What Causes Oily Skin and How To Tackle It

Why You Have Oily Skin

Let’s take a closer look at what causes oily skin in men, so you can tackle it head-on.

Hormonal Changes

Just like women, men experience hormonal changes that can cause an increase in sebum production. During puberty, for example, boys experience a surge in androgen hormones causing the sebaceous glands to produce more oil. This is why teenagers — both male and female — are most likely to experience oily skin and acne.

Genetics

Men may be more likely to have oily skin due to their genetic makeup. If your parents or other close family members have oily skin, there’s a high chance you may have it too.

Shaving

Regular shaving can cause oily skin in men. When you shave, you’re not only removing hair but also stripping away a layer of the skin’s natural oils. As a result, the skin overcompensates by producing more oil, leading to a greasy appearance. 

Also, if you shave with a dull or dirty razor, you may be more prone to developing ingrown hairs or irritation, which also causes oily skin and breakouts.

Lifestyle Factors

Certain lifestyle habits like smoking cigarettes or using other tobacco products can increase the skin’s oil secretion. Even consuming a diet that is high in processed foods, sugar, and saturated fats can cause inflammation and acne because of the extra oil produced. 

Similarly, being constantly stressed can trigger the body’s production of hormones that stimulate the sebaceous glands.

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How To Get Rid of Oily Skin

While there is no one-size-fits-all solution for oily skin, there are several steps you can take to manage and reduce the appearance of excess oil.

Cleanse 

Use a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser that is specifically formulated for oily skin. Avoid using harsh soaps or scrubbing your skin too vigorously, as this can stimulate oil production.

Exfoliate

Exfoliating your skin once or twice a week can help remove dead skin cells and unclog pores reducing its oiliness. Be careful; over-exfoliation can irritate the skin and cause more oil production.

Moisturize

Contrary to popular belief, even oily skin needs moisture. Moisturizers help keep your skin moisturized which helps prevent your skin from overproducing oil. Look for a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer that won’t clog pores. (Check out our mattifying moisturizer with oil control).

Hydrate

Staying hydrated greatly improves symptoms brought by oily skin. When the skin is dehydrated, it triggers the sebaceous glands even more, producing more oil as a result. 

Drink at least eight glasses of water throughout the day to help keep your skin hydrated and prevent it from becoming too oily.

Related Article: Top 7 Causes Of Oily Skin

The Bottom Line

Oily skin can be a frustrating issue for men, but it’s important to remember that it’s a common condition that can be managed with the right approach — using a gentle cleanser, exfoliating regularly, staying hydrated, and use our signature mattifying moisturizer for men for a hydrated, matte, shine-free, clean, confident look.