Whether it’s genetic or environmental, oily skin can result from various factors, influencing blackheads, breakouts, and clogged pores. Understanding the physiological reasons behind your skin’s increased oil production is key.
Speaking of extra oil, it’s a positive thing! Technically called sebum, this waxy substance is crucial for your skin’s health. Sebum acts as a naturally occurring oil, protecting and moisturizing the skin to maintain a healthy skin barrier, according to David Kim, MD, a dermatologist in New York City. Research even suggests that sebum may play a role in skin immunity.
To release the built-in moisturizer, your skin has pores—small openings at the base of each hair follicle on your face. The amount of naturally produced sebum can determine your skin type. Deviating from the average sebum production may result in naturally oily or dry skin, influencing pore size. Those prone to excess oil may have larger, more visible pores to accommodate it.
In essence, your sebum plays a significant role in how your skin appears and functions. According to Dr. Kim, having just the right amount of sebum is ideal for keeping your skin hydrated, moisturized, and protected. If you’re aiming for a Goldilocks level of sebum production, here’s what might be hindering it—and what you can do about it.
1. Your family history
Not-so-fun fact: Oily skin might be hereditary. “It’s not something you’re doing, eating, or applying to your skin,” says Dr. Kim. “You’re genetically predisposed to producing more oil.” If one or both of your parents experienced oiliness, visible pores, or acne, you may have inherited it.
In such cases, consider long-term maintenance with a face serum like Strawberry Smooth BHA+AHA Salicylic Serum. It features a gentle blend of alpha hydroxy acids to cleanse and decongest the skin, along with beta hydroxy acid (salicylic acid). This oil-soluble superstar absorbs into pores, countering excess oil production. For continuous protection, use Strawberry BHA Pore-Easy Blur Drops throughout the day, featuring silicone-free ingredients that reduce shine and refine pores.
2. Hormone fluctuations
There’s a reason your skin tends to get oily during adolescence or experiences breakouts at the same time each month: hormones. “Testosterone is a major driver of oil production,” says Dr. Kim. Its levels fluctuate with other hormones like estrogen and progesterone, leading to varying degrees of oiliness.
Moreover, as previously discussed, the body produces progesterone after ovulation, resulting in increased sebum production and hormonal acne. While the Strawberry Smooth Serum can assist, the Guava Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum is also effective in addressing stubborn dark spots that often appear after breakouts.
3. A fast meal plan
Is burger night in charge? Possibly. Research indicates that the Western diet, rich in meat, dairy, and alcohol, is associated with increased sebum production. The potential link lies in the simple sugars and milk proteins stimulating insulin and a related growth factor, leading to heightened sebum production. The precise mechanism behind this phenomenon is still to be determined.
After a hearty meal, refresh your skin with a five-minute facial using a Watermelon Glow Hyaluronic Clay Pore-Tight Facial. This hyaluronic acid-infused clay clears congestion without the usual post-rinse tightness, and micronized blueberry seed powder provides gentle exfoliation. Follow up with Strawberry BHA Pore-Easy Blur Drops as your makeup primer in your skincare routine. This not only keeps shine at bay throughout the day but also creates a smooth canvas for seamless makeup application.
4. High Stress Levels
Regardless of the cause—whether it’s late-night emails from your boss or a sick friend—stress initiates a cascade effect in the body that reaches your skin. “Stress increases cortisol levels, which, in turn, raises testosterone levels,” says Dr. Kim. “The elevated testosterone results in increased sebum production and inflammation.”
After a long day, consider using Strawberry BHA Pore-Easy Blur Drops as a nighttime pore treatment, followed by a light, oil-free moisturizer like the Watermelon Glow Pink Juice Moisturizer. (Yes, even oily skin needs moisturizing.) For more active breakouts, use Strawberry Smooth BHA+AHA Salicylic Serum at night and follow up with Blur Drops in the morning. Our hyaluronic acid-infused clay clears congestion without leaving the skin tight or dry.
5. Your environment
An increase in oil production can be attributed to the weather; studies indicate that spring and summer tend to bring higher levels of sebum to the skin. (If you used Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops for a winter glow, warmer temperatures may prompt a switch to Strawberry BHA Pore-Easy Blur Drops.) However, the environmental impact may go beyond that. Research suggests that people in areas with high levels of ambient air pollution tend to have more sebum, possibly due to increased free radicals on the skin.
In the morning, provide your skin defense with Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Sunscreen SPF 50, offering sun protection with chemical and mineral filters, along with a blend of antioxidant-rich niacinamide and watermelon extract to defend against pollution. If you’ll be out and about during the day, keep Strawberry BHA Pore-Easy Blur Drops on hand to blot the excess oil, leaving your skin with a satiny, soft-focus finish.