or changes in sebum activity.

If you experience persistent inflammation, discomfort or sudden significant changes in your skin, it may be worth seeking advice from a healthcare professional.

For a more detailed explanation, explore our guide to the causes of oily skin.

Oily Skin vs Combination Skin: What's the Difference?

Although oily and combination skin share some characteristics, they aren't quite the same.

Oily skin generally produces excess oil across much of the face, including the forehead, nose, cheeks and chin.

Combination skin typically involves different characteristics across the face. For example, the T-zone may be oily, while the cheeks feel normal or dry.

Identifying your skin type can help you choose products that address your skin's needs without over-cleansing or applying unnecessarily rich products to areas that don't require them.

Read more in our guide to oily skin vs combination skin.

Can Oily Skin Be Dehydrated?

Yes, one of the biggest misconceptions about oily skin is that it doesn't need hydration.

Oily skin refers to the amount of sebum produced, whereas dehydration refers to a lack of water within the skin.

This means your skin can produce excess oil while still feeling tight, uncomfortable or dehydrated.

Signs that oily skin may also be dehydrated include:

• Skin feeling tight after cleansing
• A shiny complexion alongside areas of dryness
• Fine dehydration lines appearing more noticeable
• Skin feeling uncomfortable or less supple
• Makeup settling into dry patches

Hydrating ingredients such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid can help attract and retain water within the outer layers of the skin.

Using a suitable moisturiser can also help reduce moisture loss and support the skin barrier.

Discover more in our article on oily but dehydrated skin.

How to Manage Oily Skin Without Stripping It

When managing oily skin, it can be tempting to use strong cleansers, exfoliate frequently or skip moisturiser altogether.

However, overly aggressive skincare can contribute to dryness, irritation and disruption of the skin barrier.

Instead, a balanced skincare routine should focus on the following principles.

Cleanse Gently

Regular cleansing helps remove excess sebum, dirt, makeup and daily impurities from the skin.

Choose a gentle cleanser that effectively cleanses without leaving your skin feeling excessively tight or uncomfortable.

For most people, cleansing in the morning and evening is sufficient, although individual needs can vary.

Exfoliate Without Overdoing It

Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells from the skin's surface and can improve the appearance of skin texture.

Chemical exfoliants such as alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) and polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) work in different ways.

Salicylic acid, a BHA, is particularly well known for its use in skincare designed for oily and blemish-prone skin because of its oil-soluble properties.

AHAs help exfoliate the skin's surface, while PHAs offer exfoliating properties and are often used in formulations designed to be gentler.

The ideal frequency depends on the product, its concentration and your skin's tolerance. Start gradually and avoid combining too many exfoliating products within the same routine.

Don't Skip Moisturiser

Even oily skin benefits from moisturising.

Moisturisers help maintain hydration and support the skin barrier, which is important for all skin types.

Lightweight formulations may be particularly appealing if you dislike the feeling of heavy products on your skin.

Wear Sunscreen Daily

Daily sun protection is an important part of any skincare routine, regardless of skin type.

Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and apply it generously as the final step of your morning skincare routine.

If you're prone to excess shine, you may prefer a lightweight, non-greasy formula that sits comfortably on the skin.

For more practical advice, read our guide on how to control oily skin without stripping your skin barrier.

The Best Skincare Routine for Oily Skin

A skincare routine for oily skin doesn't need to be complicated. In many cases, a few carefully chosen products used consistently can be more beneficial than an extensive routine.

Morning Skincare Routine

1. Cleanser: Gently cleanse to remove excess oil and impurities that have accumulated overnight.
2. Hydrating serum (optional): Consider a lightweight serum containing humectants such as hyaluronic acid or glycerin.
3. Moisturiser: Apply a suitable moisturiser to maintain hydration and support the skin barrier.
4. SPF: Finish with a broad-spectrum sunscreen to help protect against UV damage.

Evening Skincare Routine

1. Cleanser: Remove sunscreen, makeup, excess oil and daily impurities. Double cleansing may be useful if you're wearing makeup or water-resistant sunscreen.
2. Exfoliant: On suitable evenings, use a chemical exfoliant according to the product instructions and your skin's tolerance.
3. Moisturiser: Finish with a moisturiser to help maintain hydration overnight.

Consistency is important, and skincare routines should always be adapted to individual skin needs.

Explore our complete morning and evening skincare routine for oily skin.

What Ingredients Are Good for Oily Skin?

Several skincare ingredients can be particularly useful within a routine designed for oily skin.

Niacinamide

Niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, is commonly included in skincare formulations designed to support the skin barrier and improve the appearance of uneven skin tone.

Some research suggests niacinamide-containing formulations may help reduce the appearance of surface oiliness, although results depend on the formulation and evidence is still developing.

Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid that can help exfoliate within pores and is commonly used in products designed for oily and acne-prone skin.

AHAs and PHAs

Alpha hydroxy acids and polyhydroxy acids help exfoliate the skin's surface, improving the appearance of uneven texture and dullness.

