What Causes Oily Skin

– by Vitabath

What Causes Oily Skin

What Causes Oily Skin? Understanding and Managing Excess Sebum

Everyone's skin produces some natural oil—known as sebum—from the sebaceous glands connected to hair follicles. Sebum keeps skin hydrated, protected, and supple. But when these glands overproduce sebum, skin can feel greasy, look shiny, have enlarged pores, and become more prone to breakouts or acne.

Oily skin isn't just a cosmetic issue; it's influenced by a mix of internal and external factors. Recent dermatological insights (from sources like the American Academy of Dermatology, Cleveland Clinic, and updated reviews in 2025–2026) emphasize that while you can't fully change your genetics, you can manage oiliness effectively with the right habits and products.

Common Causes of Oily Skin

Here are the key factors that contribute to excess sebum production, based on current understanding:

  • Genetics Overactive or larger sebaceous glands often run in families. If your parents or close relatives have oily skin, you're more likely to as well—studies on twins show strong genetic control over sebum excretion rates.
  • Hormonal Fluctuations Androgens (hormones like testosterone) stimulate sebaceous glands. This peaks during puberty, menstrual cycles, pregnancy, menopause, or conditions like PCOS. Stress can worsen it by elevating cortisol, which indirectly boosts androgens and oil production.
  • Age Oily skin is common in teens and young adults due to hormonal surges, but sebaceous activity often slows with age as collagen declines and hormone levels drop—leading to drier skin in middle age and beyond.
  • Environment and Climate Warm, humid conditions make sebum more fluid and noticeable (though actual production may not increase). Cold, dry weather can dehydrate skin, prompting rebound oiliness. Seasonal changes often require routine adjustments.
  • Skincare Habits and Product Choices Over-washing, harsh scrubbing, or using stripping cleansers dries out skin, triggering compensatory overproduction of oil. Heavy, occlusive creams or oily products can clog pores and exacerbate shine. Skipping moisturizer (even on oily skin) or sunscreen can dry skin and cause rebound oil.
  • Diet and Lifestyle High-glycemic foods (refined sugars, carbs), greasy/fried items, and dairy can influence oil production in some people by affecting insulin and hormones. Dehydration from low water intake or certain meds can also play a role.
  • Medications and Health Factors Oral contraceptives, hormone therapies, steroids, or dehydrating drugs may increase oil. Underlying issues like thyroid imbalances can contribute in rare cases.

How to Manage and Minimize Oily Skin

The goal isn't to eliminate oil (it's essential!) but to balance it for a matte, healthy look. Dermatologist-recommended strategies include:

  • Cleanse gently twice daily (and after sweating) with a mild, foaming, non-stripping cleanser—avoid over-scrubbing.
  • Use oil-free, non-comedogenic products labeled for oily/acne-prone skin (look for ingredients like niacinamide, salicylic acid, or lightweight hyaluronic acid).
  • Moisturize daily with a lightweight, gel-based formula—even oily skin needs hydration to prevent rebound oil.
  • Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen every day (mineral-based options won't add grease).
  • Blot excess oil during the day instead of over-washing.
  • Eat a balanced diet, stay hydrated, manage stress (e.g., via exercise or mindfulness), and consider consulting a dermatologist for persistent issues or personalized treatments.
  • Adjust your routine seasonally—lighter products in humid weather, more hydrating in dry conditions.

Vitabath offers gentle, everyday bath and body essentials designed to cleanse without stripping, helping maintain balanced skin. Many formulas include soothing, regulating ingredients like niacinamide (which supports oil control and barrier health) alongside vitamins and antioxidants for nourishing care without heaviness.

Explore our favorites for oily or combination skin, such as:

  • Refreshing body washes and shower gelées
  • Gentle hand soaps
  • Lightweight bath products like fizzies or Epsom salts

A standout: Our invigorating options that cleanse deeply yet gently, leaving skin feeling fresh and balanced.

Balanced skin starts with understanding—embrace your routine and glow confidently!

Shop Vitabath today and enjoy free shipping on orders $65+ in the US ($80+ CAD). Questions? Email us: support@vitabathinc.com

Disclaimer: These insights reflect general research on factors influencing oily skin and sebum production; VitaBath products are cosmetics intended to cleanse, beautify, and promote skin appearance, not to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any skin condition or disease.

Sources: Updated from Healthline (Feb 2026), AAD guidelines, Cleveland Clinic, GoodRx (2025), PMC reviews, and dermatology studies on sebum regulation.