First thing's first, having oily skin isn't all bad. I know it seems like a nuisance now, but in the long run, we age much slower than drier skin types. Having a lubricated surface for our largest organ protects us against environmental damage and pollutants which can cause early signs of aging. That's powerful stuff!
All of this said, the annoying side effects of oily skin such as shiny skin, enlarged pores, acne, and your makeup melting off before the day is half gone isn't quite as exciting. But why do we have oily skin to begin with? Here are 5 reasons that contribute to the slick.
Causes of Oily Skin
1. Genetics & Environment
This is probably the most obvious answer as to why we have the skin type we do. Genetics play a big part of setting up just about everything that happens in our system whether it's an awesome smile, witty sense of humor, or skin type. Thanks, mom and dad.
Our environment can influence our skin type as well! If you live in hot or humid climates or are a makeup wearer, you definitely have more of a chance of having oily skin. Makeup aficionados also have to be conscious of ingredients found in products. Always look for terms 'noncomedogenic' and 'oil-free' to avoid pore-clogging products, especially if you're acne prone.
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| Always look for key words 'Non-comedogenic' in your skin care to avoid pore clogging ingredients |
2. Hormones
Let's get technical. It's no secret that genetics is the leading factor determining our skin type, but did you know that hormone levels can also directly affect our skin? Here's the deal, we all have the male hormones known as androgens present in our bodies. They do all kinds of very necessary and fascinating things, but in terms of skin, they send out what are called 'maturation signals' to our oil glands, prompting them to produce oil. This tends to happen during puberty due to fluctuating hormones which makes a lot of sense looking back at our blemish-ridden teen years right?
Our hormones fluctuate constantly through our life span which can make things....well, interesting to say the least. This means that someone who had super oily skin with severe acne in their teens may not have it now, or vice versa. Some people have never experienced acne until their adult life when the stress of work, kids, school, or life events increases androgen presence. Of course, androgens aren't the only reason why we get acne or have oily skin, but it's a big piece to the puzzle for a lot of us. How can we help control these rampant hormones? From the inside out.
3. You Are What You Eat–Or Don't Eat
Our bodies are nothing short of a miracle, but even miracles aren't enough to save us from looking extra greasy or blemished if we're not fueling ourselves properly.
If you suspect you have irregularities in your hormone levels, consult your physician before making any changes. However, going easy on dairy, carbs, and sugars–and yes, that means alcohol too–can help regulate blood sugar. For example, a high blood sugar count due to alcohol consumption triggers the hormone IGF-1, causing the overproduction of oil and inflammation. Not to mention dehydration! This mix is a recipe for disaster especially for those of us sensitive to glucose spikes.
Certain medications or contraceptive pills can also increase oil production. Contraceptive medications alter hormone levels and, for some, can create a lot of stress on the body, raise cortisol levels and in turn cause oily skin.
Don't forget to drink water! Hydration from the inside out is key to flush out toxins. Eating leafy greens and anti-inflammatory foods rich in antioxidants will also help keep your skin clear and happy.
4. Stress
When our bodies get stressed, we produce the stress hormone Cortisol which not only increases perspiration but oil production too. Ever heard of a thing called beauty sleep? Uh...there's a reason for that. Sleeping not only combats under eye baggage, but it also allows our body to normalize, repair, and replenish–that includes regulating hormones. If you're not getting enough sleep, getting too much sleep, or are in a highly stressful time in your life, just keep in mind that the oil production and acne could be a result of this. So relax, keep hydrated, stay active, and eat well as much as you can.
5. Skin Care
Equally as important is properly taking care of one's skin. Of course, there are lots of different products out there that prove incredibly helpful, but nothing will beat listening to your skin and simply being hygienic. Washing your face 2x per day and properly exfoliating, treating, and hydrating your skin is a great blueprint to follow. Knowing the right products for your skin will be a case of trial and error, but recommendations always help.
In addition to this post, I have a special part 2 coming where I'll talk about products that have helped me along my skincare journey with oily skin.
Thank you for spending time with me, I hope you found this useful. Do you have any tips or recommendations for oily skin? I'd love to hear them :) Use any of my social links below to find me elsewhere on the interwebs. Let's keep the convo going!
♥ xoxo
Labels: acne, Beauty Tips, health, oily skin, skincare
