Oily skin is the excessive production of oil (sebum) by the oil glands of the skin (sebaceous glands) that gives the skin the oily and shiny texture often associated with teenagers and those suffering with acne vulgaris. Increased oil production is a result of hormones, particularly the androgens (male sex hormones) which is present in both males and females.

What causes oily skin?

At puberty, or during hormonal fluctuations that cause oily skin, the action of these androgens increases the size of the oil glands in the skin (sebaceous glands) as well as causing enlarged pores. This enlarged glands and pores result in more oil being produced as well as more oil being secreted onto the skin. It is often believed that oily skin is a result of external factors but long term oily skin is very much an internal process regulated by the body’s hormones.

Acne The Truth

1) Poor hygiene can cause acne

Acne is not caused by dirt or oily skin. You can actually make your acne worse by washing infected areas regularly and or scrubbing hard. Wash your skin gently twice daily as normal, using mild soap and patting dry the infected areas with soft clean towels.

2) Squeezing acne spots

Squeezing your acne spots, blackheads or pimples will not reduce or clear up your acne any quicker. Doing so could leave permanent scarring and cause further inflammation.