The Ultimate Guide to Oily Skin: Origin, Causes, Care and Home Remedies

Acne is a real cosmetic problem. Many of the acne patients sometimes feel that they would never get rid of acne.

With latest treatments, if you have patience, you can treat your acne successfully. But what if you also have oily skin ?

Introduction to Oily Skin

The skin is the body’s outer covering and functions as a protection from heat, infection, injury, and harmful ultraviolet rays.

The skin also regulates body temperature and stores water, fat, and vitamin D.

Skin Main Layers

In order to understand how skin get oily, let’s explain how the skin is structured:

The skin has two main layers, namely:

1. Outer Epidermis
2. Inner Dermis

1. Outer Epidermis

The outer layer of the skin mostly made up of flat, scale-like cells called squamous cells.

The deepest part of the epidermis contains melanocytes and these cells produce melanin that gives the skin its color.

2. Inner Dermis

This inner layer of the skin contains blood and lymph vessels, hair follicles, and glands.

he glands produce sweat as part of regulating body temperature. It also produces serum, which is an oily substance that keeps the skin from drying out.

When the sweat and serum reach the skin’s surface through tiny openings called pores.

When these pores are blocked, congested with dirt, or become infected, skin breakouts occur.

Skin breakouts may come in the form of acne, pimples, whiteheads, blackheads, congested pores, and cysts.

Oily Skin: What is it ?

Our skin has sebaceous glands. These glands produce sebum. This sebum keeps our skin well moisturized and protects skin from microbial infections.

The sebum is mainly made of lipids and dead skin cells. The skin constantly produces the sebum.

If you don’t wash your hair for few days you will find that your hair is oily. That is sebum. What if your body produces more than required sebum ? You get oily skin.

Oily Skin: Is it a skin disorder ?

Oily skin is a big trouble for many of us. Why our skin oozes more oils than others is a big mystery for the sufferers.

The skin attracts more dirt and is more prone to acne. it has shining look and causes all types of cosmetic problems.

Why do we have that kind of skin ? Can we do something to eliminate this problem forever ? Let us find out.

The Main Causes of Oily Skin

Why Does Skin produce Oils ?

Our skin produces sebum. This sebum is mainly made of lipids. The sebum protects us from microbial infections and keeps our skin moist.

Along with sebum, we also produce sweat. Our skin also sheds dead skin cells. All these combine and form a layer on the skin.

Those who have oily skin, produce more of sebum. Hormones mainly activate the sebum production and some of us are genetically conditioned to produce more oils. You should talk with your doctor if anything can be done with the hormones.

Oily Skin: Why Some people get it ?

Why some people have it ? As we saw, the sebum makes the skin oily. Some of us have overactive sebaceous glands.

That is mainly because of hormones that trigger excess sebum production. That is the reason many women get more oily skin during their menstrual periods.

Apart from regular care of the oily skin, talk to your doctor about any method to control the androgens that trigger sebum production.

List of Oily Skin Origins & Causes

1- Genes

Oily skin is actually not automatically a bad thing, but most doctors will still refer to the cause as having bad genes rather than calling it a hereditary cause.

If your parents had this type of condition as well, then there is a good chance that they can pass it on to you.

A number of things have been discovered to be genetic and oily skin happens to be one of those things.

2- Diet

There are a number of things in terms of the diet that you choose that can actually affect the level of fluids and oil secreted by the pores in your skin.

If you have a diet that is low in protein and leafy green vegetables while at the same time being high in things like sugar, then through your lifestyle choice you are encouraging the type of oily secretions that are typically characterized as one of the main nuisances associated with an oily skin condition.

3- Hormone Levels

There are a number of different hormone levels that can affect whether or not you have oily skin and of course the hormone levels can be altered by various life events.

Puberty can be an example of something that tends to lead to hormonal imbalances that can be a result of oily skin and at the other end of the spectrum as well menopause is another event that can create hormonal imbalances of a different kind that can also result in the same type of condition.

