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Share your skin goals and snap selfies
Your dermatology provider prescribes your formula
Apply nightly for happy, healthy skin

How it works:

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> Skin Concerns

Why is my skin so oily all of a sudden?

Uncover the root causes, effective remedies, and preventive measures for oily skin.

by Curology Team

Updated on Nov 10, 2023 • 10 min read

Medically reviewed by Kristen Jokela, NP-C

by Curology Team

Updated on Nov 10, 2023 • 10 min read

Medically reviewed by Kristen Jokela, NP-C

We’re here to share what we know — but don’t take it as medical advice. Talk to your medical provider if you have questions.

The actual cause of oily skin

Oily skin, which is clinically termed seborrhea, is more than just a simple inconvenience. At the heart of this condition are your sebaceous glands, which, when enlarged, tend to overproduce a waxy substance called sebum. It's sebum that lends your skin its characteristic glossy appearance.¹

But that doesn’t mean sebum is always the bad guy. Produced, stored, and released by the sebaceous glands, sebum plays a vital role in maintaining your skin’s moisture² and protecting against external aggressors.³

It’s when you have too much of it that problems can arise.

Several factors influence the activity of these glands and, in turn, skin oiliness. Your diet, for example, can either balance or increase sebum production.⁴ Age, too, plays its part. As we grow older, sebum production generally declines, so adolescents often grapple with oilier skin than adults.⁵ Gender differences also come into play, with males typically experiencing oilier skin due to testosterone-induced sebum production.⁶ Lastly, anyone who’s spent a summer in a tropical locale knows firsthand how hot, humid climates can amplify skin’s oiliness.⁷

By grasping these underlying factors, you can become better equipped to tailor your skincare routine to target excessive oiliness.

Why did my skin suddenly become oily?

If your skin suddenly becomes oily, it may be due to various factors—some of which we’ve touched on, such as a change in your diet, age, climate, or skincare practices.

Let’s take a closer look at each potential cause.

Your diet

What you eat may reflect on your face. Recent studies suggest a direct correlation between our diet and the sebum content in our skin. High sebum production is often linked with oilier skin and can even make your acne worse. Specifically, diets with a high glycemic load and a significant intake of milk products can trigger an increase in skin’s sebum content.⁸

But it’s not just about sugars and milk. According to another study, certain dietary habits can also influence skin oiliness. The research indicates that those who consume fewer beans but indulge more in meats, dairy products, and alcohol tend to have a higher sebum content, leading to oilier skin.⁹

The connection between our plates and our pores is becoming more apparent. By understanding these dietary influences, you can make informed choices that may help balance sebum production.

Your age or hormones

Our skin’s texture and appearance change with time, and it’s not just about wrinkles or sunspots. One of the significant alterations over time is skin's oiliness or dryness. This is intrinsically tied to age and the hormonal shifts throughout our lives. Recent research provides insights into these changes. For instance, a study involving 848 volunteers revealed that oily skin is more prevalent among younger individuals.¹⁰

So, what’s behind this shift?

The answer lies in our sebaceous glands. These glands produce sebum, a complex fluid comprising various substances. According to another study, sebum production is high right at birth, drops soon after, and then sees a dramatic surge during puberty, thanks to androgens. This heightened production persists, remaining elevated until post-menopause in women and reaching around the sixth to seventh decade in men.¹¹

The climate

Our environment, particularly the changing seasons and climatic variations, can have a marked impact on our skin. It isn’t just about feeling hot, cold, dry, or humid; these external conditions directly influence the oiliness of our skin.

Sebum production isn’t constant throughout the year. Instead, there's a noticeable increase in sebum production during the spring and summer. Living in or traveling to more humid climates can also lead to heightened sebum production, making your skin oilier.¹²

Dry skin

The idea of dry skin leading to more oiliness might seem counterintuitive. The truth is that, particularly for individuals with acne-prone skin, the reality is complex.

Skin prone to acne is notably susceptible to irritation. Actions we might assume help with oiliness—like vigorous washing or intense scrubbing—can make your skin worse. Such aggressive routines can intensify the inflammatory phase of acne. Similarly, products or treatments that have an overly drying effect can not only promote inflammation but also increase sebum secretion.¹³

Treatment options for oily skin

Managing oily skin can be a journey of trial and error, but fortunately, several scientifically backed treatments are available to help.

Topical treatments: These are products applied directly to the skin. Effective options include topical retinoids and cosmeceuticals, which often contain potentially beneficial ingredients such as niacinamide, green tea, and L-carnitine.¹⁴

Systemic treatments: These are medications taken orally to address skin conditions from within. Isotretinoin, spironolactone, and certain oral contraceptives fall into this category and are often prescribed for those with severe oily skin or acne.¹⁵

Advanced procedures: If you’re looking for more intensive interventions, you may want to consider botulinum toxin injections, photodynamic therapy, and lasers.¹⁶

However, as with any skin concern, it’s essential to seek professional advice. Consulting a dermatology provider will get you a personalized assessment and guidance on the most suitable treatment for your unique skin needs.

Skincare tips for oily skin

If you’re grappling with oily skin, try dermatologist-recommended tips to balance out your skin.

First, wash your face every morning, evening, and post-exercise, utilizing a gentle, foaming face wash.¹⁷ As previously mentioned, while the urge to scrub away the oil might be strong, doing so may make matters worse. Look for skincare products labeled reading “oil-free” and “noncomedogenic,” as these are formulated to prevent clogged pores and potential acne breakouts.¹⁸

Daily moisturizing remains essential even for oily skin. Opt for a light, non-greasy moisturizer. If it contains SPF 30 or above, it’s a bonus for sun protection.¹⁹ Speaking of the sun, when choosing sunscreens, consider those containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, as they offer a robust shield against sun-induced damage.

Makeup aficionados should choose oil-free, water-based products.²⁰ These formulations ensure you’re not adding extra oil to your already oily skin. And, regardless of how exhausted you might be at the end of the day, always prioritize removing all makeup before hitting the sheets to help ward off the risk of clogged pores.²¹ For midday touch-ups, blotting papers can be invaluable, sopping up excess oil without redistributing it. While it might seem harmless, touching your face can introduce dirt, oil, and bacteria from your hands, so resist the temptation.²²

Given the uniqueness of everyone’s skin, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. It's imperative to find a routine that caters specifically to your skin type. If challenges persist or concerns arise, it’s a good idea to contact a dermatology provider. They offer invaluable insights, helping tailor a skincare routine that promotes healthy, balanced skin.

Care for your skin with Curology

Battling oily skin can often feel like a never-ending journey. But remember, it’s not just about managing the oil—it’s about nurturing your skin with the right products tailored for you.

Enter Curology.

Get your personalized skincare routine with Curology

Designed with your unique skin challenges in mind, Curology provides specialized care to not only address oiliness but also promote overall skin health. Give your skin the personalized care it deserves with our Custom Formula.