What does oily skin look like?

What should you look for?

The main clue is a shiny surface with a greasy feel. Noticeable pores can occur alongside oiliness, but pore size is influenced by genetics and previous breakouts, so large pores alone do not identify your skin type. Sebum is the oil made by your skin's oil glands, not evidence that your cleanser needs a promotion.1

Oiliness is not necessarily constant. Skin naturally becomes oilier during the teenage years. Hormone changes, stress and warmer, humid weather can increase oil production, while skin generally becomes drier with age. A change in shine does not automatically mean your skincare has stopped working.134

Is oily skin the same as acne?

No. Skin that is prone to acne is often oily, but acne also involves spots. Whiteheads are small bumps the colour of your skin. Blackheads look like black or brown spots, usually flat but sometimes raised. Other acne spots include raised bumps, bumps filled with pus, and deeper painful lumps. Raised inflamed bumps can look pink or red on white skin, or brown or purple on brown and black skin.25

Can oily skin also look dry?

Yes. Dry skin is about a lack of water, not simply a lack of oil. A greasy surface does not rule out roughness, flaking or discomfort from dryness. Moisturizer helps hold water in the skin, despite a name that makes the whole arrangement sound more complicated. Ingredients called humectants draw in water, while occlusives help stop that water escaping. The practical distinction is to notice both shine and dryness rather than treating them as opposites.6

A persistent scaly rash is different from ordinary oiliness. Seborrheic dermatitis, a recurring form of eczema, can affect the eyebrows, creases beside the nose, hairline, ears and scalp. It can produce a mixture of oily and dry skin, with thin pink scaly patches. On darker skin, patches can look lighter than the surrounding skin. Flaking in these areas deserves attention as a possible skin condition, rather than simply more oil to wash away.7

What should you do about the shine?

1. 1Wash gently in the morning and before bed, and after exercise. Avoid scrubbing or rough cleansing tools.
2. 2After washing, apply moisturizer if your skin feels dry. Apply it while skin is still damp. For sensitive skin, look for products labelled for sensitive skin and avoid irritating fragrances.
3. 3Finish your morning routine with sunscreen. Choose broad spectrum protection, water resistance and SPF 30 or higher. For darker skin tones, tinted sunscreen containing iron oxide also helps protect against dark spots.

For shine during the day, press an oil absorbing sheet against the oily area rather than rubbing it around. Look for skincare and makeup labelled oil free and noncomedogenic, meaning formulated not to clog pores.1

When should you get help?

Routine changes take time. If bothersome oiliness has not improved after a month or two, a dermatologist can help. Seek medical help for numerous spots, deep painful lumps, scarring, or acne affecting your mental health. Hot, swollen or red skin can indicate infection; redness can be harder to see on brown and black skin. Do not pick or squeeze spots, because this can cause scars.12