4- Pregnancy

Hot on the heels of the hormonal level shifts is the idea of pregnancy. Pregnancy is actually a subset of the hormonal level shift idea but at the same time it deserves its own mention here because so many of you will be likely to read articles on oily skin specifically because you are experiencing it as a result of pregnancy.

A number of rapid changes occur in the body during pregnancy and while oily skin is a result of those changes and is often overlooked, if you happen to be pregnant and are experiencing those symptoms for the first time then there is a very good chance that one event has led straight to the other.

5- Use of Birth Control Pills

As you may already know, a lot of different things relating to getting pregnant and the pregnancy itself are caused by changes in hormones that occur when a woman is ovulating as well as when she gets pregnant.

Birth control works in a way that partially changes the way in which those hormones work and while birth control pills are effective for preventing pregnancy, at the same time there is also the potential for them to cause symptoms such as oily skin.

This form of the symptom is usually not that intense, but at the same time it is definitely a possibility.

Acne and Oily Skin

Oily skin is the right environment for the P.acnes bacteria to flourish. With more oil in the glands and on the skin, these bacteria infect many glands and produce acne.

Professional treatment is the best for acne, the earlier the treatment provided, the better. A good doctor will be in a position to treat acne-using medications by controlling the over-active sebaceous glands, hormonal imbalance, or even stress.

It is good not to squeeze or break the pimples and acne, as it will lead to spread the infection and can make the area swell and might even lead to permanent scarring.

Instead of using oily cosmetics, it is better to go for water based ones, which might be less harsh. It is always good to remove make up at night, if left on the whole night might cause irritation to the skin.

Regular shampooing is recommended as it may reduce the pimple appearing on the forehead, it is good to avoid hair products like gels and pomades, as they are oily.

Read more about Acne here.

How to Take Care of Oily Skin ?

The basics of Oily Skin Care

The basic aim of “oily skin care” is the removal of excessive sebum or oil from the skin. However, oily skin care procedures should not lead to complete removal of oil. Oily skin care starts with the use of a cleanser.

Cleansers for Oily skin

However, not all cleansers will work. You need a cleanser which contains[amazon_textlink asin=’B001G7QRE4′ text=’ salicylic acid’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’freshnaturalskin-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’c6f174e7-bb5f-11e8-9d64-7b507467ebdc’] i.e. a beta-hydroxy acid that retards the rate of sebum production.
Cleansing should be done twice a day (and even more in hot and humid conditions).

Find here Top 10 Organic Facial Cleansing Products for Oily Skin.

Most of the oily skin care products are oil-free; however, it is always good to check the ingredients of the product, before you actually buy it. This is especially important if a product is marked as suitable for all skin types, instead of oily skin care product.

Oily skin care is also dependent on the degree of oiliness, if you aren’t too oily, so some of these -suitable for all- type of products might be work for you too. For extremely oily skin, only oily skin care products are suitable.

Alcohol Based Toner

Your oily skin care routine can include an [amazon_textlink asin=’B000S823S6′ text=’alcohol based toner’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’freshnaturalskin-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’ebb2a206-bb5f-11e8-b1db-ff53ddd0fb97′] (for an extremely oily skin).

This can be the second step in your oily skin care routine i.e. just after cleansing. However, excessive toning can harm your skin.

Mild Moisturiser

The next step in your oily skin care routine can be a mild moisturiser. Again, the degree of oiliness of your skin will determine whether you need to include this in your oily skin care routine.

If you do decide to include a moisturiser, be sure to use one that is oil-free, wax-free and lipid-free.

You could also use a clay mask (say once a week) as an oily skin care measure.

As far as the oily skin care products go, you might need to try out a few before you arrive at the one that is really suitable for your skin.

Some Solutions for Oily Skin

Some of the more common skin care solutions include the use of the following products:

• Cleanser ( read more about
• Exfoliator
• Moisturizer
• Sunblock
• Toner

The use of these products help promote elasticity and good complexion. Proper skin maintenance takes more than just having a face-washing regimen. The use of these products is necessary to have a blemish-free skin.

