How to Control Your Oily Skin

Do you have oily skin? Here are some strategies to first of all understand what causes oily skin, and secondly to know how to control it, so that you can go through your days with better-feeling healthier skin. It's easier than you think!

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Assessing Causes of Oily Skin

Oil on the skin is produced by the sebaceous glands. These are more numerous in the areas of the face, neck, chest, and back, which is why these areas are where you most commonly experience oily skin.^{[1]XResearch source}
2
Know the factors that predispose you to oily skin. These include:
- Genetics — If your mother and father have or had oily skin at some point in their lives, it is more likely that you will too.
- Age — Oily skin is more common for teenagers and young adults (people in their twenties) than it is for older adults.
- Hormones — Oily skin can be provoked for some women around the time of their period, during pregnancy, while taking birth control pills, or for older women around the time of menopause; hormones play less of a role for men as they do not have the same fluctuating patterns as they do for women.
3
Understand factors that may exacerbate oily skin. Some of these are modifiable, which in turn can improve the condition of your skin. Exacerbating factors for oily skin include:
- Stress — The oiliness of your skin may increase during stressful times in your life.
- Diet — Greasy and fatty foods, as well as dairy products, can increase oily skin.
- After using makeup — Makeup such as foundation can contribute to clogging pores and make your skin even more oily.
- The weather — This can be a trigger for some people.
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Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Controlling and Minimizing Oily Skin

1
Wash your face gently three times a day. Vigorous scrubbing can actually exacerbate oiliness, so it is important to be gentle; however, washing is important as it unclogs pores and diminishes overall oiliness.
- Choose a gentle soap product or mild cleansing agent, and lightly dab your face dry with a towel afterwards (again being aware to not be too vigorous with the skin on your face).
Some foods that have been shown to help with oily skin include eggs, lemon juice, yogurt, tomatoes, apple cider vinegar, apples, cucumbers, and honey. Foods to avoid include greasy and fatty foods, as well as an excess of dairy products, which can exacerbate skin troubles.
^{[2]XExpert SourceMohiba Tareen, MD
FAAD Board Certified DermatologistExpert Interview. 26 March 2020.} These ingredients are particularly helpful for people with oily skin. Check the label at your local pharmacy to look for these ingredients.
These labels indicate that the product does not block your pores and is much better for oily skin. Also choose water-based cosmetics as opposed to oil-based cosmetics, and powders are better for your skin than creams whenever possible.
5
Use blotting paper on your face. Carry a small pack of cosmetic blotting paper with you to soak up oil on your skin when you are on the go. Don't scrub your face with the blotting paper — press it to your chin, forehead, nose, or whichever area of your face is oily. Hold it to your skin for about 10 to 15 seconds.^{[3]XResearch source}
- Blotting papers are an excellent choice because they won't dry out your skin.
If you put on your makeup right after you wash it,your makeup is more likely to clog your opened pores, which can cause irritation and increase oil production..
Gently cleansing your skin with a mild cleanser (not regular soap, as this is too harsh on the skin) after makeup removal will help to maintain healthy skin and to prevent excess oil production.
8
Continue to moisturize your skin.^{[4]XExpert SourceMohiba Tareen, MD
FAAD Board Certified DermatologistExpert Interview. 26 March 2020.} This may seem counterintuitive for people with oily skin, but all skin types need proper hydration. Choose a light, oil-free moisturizer; this actually maintains the health of your skin, and therefore decreases oil production by increasing the overall health of your skin. Apply once a day.
- Select an oil-free sunscreen for the summertime that may also serve as a moisturizing cream.
There are products available at the pharmacy or via your physician that can help in cases of severely oily skin to dry the skin; however, always consult your doctor prior to using these. As previously mentioned, the number one priority is to maintain the health of your skin and to avoid irritation, so skin-drying products (or "shine reducing products" designed for people with oily skin) are a last resort.
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Question
What causes an oily face?
Mohiba Tareen, MD
FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist
Mohiba Tareen is a board certified Dermatologist and the founder of Tareen Dermatology located in Roseville, Maplewood and Faribault, Minnesota. Dr. Tareen completed medical school at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where she was inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha honor society. While a dermatology resident at Columbia University in New York City, she won the Conrad Stritzler award of the New York Dermatologic Society and was published in The New England Journal of Medicine. Dr. Tareen then completed a procedural fellowship which focused on dermatologic surgery, laser, and cosmetic dermatology.
Mohiba Tareen, MD
FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist
Expert Answer
Vigorous scrubbing and washing could be part of the problem. This irritates the skin and can actually worsen oiliness.
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Question
What can I do to prevent getting oily skin?
Mohiba Tareen, MD
FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist
Mohiba Tareen is a board certified Dermatologist and the founder of Tareen Dermatology located in Roseville, Maplewood and Faribault, Minnesota. Dr. Tareen completed medical school at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where she was inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha honor society. While a dermatology resident at Columbia University in New York City, she won the Conrad Stritzler award of the New York Dermatologic Society and was published in The New England Journal of Medicine. Dr. Tareen then completed a procedural fellowship which focused on dermatologic surgery, laser, and cosmetic dermatology.
Mohiba Tareen, MD
FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist
Expert Answer
You can apply a retinol ointment to your skin to help slow down your body's production of natural oils so it's less noticeable.
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