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.

What is a whitehead and blackhead?

Sebum or skin oil is a thick, fatty secretion which can easily block the pores, cause whiteheads or blackheads and result in a pimple or pustule due to secondary bacterial infection. The sebaceous gland has deep ducts with short hair-like filaments facilitating the flow of sebum to the external surface of the skin. Any obstruction to the flow of sebum will cause a build up of skin oil resulting in a white, waxy plug that is commonly referred to as a whitehead (closed comedone). Due to the action of oxidation caused by air, the oil plug becomes a blackhead (open comedone).

What is a pimple?

Inflammation due to a blocked pore will cause a slight raised conical elevation known as a papule or commonly referred to as a pimple. Bacteria on the skin, either naturally occurring skin bacteria or germs from other sources, can infect the inflamed skin and result in a pustule (pustular or ‘pus’ pimple).

Skin Care for Oily Skin

• A daily skin care regime is essential in reducing the oil build up on the skin. Cleansing should be regular and thorough and done at least twice a day, morning and night.
• Cleanse the skin with a gel cleanser to remove any surface dirt or grit.
• Exfoliate with a granular exfoliating application which is best suited for oily skin. The scrubbing action helps dislodge and oil build up, and deeper lying grit or dead skin cells that may be obstructing the pores.
• Toning with an antibacterial agent will disinfectant the skin. A toner has an astringent effect on the skin thereby causing a temporary reduction in pore size. Alcohol based toners should be avoided as they may cause excessive drying of the skin.
• A light moisturizer with a high water and low oil content is advisable to hydrate the skin rather than ‘oiling’ the skin with a cream.
• Spot creams can be applied on the problem area or directly on pimples to reduce inflammation and prevent any infection. The spot or blemish applications allows drying out of the pimple so that the area can heal faster.
• A sunscreen (non-greasy formula) should be applied daily to reduce blemishing, especially where there is sun sensitivity of the skin.
• Avoid pinching or squeezing a pimple. This may seem like a ‘quick fix’ solution but often causes scarring as well as causing new pimples to erupt in the area.
• If you have long hair, it is important to wear it in a manner that prevents the hair from touching the face. Hair is usually oily and traps dust and bacteria in the air.
• Smokers and nail biters should be cautious about touching their face with unwashed hands. The remnants of tobacco and bacteria from the mouth is easily transferred to the skin where it can aggravate inflammation and cause an infection.