Oily skin can be a pain to deal with. Medically termed as seborrhea, oily skin is a result of the overproduction of sebum by the sebaceous glands in the skin. Those who have this condition usually have shiny, oily skin and large pores.
Oily skin tends to age better and develop fewer wrinkles than dry or normal skin, which is good news. Nevertheless, the excess oil may get trapped in the pores and blend with the dead skin cells, dirt, and bacteria to form blemishes, pimples, or blackheads.
What Causes Oily Skin?
Oily skin can be caused by the following:
- Genetic predisposition
- Dietary choices
- Too much stress
- Hormonal changes in the body during the onset of puberty
- During menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or menopause and while taking birth control pills
Signs and Symptoms of Oily Skin
Oily skin happens when your body produces more natural oils than needed. This is prominently visible around the T zone of your face encompassing your forehead and nose. This extra oil may accumulate and develop into acne.
Oily skin will have a:
- Shiny or greasy appearance
- Texture heavier than regular
Medical Treatment for Oily Skin
Mild seborrhea can be treated by taking diligent steps to remove the secreted oils on the skin surface. Following a daily facial washing ritual twice a day with mild soap and water can help manage your oily skin.
A severe case of seborrhea that causes discomfort to the affected individual must be checked in with a dermatologist. Your doctor is likely to prescribe you the following medications:[2]
- Retinoids, including topical and oral vitamin A-derived medications, can treat oily skin. The most potential retinoid is tretinoin.
- Severe cases may be treated with a low dose of oral isotretinoin.
- In a study published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, hormonal therapy was suggested as a method to treat oily skin.[2] Oral contraceptives that check the surge of hormones can help limit the secretion of sebum. Read more
