What does oily skin feel like?

What else might you notice?

Alongside the greasy feeling, you might notice more visible pores, blackheads or pimples. Pores can look larger when skin is oily, but they do not come with a close button. Gentle cleansing can reduce oiliness and make pores less noticeable; scrubbing and squeezing can irritate skin and make pores more obvious.23

A rough or bumpy texture is different from surface grease. Blackheads and whiteheads are pores plugged with oil and dead skin cells, and these bumps can make skin feel rough. They are usually not tender or swollen. Painful, sore or inflamed bumps need attention as acne rather than being treated as just another sign of oiliness.45

How can you check your skin type?

1. 1Wash your face and gently dry it.
2. 2Wait about 30 minutes, then notice how your skin looks and feels. A greasy feeling suggests oily skin; dry and oily areas together suggest combination skin.
3. 3If you want another clue, gently press blotting paper against your forehead, nose, chin and cheeks. The oil collected can help you identify which areas are oily.

There is no universal skin type test, so use the pattern of how your skin looks and feels rather than treating one check as a diagnosis. Burning, stinging, itching or redness can indicate sensitivity, which can occur alongside oily skin. A shiny face does not rule out sensitive skin.1

Why does my skin feel oily?

Your oil glands produce sebum, the natural oil that lubricates skin. Oily skin happens when those glands produce large amounts of oil. Genes and hormones play a key role, and warmer, humid weather and stress can increase oiliness. Your skin type can also change with age and the seasons.136

Hormonal changes can increase oil production and contribute to acne, including around periods, pregnancy and menopause. Oiliness alone does not identify hormonal acne; diagnosis involves examining breakouts and reviewing factors such as medications and health changes. A harsh cleanser can also irritate skin and trigger increased oil production.57

What should you do when your face feels greasy?

Blotting paper absorbs surface oil, which is a more useful job than asking your mirror for a second opinion. Press the paper gently against the oily area for a few seconds, then lift it away. Do not rub it across your face, because rubbing spreads the oil.7

• Cleanse gently up to twice daily and after sweating. Use warm water and a mild, foaming cleanser rather than scrubbing or using a strong cleanser to dry your skin out.
• Apply moisturizer after cleansing to keep skin hydrated. Choose oil free, noncomedogenic products, meaning products designed not to clog pores.
• Use broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher during the day. For oily skin, look for sunscreen without fragrance or oils.
• Choose water based or oil free makeup, and remove it before bed. Makeup labeled matte can help reduce visible shine.

When should you get help?

Stop using a product, or use it less often, if it irritates your skin. Oiliness by itself is a cosmetic concern, not a health problem. If routine changes have not helped after a month or two, or the oiliness bothers you, a dermatologist can help with product choices and treatments that limit oil production. Seek help sooner for acne that persists or worsens.3567