The Main Care Products for Oily Skin

Here a guide on How to Choose an Oily Skin Care Products That’s Right For You.

1. [amazon_textlink asin=’B00GHK20PK’ text=’Vitamin C Antioxidant Concentrate’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’freshnaturalskin-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’f277cc87-bb5d-11e8-b3f9-1962936e17e8′]

Vitamin C Antioxidant Concentrate is proven to stimulate the synthesis of collagen,it helps keep a youthful glow and delays the aging process of the skin.

2. [amazon_textlink asin=’B0089N2MO2′ text=’2% Beta Hydroxy Acid Oil-Control Gel’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’freshnaturalskin-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’fa91ec88-bb5d-11e8-bbb9-29df88da7193′]

2% Beta Hydroxy Acid Oil-Control Gel – is a mattifying gel base which dissolves excess surface oil. This treatment is highly recommend for oily skin types.

A thorough skin care routine is important to keep our largest organ in tip-top shape.

Other skin care tips that one should consider include having regular visits to a dermatologist; drinking plenty of water; eating a balanced diet; and getting enough sleep. To prevent skin allergies, it is important to be aware about the ingredients of every skin care product you use.

There are many reasons for your skin to become oily for e.g. hereditary, pregnancy, environment, food we eat and many others.

Our body secretes oil to keep our body smooth and supple. It also avoids wrinkles which becomes a cause of worry for many.

Natural Home Remedies for Oily Skin care

To avoid oily skin apply fresh smashed tomatoes on your face.

The first step of having an oil-free skin is to clean your face with gentle face wash to remove excess oil and dirt. Wipe your face with astringent lotion as it is a fat and grease solvent.

The astringent should have acetone and should also be alcohol free. Later apply a watery moisturizer to keep your skin smooth. Remove excess moisturizer by dabbing a tissue over it.

1- Oily Skin Care Home Made: oatmeal, egg, lemon, apple

Blend:

• 1/2 cup cooked oatmeal,
• 1 egg white,
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice and
• 1/2 cup mashed apple into a smooth paste.

Apply this paste on your face for 15 minutes, later rinse it.

2- Clay Musk as Natural Oily Skin Care

You can apply mud packs or clay masks on your face which helps in soaking oil from the skin.

This may provide a temporary relief as the long term effects is inconclusive.

3- Egg Mask for a Natural Oily Skin Care

Blend :

• 1 egg white,
• 1 teaspoon camphor spirit,
• and 1 tablespoon skim milk powder and
• and a drop of mint essential oil.

Before applying the mask, apply odorless castor oil. Apply the mask, keep it for 15 minutes; wash it off with warm water to be rinsed by apple cider vinegar and water / witch hazel solution.

4- Cucumber can be a excellent Remedy for Oily Skin

Grate a cucumber and keep it in the fridge. Apply this grated chilled cucumber on your face for 15 minutes. Use this at least twice a week for a clean and clear face.

Cucumber can also be used in juice form mixed with lemon juice. Apply this mixture half-an-hour before you take a bath.
The proportion would be:

• 1/2 a tsp each of cucumber and lemon juice.

5- Herbs Based Facial Saune for Oily skin Home Remedies

Get a facial sauna by using herbs such as lemongrass, licorice root and rosebuds.

Keep it in simmer, 2 to 4 tablespoons of fresh or dried herbs in 2 quarts of water. Once you see the steam cover your face over it.

To entrap the steam, cover your head with a damp towel and be in that position for 15 minutes. Later wash your face with cold water and dab it dry.

More Quick Natural Home Remedies Tips for Oily Skin

• Drink plenty of water at least 8-10 glasses per day.
• Avoid smoking.
• Have a healthy and balanced diet.
• Use baby powder to dab your face as it works better than many other products.
• You can rub oily areas with apple cider vinegar for a neutralizing effect.
• Use of hot water more often as it is a great solvent.

For more detail, check The Best Home Remedies For Oily Skin

Discloser

This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.