PHAs have larger molecular structures than many commonly used AHAs, which can influence how they interact with the skin.

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that helps attract and retain water, making it a useful ingredient for maintaining hydration without necessarily adding a heavy or greasy feel.

Ceramides

Ceramides are lipids naturally present within the skin barrier. They play an important role in helping maintain the integrity of the outermost layer of the skin and reducing water loss.

Skincare containing ceramides can be particularly useful when the skin feels dry or uncomfortable.

Why Are Pores More Noticeable on Oily Skin?

Pores are small openings in the skin through which sebum reaches the surface.

People with oily skin may notice that their pores appear more visible, particularly around the nose and cheeks.

Pore appearance is influenced by several factors, including genetics, sebum production, age and skin elasticity.

Although skincare cannot permanently close or eliminate pores, appropriate cleansing, exfoliation and sun protection can help improve their appearance.

Sebaceous Filaments vs Blackheads

Sebaceous filaments and blackheads can look similar, but they aren't the same thing.

Sebaceous filaments are normal structures within the pores that help guide sebum towards the skin's surface. They may appear as small, flat, greyish or yellowish dots, particularly around the nose.

Blackheads are a form of acne known as open comedones. They develop when a pore becomes blocked with sebum and dead skin cells, with the exposed material darkening through oxidation.

Unlike blackheads, sebaceous filaments are a normal part of skin anatomy and don't need to be removed.

Attempting to squeeze or extract them repeatedly can irritate the skin and potentially damage the surrounding tissue.

Read our complete guide to sebaceous filaments vs blackheads.

Common Oily Skin Skincare Mistakes

Sometimes, the products and habits used to manage oily skin can contribute to additional skin concerns.

• Over-cleansing: Washing too frequently or using harsh cleansers may contribute to dryness and irritation.
• Skipping moisturiser: Oily skin still needs hydration and barrier support.
• Over-exfoliating: Excessive exfoliation can disrupt the skin barrier and cause sensitivity.
• Using too many active ingredients: Introducing multiple exfoliants or treatments at once can make it difficult to identify what suits your skin.
• Trying to eliminate all oil: Sebum is a normal and important part of healthy skin function.
• Skipping sunscreen: UV protection remains essential, even if your skin is oily.

Lucy Bee Skincare for Oily Skin

We believe skincare should help support the skin's natural functions rather than unnecessarily strip or disrupt them.

Our skincare range includes products that can be incorporated into a balanced routine for oily and combination skin.

Hydrating Foam Face Wash

Our Hydrating Foam Face Wash is designed to gently cleanse the skin, removing daily impurities and excess oil without leaving it feeling stripped.

It can be used as part of a morning and evening skincare routine.

AHA & PHA Exfoliating Tonic

Our AHA & PHA Exfoliating Tonic is designed to exfoliate the skin's surface and help improve the appearance of skin texture.

As with any exfoliating product, it should be introduced gradually and used according to the instructions and your skin's tolerance.

Ceramides Face Cream

Our Ceramides Face Cream is an option for those looking to maintain hydration and support the skin barrier.

SPF 50 Face Sunscreen

Our SPF 50 Face Sunscreen provides broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection in a non-greasy, fragrance free formula.

It also contains skincare ingredients including niacinamide, glycerin and hyaluronic acid.

Can You Get Rid of Oily Skin Permanently?

Oily skin is a natural skin type, and there isn't a skincare product that can permanently change your genetically determined sebum production.

However, the amount of oil your skin produces may change over time due to age, hormones and other factors.

A consistent skincare routine can help manage the appearance of excess oil, remove surface sebum and maintain skin comfort.

If oily skin is accompanied by persistent acne or significant concerns, a dermatologist can advise on appropriate treatment options.

Final Thoughts

Oily skin is a common and completely normal skin type. Although excess sebum can contribute to shine, visible pores and congestion, sebum itself plays an important role in maintaining the skin's natural protective environment.

The key to caring for oily skin is balance. Gentle cleansing, suitable exfoliation, regular moisturising and daily sun protection can all form part of an effective routine.

Rather than trying to eliminate oil altogether, focus on choosing skincare products that help maintain hydration, support the skin barrier and leave your skin feeling comfortable.

Understanding your skin type and adapting your routine accordingly can help you make more informed skincare choices.

Frequently Asked Questions About Oily Skin

References

Picardo, M., Ottaviani, M., Camera, E. and Mastrofrancesco, A. (2009). Sebaceous gland lipids. Dermato-Endocrinology, 1(2), 68–71.

Makrantonaki, E., Ganceviciene, R. and Zouboulis, C.C. (2011). An update on the role of the sebaceous gland in the pathogenesis of acne. Dermato-Endocrinology, 3(1), 41–49.

Draelos, Z.D. (2018). The science behind skin care: Moisturizers. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 17(2), 138–144.

Rawlings, A.V. and Harding, C.R. (2004). Moisturization and skin barrier function. Dermatologic Therapy, 17(s1), 43–48.

For further information about skincare and common skin concerns, visit the American Academy of Dermatology.