Why does oily skin age better?

Does oily skin age better?

In terms of wrinkles, oily skin has an advantage, but fewer wrinkles do not mean less aging in every respect. Natural aging affects everyone, whatever their skin type. Skin can become thinner, lose elasticity and develop fine lines; sun damage can add roughness, deep wrinkles and uneven colour. Wrinkles are only one sign of aging, which gives the phrase "ages better" rather more work than it can manage.2

What makes skin oily?

Oily skin happens when the sebaceous glands, the skin's oil glands, produce large amounts of oil. Genes and hormones play a key role in how oily your skin is. Diet probably has little, if anything, to do with whether you have oily skin. More oil also brings a tradeoff: oily skin can lead to acne. Managing excess shine and breakouts is still worthwhile; keeping your skin oily is not an aging treatment.3

Will oily skin stay oily as you get older?

Your current oil level is not necessarily permanent. A comparison of forehead skin in women aged 18 to 24 and 70 to 75 found less sebum, the skin's natural oil, in the older group. The composition of the surface oils also changed. Aging involves changes in both the amount of oil and the mixture of fats on the skin's surface.4

Skin aging also involves more than surface oil. Measurements in 100 Korean women from their early 20s to late 60s found age related changes in wrinkles, colour, elasticity and hydration. Hydration changed differently in the epidermis, the outer skin layer, and the dermis beneath it. Oiliness alone is therefore not a useful scorecard for all those changes.5

What matters more than shine?

Separate natural aging from premature aging. Your genes largely control when natural changes appear, including lines, dryness and loss of facial fullness. Sun exposure plays a major role in premature aging, and smoking speeds it up too. Oily skin still needs sun protection. Use broad spectrum, water resistant SPF 30 or higher every day on skin not covered by clothing, including when running errands rather than spending the day at the beach. Seek shade and wear protective clothing.6

How should you care for oily skin as it ages?

1. 1Cleanse with a mild, gentle foaming wash up to twice daily and after sweating. Do not scrub. Harsh washing can irritate skin and trigger increased oil production.
2. 2Apply moisturizer after cleansing. Choose products labelled oil free and noncomedogenic, meaning formulated not to clog pores, rather than trying to dry out your skin.
3. 3Apply sunscreen for daytime protection. For oily skin, look for a sunscreen containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, without fragrance or oils.
4. 4Manage extra shine with blotting paper during the day. Press it gently against the skin for a few seconds rather than rubbing it around.
5. 5Remove makeup before bed. If you wear makeup, choose oil free, water based products.

Oiliness does not remove the need to keep skin hydrated. A facial moisturizer traps water in the skin and gives it a more youthful appearance; the aim is to maintain moisture while controlling excess oil, not to eliminate both.16

When should you change the routine or get help?

Stop ordinary skincare products that sting or burn. If a prescribed aging treatment causes those symptoms, tell your dermatologist rather than applying that rule yourself. See a dermatologist if excess oil, blackheads or acne remain a problem, or if signs of aging bother you. A growing lump or a sore that does not heal needs medical assessment rather than being treated as another sign of getting older.126