Have you ever looked in the mirror by midday and wondered, “Why is my face so oily again?” If your skin often feels greasy, looks shiny, or causes makeup to slide off your face, you're not alone. Oily skin is a common concern—and understanding what causes it is the first step toward managing it effectively.
In this post, we'll break down the reasons behind oily skin and offer practical solutions to help you regain balance and achieve a healthier, more matte complexion.
What Causes Oily Skin?
1. Overactive Sebaceous Glands
Your skin naturally produces oil (sebum) to keep it hydrated and protected. However, when your sebaceous glands go into overdrive, they create more oil than your skin actually needs, leading to a greasy appearance and clogged pores.
2. Genetics
If oily skin runs in your family, chances are you inherited it. Genetics play a major role in determining your skin type. If your parents have oily skin, your sebaceous glands are likely more active too.
3. Hormonal Fluctuations
Hormones, especially androgens, can stimulate oil production. This is why teenagers often experience oily skin during puberty. Women may also notice oilier skin around their menstrual cycle, during pregnancy, or when taking hormonal contraceptives.
4. Incorrect Skincare Products
Using the wrong skincare products can actually make your skin more oily. Heavy creams, harsh cleansers, and alcohol-based toners can either clog your pores or strip your skin—triggering it to produce even more oil as a defense mechanism.
5. Overwashing or Over-Exfoliating
It might seem logical to wash your face more often to control oil, but overwashing or exfoliating too aggressively can dehydrate your skin. This forces your skin to compensate by producing more oil.
6. Climate and Environment
Hot and humid weather causes your skin to sweat more, which mixes with the oil your skin is already producing. This can make your face look shinier and feel slick throughout the day.
7. Diet and Lifestyle
Consuming greasy or sugary foods, dehydration, stress, and lack of sleep can all influence how much oil your skin produces. While diet isn’t the only factor, it can have a subtle but noticeable impact over time.
How to Control Oily Skin
1. Cleanse Gently but Effectively
Use a gentle cleanser that removes excess oil without stripping your skin. Look for ingredients like natural enzymes or oils that purify without causing irritation.
2. Don’t Skip Moisturizer
It may sound counterintuitive, but oily skin needs moisture too. Skipping moisturizer can leave your skin feeling dry and cause even more oil production as a result.
3. Exfoliate Wisely
Exfoliate 2–3 times a week to remove dead skin cells and keep pores clear—but avoid harsh scrubs that can damage your skin barrier.
4. Choose Non-Comedogenic Products
Non-comedogenic skincare and makeup products are formulated to not clog pores, reducing the risk of breakouts and oil buildup.
5. Use a Clay Mask Weekly
Clay masks help absorb excess oil and detoxify the skin. This can be especially useful during summer or after a long, sweaty day.
Final Thoughts: Balance is Key
Oily skin isn’t something you have to “fight.” Instead, aim to balance your skin’s natural oil production with the right products and habits. By being gentle and consistent with your skincare, you can minimize oiliness and prevent breakouts while maintaining a healthy glow.
Recommended Products for Oily Skin
If you’re looking to rebalance your skin and remove excess oil without irritation, we recommend:
Incellderm Snow Enzyme Cleanser
This gentle yet powerful cleanser uses natural enzymes to clear away impurities and unclog pores—without stripping your skin of moisture.
Incellderm Moisture Cleansing Oil
An excellent first step in a double cleanse routine, this oil-based cleanser melts away makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum while nourishing the skin barrier.
Together, these two products make the perfect duo to help keep your skin clean, calm, and beautifully balanced.
