Oily skin medically done as a “Seborrhoea” is described for skin that feels greasy, looks shiny usually, have large open pores which is also prone to acne and though viewed as a cosmetic concern, what is skin can have a negative impact on one’s confidence and mental health.

Oily skin is such a common concern for many that the beauty and skincare industry are constantly preying on this concern launching products with highly unrealistic claims and marketing strategies with labels such as “oil free’ , “oil control” etc while hero-ing ingredients that have never actually been proven to help regulate oil production at all.

This post will hopefully help you understand more about what oily skin means: that anatomy, physiology, the function of sebum (oil) in skin, why one has more oiler skin than other with a mention on products that can actually work help reduce skin oiliness.

More about sebaceous glands and sebum

What causes oily skin?

There are many factors that contribute to oily skin.

Can oily skin be treated ?

Though oily skin cannot be completely cured, there are certain treatment options that could help control the skin as well as some causes a suitable that is over-the-counter products that may be able to help with its appearance.

Seek professional treatment from a dermatologist if you only skin is really affecting your self-confidence and your mental health or if over the counter products fail to achieve the desired results. A professional consultation will also help rule out certain medical conditions, which would otherwise require further investigation and treatment

Look out for these ingredients in over the counter products :

Salicylic acid, Niacinamide, Green tea extract, L-carnitine

Though these ingredients do not have a very solid scientific data, there are some small scale studies that have shown that they can help address oily skin

Prescription medication

Most effective in controlling oily skin. However they need to be used with caution and under dermatological supervision

Topical retinoids: Adapalene, Tazoretene, Tretinoin

Oral medications: Isotretinoin

Products mentioned:

Keracnyl PP cream : Niacinamide based matte finish moisturiser

Acne UV gel sunscreen : Matte finish sunscreen

Eucerin Oil control sunscreen : With L-carnitine

Paula’s choice BHA toner: With salicylic acid

Neutrogena oil free cleanser : With 2% salicylic acid