Why is my skin suddenly oily?

What changed before the oiliness started?

Sebum is the oil made by your skin's oil glands. Genes and hormones play a key role in how much you produce, but skin type is not fixed for life. Skin type can change over time, despite the name sounding like a permanent filing category.45

Compare the timing with these possible triggers:

• Hormonal changes: Puberty, your menstrual cycle and pregnancy can change oil production. Hormonal acne can also develop during menopause or after stopping birth control.
• Stress: Higher cortisol levels can tell oil glands to produce more sebum.
• Weather: Warmer temperatures encourage oil production, and humid climates are associated with oilier skin.
• A harsher routine: Drying cleansers, alcohol based products and rough scrubbing can irritate skin and increase oil production.
• Products or medicines: Greasy cosmetics and hair products can contribute to acne. Steroids and testosterone are among the medicines associated with breakouts, so mention any recent changes when discussing new oiliness with a clinician.

Do not assume a greasy meal caused the change. Diet probably has little effect on whether your skin is oily, and research does not show that greasy foods cause acne. Possible links between acne and refined sugars or dairy remain uncertain.46

Is your whole face oily, or just part of it?

An oily forehead, nose and chin with dry cheeks fits combination skin. Those areas can need different care rather than the same drying product everywhere. Sensitive skin can also be oily: redness, burning, stinging or itching are reasons to pay attention to irritation, not just shine. Notice how your skin looks and feels after washing; blotting papers can help show where oil collects, but they are not a definitive skin type test.5

What should you do now?

1. 1Wash gently in the morning and evening, and after sweating. Use warm rather than hot water and a mild foaming cleanser. Avoid scrubbing and repeated washing throughout the day.
2. 2Apply moisturizer after cleansing. Look for oil free, noncomedogenic products, meaning products designed not to clog pores, rather than trying to dry your skin completely.
3. 3Apply broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher during the day. Sunscreen protects against sun damage; it is not an oil treatment.
4. 4If you wear makeup, choose oil free, water based formulas. Matte products can reduce visible shine. Remove makeup before bed.

For shine during the day, gently press blotting paper against oily areas for a few seconds rather than rubbing. Blotting papers absorb surface oil, which is a more specific job than most skincare marketing manages to describe.3

Do you need an acne treatment?

Oiliness alone is not acne. If blackheads or pimples have appeared too, a salicylic acid cleanser can help unclog pores. Sensitive skin can find salicylic acid irritating; stop the product or use it less often if irritation develops. Avoid retinol during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and ask your healthcare provider before starting an acne treatment during pregnancy.23457

How long should you wait before getting help?

Blotting helps with surface shine immediately, but routine changes take time. If oiliness remains troublesome after one to two months, a dermatologist can help choose products or discuss medicines that limit oil production. Seek help sooner for worsening acne, painful deep bumps or scarring rather than waiting for a routine to fix them.146